Listia-Like Ebay, but FREE!
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Too much stuff?
Do you have a lot of stuff in your house you don't use? Possibly some things you may still have tags on or left unopened in a drawer somewhere? Or maybe you have some items in your closet that are gently used but you just don't wear anymore? Do you also like to get things for free? Well maybe you should hop on over to Listia.com!
What is Listia.com?!
Listia is a website that works just like Ebay, but everything is free! Just for signing up right now you get up to 400 credits for free! You can list items to auction off for credits. Credits are just like money! If you see something you like that another person has up for auction, you can place a bid on the item; when the time runs out on that auction if you are the higher bidder you win! Sounds easy, right? It is!
What are some features of Listia?
Credits!
Credits can be earned by auctioning off your own unwanted items. There are a few things not allowed on Listia, but you can check their guidelines for a complete list of these items... It generally runs around illegal items, tobacco, and stuff not meant for children's eyes! You can also earn credits by referrals, sharing auctions on twitter, and sometimes you will get a random pop up stating you "found" credits while you were bidding on an item or doing other tasks.
Badges!
Some of the features on Listia are interactive. You earn badges by completing tasks. The more badges you have the more people can see what kind of member you are. The badges are a way of showing other "buyers" that you are a trusted member of the community. You can earn badges by completing your profile, linking to your Facebook or your Twitter, verifying you Paypal or bank account, and even listing items and winning auctions! There are tons of ways to have fun on Listia.
Experience Points!
You can earn experience points by bidding on items or completing any tasks that get you closer to earning a badge! Experience points are also earned just simply by logging (or checking) in to your account everyday. Your experience points determine your user level. This is still in beta but Listia promises to start rewarding users with higher levels and experience points in the near future, so why not level up?
Feedback!
Feed back is a way to show everyone how great you are at winning and selling! People who win your auctions can give you positive, negative or neutral feedback according to the type of experience you provide your winner. Feedback goes both ways! You can also give feedback to a person who has won if you think they are a great communicator and were a gracious winner... or even if they were a booger and didn't help you out any...
Fans!
Being someones "Fan" means you get access on your main page to when they post new auctions you may be interested in. Some people even do random drawings for their fans to send gifts monthly. It all depends on the person.
Others!
There are many other fun features that I have not included that are just as fun as well, such as watching auctions, browsing by category or even searching for ending auctions so you can get the final bid in on something you may have missed.
So What's the Catch?
There isn't really one.. Sign up is free. Listing your auctions is free. You can add as many pictures as you like and there are many ways to have fun!
But what about shipping?
Okay, so MAYBE there is a small catch, but it's not a big one. Most auctioneers opt to go the completely free route, including free shipping on most auctions. Some people choose to charge for the shipping costs, but it is usually a nominal fee that is meant purely for the shipping costs alone.
You do not have to ship free either if you do not want or cannot afford it. You as the auctioneer can decide whether or not you want to charge the shipping fee, but if you are auctioning off something desirable then people will want it enough not to worry about it too much.
So What are You Waiting for?
Don't wait any longer to get free stuff, JOIN TODAY!!!
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Thank you so much! I love hearing nice things..makes my ego HUGE! nah just kidding... But I totally appreciate you stopping by to read and I am SO glad you liked it! =D
I like the idea of this, especially since it's free. How big is Listia, are their lots of items available??
TONS! lol... people add new things every day... from premium auctions of iPads and Xbox 360s to Sponsored auctions ( one currently going is actually for an umbrella from an umbrella company), to everyday Listians posting their own personal items from makeup to electronics to baby items and antiques. Everyone has something for someone. If there is something in particular you are looking for, there is a possibility someone has it. lol
I am very disappointed in LIstia and witnessed an inequity that convinces me that this site is NOT a site that I would want to do business with.
As a strong advocate for the (attempted) elimation of counterfeit handbags and accessories, I post on multiple forums, report fakes to the various venues and authenticate certain brands in order to protect buyers and sellers.
Although federal trademark law prohibits the sale of fakes and although it's a seller's responsibility to authenticate items before listing, clearly fakes are listed and sometimes sold before being flagged.
