The two key objectives of 4fg/auction are:
The auction service of 4fg was founded in 2007, building on the previously developed free services of auto, books, jobs/courses and property.
Although not as expensive to sell, say, a laptop as a property, we believe that people are still being overcharged by online auction websites. In 2007 eBay "Basic Fees" consist of an Insertion Fee ranging from £0.15 (for items up to £1) and £2 for items over £100. Then, there is the tiered Final Value Fee. Considering items over £600 the fee consists of 5.25% of the initial £29.99 (£1.57), plus 3.25% of the initial £30.00-£599.99 (£18.53), plus 1.75% of the remaining closing value balance. What? Consider selling an £800 laptop: £1.57+£18.53+£3.50, which comes to £25.53+VAT. Thus, to sell an £800 laptop on eBay would cost £32.35 including VAT. If you sell a lot of products, then the fees are substantial. If you suffer from insomnia then read all about the comprehensive fee system at eBay fees. eBay is a great thing but once programmed up, the background program requires little maintenance with respect to the revenue it raises. Also, using an automated online system why does it cost more to sell an item valued at £800 than one at £8? Both items will approximately require the same disc space and processing.
Some people will consider commission fees of around 4% acceptable but at 4fg we believe that people are being overcharged to sell items through online auction sites. Thus, 4fg's mission statement is to provide an excellent alternative and free service. We hope you agree with our vision and thanks for your support. Help in spreading the word, emailing a friend or by making a donation.
You may be interested to know that the entire 4fg website was developed using freely available software and programs! For a summary of the tools used click on website development.
The free services provided by 4fg are financially supported by donations and the website-design arm of 4fg.
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