In a case of a buyer who purchased a fake Juicy Couture necklace, buyer is unable to leave appropriate (negative) feedback for the seller who broke the law, yet the seller left negative feedback for that buyer!
Buyer has lost her credits through no fault of her own and dishonest seller is unduly enriched after violating the law.
And Listia is doing NOTHING to help the scammed buyer.
BEWARE of this site.
Edited to add: Listia is NOT like ebay except free (as the title suggests) because on ebay, if a buyer is scammed by a seller who sold COUNteRFEIT goods, that seller is penalized, buyer is made whole and buyer is allowed to leave the negative feedback that the seller has earned and deserves.
I'm so done with this site. The Mods do nothing but side with the seller... People claim to send you PS3 games but all you get is plain white envelopes.. A bunch of this site is a scam. If you are an honest seller you get screwed over a lot but scams. The 85% of the designer items are knockoffs and not the legal kind either the illegal kind that can land you behind bars. F++++ for this site. I would stay away!!!
I've reported this site to the anti-counterfeiting coalition and to IC3 which is the FBI division for cybercrimes. Listia aids and abets...which in itself is a crime.
I opened an account and got rid of a lot of items I had no use for and built up a lot of credits. Out of 6 items I 'bought' from sellers using my credits I received 4 counterfeit items, one was a counterfeit computer battery that started to smoke and almost caught fire!
Listia was non responsive to my complaints and I lost those credits. I filed fraud reports with the US Postal Service over the counterfeit purses I received. My postal inspector said that Listia is just another counterfeit sales website and to avoid it. They are getting a lot of complaints.
Ebay has as many counterfeits - but at least you get your money back and the seller gets appropriate ratings.
Sorry, Listia is like Ioffer. Avoid!
I do not condone nor do I support the selling of counterfeits.. but at the same time I avoid name brand items unless I know what I am getting ahead of time. I also do my part to flag suspect violators of the Listia guidelines. I give a positive review of the Listia website because it is a place for people to come together to give away free items for credits and no money is involved unless a seller chooses to list with shipping or a buyer chooses to pay for shipping or a person actually chooses to purchase credits but I fail to see the point in that since its a free website. Why spend money on credits when you can obtain credits for free.
Not everyone on the site is a counterfeiter but thats also not to say that every person in the world is honest. I say use your best judgement to decide what you think is right or wrong. If it doesn't look right or you have your doubts... don't bid. Someone will always find something wrong with something. Such is the way of the world. I appreciate your comments and I thank you for taking the time to stop by and read but also remember.... don't shoot the messenger. I wrote this as my honest opinion of a site that I have not had a bad experience with as of yet. Thank you.
I have been listing on listia since July, 2010. I feel I must add a comment after the comments above. Ebay has a motto "let the buyer beware". I feel that the motto is applicable to every site like listia or ebay or any of the others. I have had a few issues, for instance something advertised as sterling and receiving silver plate, but it's as much my fault for not asking the right questions as it is the seller's fault for not giving the correct information. So far, in my opinion, everyone has been fair. I list items that don't sell on ebay. That's about it. And one can get some incredible items for free on listia - even if one has to pay a nominal fee for shipping. I appreciate MNPID's position on counterfeit items but to bash the whole site for that alone is unfair to listia. I agree that counterfeit items should not be allowed on any site, but the listia moderator team is trying to keep up with any items that may be counterfeit by removing them. There are some on listia that now are "flagging" everything posted with a named brand, real or not. It has taken on a life of its own and is unfortunate. I ask you, who wouldn't like to get a Coach for free? Therein lies the problem. I personally think that the listia team is trying and should be given props for that at least. There may be some scammers, there may be some underage listers, there may be some kinks, but to grossly over-generalize the site as a site for counterfeiters is wrong, in my opinion. I think those who are listing counterfeit items may truly not know that their items are not the real deal. If you took a moment to read some of the descriptions - and some of the comments - you will see that a number of members are not the sharpest tacks in the box, have a miminum of education and live in some of the poorest areas - as evidenced by their inability to create a complete sentence in a language that is understandable by normal people. Consider this - ebay has been in existence for a long time - I've been a member for over 10 years. They did not arrive at their position now overnight. Remember - let the buyer beware. Works for me.
Robin31 makes valid points and I cannot disagree with any of them.
As is the case when visiting any online site, we tend to search and focus on those items that are of interest to us so my comments, although specific to a case in my area of interest, apply to the site also.
I understand that "caveat emptor" applies when doing business anywhere, not just online but even at B&M stores. And I also understand that there are scamming buyers as well as scamming sellers. Everyone needs to use caution when doing business with someone they don't know.
Although the specific incident referenced in my post happened to be a purchase from the clothing, shoes and accessories category, the complaint is due to a systemic problem.
Evidently, Listia feedback policy states that in cases of a dispute, when Listia rules in favor of the seller, the buyer can't leave negative feedback for that buyer.
Something is broken in a system when a seller has violated a policy (i.e. in this case sold a fake item) yet the buyer/victim cannot leave appropriate (negative) feedback for that seller but the seller can neg the buyer.
To give Listia the benefit of the doubt, I'll assume that in most disputes, they don't err in their decisions and that the resolution is found in favor of the correct party.
However, as indicated in this case (and possibly/probably others), Listia mods are human and imperfect. They goofed in finding for the wrong party and added insult to injury with their policy.
As we've seen on ebay with regard to its one-sided feedback system, it doesn't work. (For those who don't know, on ebay, sellers can only leave positive feedback for buyers and as a result, fraud is occurring at an alarming rate and many good sellers have left ebay.)
In the case of Listia, with a one-sided feedback system, they too will lose the honest buyers or sellers.
A fairer system is one where both buyer and seller can rate their transactions. As is stressed on other sites, feedback is an "opinion" and if the member's opinion isn't positive, let them express it.
If a member is found to be abusing the feedback system, BAN the MEMBER! But don't hurt the legitimately unhappy buyer or seller by disallowing them to rate their experience.
And again, this opinion is applicable to the whole Listia site.
There are definitely many valid points made by all. I honestly DO believe that banning someone who is in the wrong and knowingly is in the wrong is the best course of action. There are risks with everything. I believe that sometimes if something is too good to be true sometimes it may be, but asking questions is a responsibility that the buyer should take if they are concerned or suspicious of an object they are bidding on. Seems as though there are obviously kinks that need to be worked out and everyone should always approach things with caution but removing an entire website or telling everyone to stay away doesn't seem like the right thing to do. it is true that forewarned is forearmed... and I appreciate you sharing your story because now I know what to look for and what would seem like a bad idea...hundreds upon thousands of counterfeit makeup is sold on eBay everyday... all it takes is a little knowledge about the item you are purchasing and if something doesn't add up.. walk away. Sharing your story for everyone to hear is helpful in that others can learn from the mistakes of the past. Hopefully Listia will become stronger and more organized on what happens when counterfeiters are brought to light. Until then why not try to enjoy what it is that Listia was created for? A community where the old adage "One mans trash, is another mans treasure" really comes into play. I have seen some really interesting, wild and useful items on Listia. Removing the whole site removes the fun. One person listed an old "haunted" doll. The story behind the object was incredible and interesting and it turned out the doll was worth upwards of $1000 or more. Almost every single person on the comments told them to take the doll to eBay... but they chose to "sell" it on Listia instead. That's not something easily faked and the person honestly didn't know the doll was worth that much but some of the people in the Listia community really are honest people. Not everyone is bad.. you just have to know how to spot them.
@ SognoPiccolo: I'm just curious. Are you Listia admin? Do you have the power to implement some of the improvements that have been suggested or is this just a forum for expressing opinions?
Do TPTB at Listia read this?
I am not an admin... just a fan of what I have encountered so far as a member on Listia. Apparently though according to my hub info I am getting reroutes from the Listia help page somehow.
also @MNPID I noticed you do not have any hubs or fans on this account... is it that this is a puppet account or did you join just to comment? If you really did join to be a part of the community I really think you should post a hub about the downside of Listia. It will be read I can assure of that...You seem to have a lot to say on the subject.
I joined just to comment. I found the post and thought a more balanced (i.e. pro AND con) view can help people decide for themselves what they think of Listia.
I'm not sure whether your "You seem to have a lot to say on the subject." is supposed to be sarcastic or not but in case you aren't being snarky, I'll respond.
Those of us who are post passionate comments with regard to the subjects we feel strongly about have done a lot of reading and posting (on multiple forums) and we don't mind expressing ourselves and our opinions.
No sarcasm intended.. Just saying it seems like you have a lot to input and I think putting it together in a hub would work well for you. Heck, I would even link to it on this one. I don't mind. It's good to have opposing views. I have nothing negative to say on the matter as I have not had a bad experience as of yet. It really was eye opening reading your comments and I do believe you and for it I will definitely be more cautious in the future. =)
If I honestly had no thought or care for what you had to say I would have deleted your comments and I didn't because I DO believe both sides should be heard. And I honestly really do appreciate your comments on the situation.
Thank you. It's always nice when both sides are allowed to post. People can (and do) agree to disagree and we can do it politely and respectfully.
I don't disagree with you at all.. You make VERY valid points and your experience is very real and I would be angry too. You really have made me aware of the situation and I will definitely keep my eyes open from now on. These things happen and if no one ever speaks up about it, sometimes no one will ever know to do anything about it. =)
Several years ago I discovered a site called iOffer. I looked around and found that counterfeiters abound. These are not just someone trying to sell their handbag/scarf/watch that they received as a "gift" but actual businesses that produce replica items commonly known as knockoffs. I stress that these are actual businesses in foreign countries.
I say this because in a post above the impression is that companies providing counterfeit items are listing on listia and I honestly don't believe that is the case. I believe that the people listing their knockoffs are not huge companies set up to sell their stock of replica items as on iOffer, but actual owners of a replica item or 2. Although wrong/illegal, I don't believe the listers are maliciously trying to dupe people who want to get a high end item for free. I could be wrong - and have been in the past - but I don't think this is the case here. In my humble opinion...
As far as feedback on listia - I agree with MNPID. It is grossly unfair to the seller that negative feedback cannot be given when it is due. When ebay initiated the change in their policy, I was 100% - no negatives, no neutrals. But what is a seller to do when someone leaves them an unwarranted negative? Ha. Nothing, nada, zip. No backup from ebay, nothing. I feel the same thing is happening on listia and it is a darn shame that sellers have to worry about what the buyer/recipient is going to think of an item that they won. There are some seriously sick people in this world. I can honestly say I have never left anyone a negative feedback. If I have a problem, I try to first work it out before leaving feedback, almost always with a positive outcome.
I appreciate MNPID's expertise and passion and have learned quite a bit just from reading the responses on a long-running forum on listia. A "hub" on this site regarding counterfeit items would probably be well received.
I don't know anything about iOffer... never heard of it before... I found Listia almost 2 years ago I think it was but never signed up...browsed around and didn't give it a chance. I always approach things cautiously and I realized that staying away from the big ticket items was in my best interest anyway because you never can be too careful when dealing with stuff like "designer" bags or even shoes and things. In a world where "you get what you pay for" you really have to think hard about whether a free designer item is worth it. I think that people shouldn't even list things like that on there at all because of the kind of value they have, but it is their choice and money they spent. And I really do think that a hub on the matter would do wonders and I would gladly link to it on here so someone can have both sides to the story. And if I ever have a problem with anything like this I would definitely speak up.
Thanks for the suggestion and offer of help but I'll pass at this time.
I contacted the Listia mods and they said they actually have been watching this post from the get go... so They have seen your input and hopefully the information can be put to good use. Good luck with everything and I really am glad you commented. Thank you =)
I AM A NEW MEMBER ON LISTIA AND I THINK IT A VERY COOL WEBSITE AND CHECK OUT LISTING ON THERE AND DO NOT FOR GET FAN ME AND I WILL DO THE SAME THANKS:)
thanks for stopping by to read and comment! =)
Hi, I am new to Listia and am not really sure what it means to "watch" an auction? Do you get notifications about changes to the auction or what?
Hi Claudia, To watch an auction is a great feature to use! Clicking the "watch" button on an auction that you like will post it on your main page. Allowing you to access the auction easily without having to search for it over and over again. This is really helpful when the auction doesn't end for a few days... or even a few hours. Also, adding an item to your watch list, Listia will contact you by email notifying you that the auction will be ending soon so you can stay on top of bidding. It will also have an update on your main page when you have been outbid, what the current amount of credits the auction is going for and also just as a visual reminder that it's something you want to bid on. I hope this helps! Utilizing the watch button is a great tool when you have your eye on something and don't want to lose it in all the other auctions. =)
love this site just signed up a few days ago I have won 1 auction so far n have stuff listed now i hope is i sell stuff the credits go to me all of them or does the site take some
You get all the credits. But you have to make sure you mail your item out in a timely fashion. It is always good to read the rules. Good luck!
This post is a followup to my previous posts of 7 months ago. At that time, I wasn't particularly impressed with LIstia although I did realize then (and still now), they are a "work in progress."
In the several months since I first discovered Listia and found myself disappointed in what I saw, my feelings have changed.
One of the good things about a site that is small (as compared to the "big boys" like ebay and amazon), is that its members can have personal contact with moderators and get timely responses to disputes.
I've been made a moderator and have the ability to educate buyers and sellers, help weed out listings that violate various rules and offer constructive criticism and suggestions to TPTB for ways to improve Listia. Listia admin is open and honest about wanting to be a safe marketplace.
The purpose of this post is to give credit where credit is due. Running a successful website takes time, changes and input from others and Listia has come through with flying colors.
Scammers will always be around and as in any venue, it's "caveat emptor," (let the buyer beware), but when found, they will be banned.
Robin is correct Stephanie... you keep all credits you earn through auctions... Listia does not collect a "fee" of any kind from you for listing..
@MNPID... thank you for the update. I am glad you found a reason to change your mind and congrats on being a moderator. I have had tons of contact with admin on Listia and I have always had a pleasant experience.. The more I am on Listia the more I love it. It really can be fun and exciting. and you are 100% correct... "buyer beware" really fits... make sure you read everything thoroughly, ask questions if you are unsure, and if something seems shady and makes you uncomfortable don't feel bad about moving on to the next auction. Someone will always list a similar item eventually. =)
I enjoy Listia very much. I've been able to get rid of a lot of item I had bought to sell on Ebay that just would not sell. Ebay's fees are too much, and with Listia you can charge shipping or offer free shipping! The items with free shipping sell for a lot more. I've got a lot of great things on Listia and have always been treated fairly with customer support.
I've been able to get rid of a lot of item I had bought to sell on Ebay that just would not sell. Ebay's fees are too much, too many new policies, and with Listia you can charge shipping or offer free shipping! The items with free shipping get you a lot more credits as a seller. I've got a lot of great things on Listia. If you do not get your item or get something not as described Listia is always quick to respond and help and have always been very fair.
Thanks for commenting! you are right... of the few times I have had a unfavorable outcome, Listia moderators were quick to help resolve the issue. =) I have tons of fun signing in and listing auctions, surfing through listed items and earning badges. It's always fun. =)
Listia is the best
AGREE! =D
I have been using listia for a couple months now and so far it has been great! Its an easy way to turn my old comic books and sports cards into collectible coins! Everyone has been fair so far. I haven't bought any items that are usually counterfeited so I haven't experienced that with the site. If I had the money to buy those brands anyway, i would buy them direct from the official store and not through a 3rd party. Just like ebay, you get what you pay for.
I have noticed there is an unusually high number of Batman fans and Batman related items go for a lot of credits!
you are very correct! Most animated characters go really well... especially Hello Kitty for the girls. =) Other things that do well: video games, electronics, fabric, jewelry and nice makeup. =)
Reynold Jay Level 6 Commenter 15 months ago
I 'll need to take a look at this as I have a big stake in eBay.I enjoyed this very much. You have this laid out beautifully and it is easy to understand. Keep up the great HUBS. Up one and Useful. Hey! I'm now your fan! RJ