GrandSlamBids.com Alpha Testing Open

[Matt]

With the help of some enterprising sellers, Leon and I are excited to open our self-service auction venture, GrandSlamBids.com, for "alpha" testing. You will find about 50 listings currently up that you can bid on, in a range of categories (cards, autographs, memorabilia), with a handful more expected in the next few days. All listings will be closed by February 1st, at which time, we will work on resolving any issues brought to light before we open. Outside of our "alpha" sellers, no one else will be allowed to create listings at this time.

A few important notes:

• Currently, the site is being hosted on a testing server; while it provides the same bandwidth as our Net54baseball forum does, it is possible that some issues may arise as a result. Of course, when we open for real, we will be on a much more powerful server. One side effect of the testing server is the possibility that if there are several snipes/bids scheduled to post at the same time, there might be a delay which could cause problems. Therefore, while you certainly can use the sniping functionality, if you want more confidence in your bid, you may want to enter it manually a bit in advance of the auction ending.
• Currently, the search engine and browsing/sorting capabilities on the site are a bit rudimentary. With only 50 listings, you should be able to browse all the listings in a short period of time, but we are aware of this limitation and eventually you will be able to do things like limit your view by a particular TPG/Grade, search using -/* etc. and sort by newly listed items.
• During the next few weeks, if issues do arise that effect the auction process, we will work with you to resolve them in a way that everyone is comfortable with. We do reserve the right to nullify any auction or sale, at any point, in order to protect sellers/bidders in the case of software or other glitches. Otherwise the auctions will be live and real, and are expected to be completed in a professional and legal manner.

As we are in "alpha," we are aware of some missing functionality and would like your help in fleshing out as many additional issues as we can. To provide that feedback, or ask any question you may have, you can either use the GrandSlamBids.com forum (preferred), our Live Help or email us directly at admin@GrandSlamBids.com (if at all possible, please do not PM us on this forum). Leon and I are the only ones handling issues, so if we don't get back to you right away, it's probably because we're busy.

As a token of our thanks for helping us, anyone who wins one of the listed items will get a credit for a free "Category Featured Listing" on the site, once we go live.

We are cautiously optimistic that this can be a a great venue for all of us and we greatly appreciate your help in getting us there.

Leon & Matt
http://www.GrandSlamBids.com

[Anthony S.]

I believe I just placed the first ever bid in a Grand Slam Bids Auction. Finally, something to tell my grandchildren about.

[Matt]

Originally Posted by Anthony S.

I believe I just placed the first ever bid in a Grand Slam Bids Auction. Finally, something to tell my grandchildren about.

Anthony - good luck - that OJ is a nice card!

[Mrc32]

Good luck with it!

[Anthony S.]

Originally Posted by Mrc32

Good luck with it!

Well, I was also the first ever bidder in Inverted Ponzi Scheme Sports Auctions back in 2003. That one didn't work out so well.

[Robextend]

I am glad to say I have joined in on the bidding. I don't usually bid when the seller has 0 feedback

BTW - I love the trade offer feature...way cool.

[Matt]

Originally Posted by Robextend

BTW - I love the trade offer feature...way cool.

Thanks - we think that's a good one for our collecting community.

[donmuth]

I haven't bid on anything yet, but I am looking around the site and I really like the layout and features so far. very professional. I hope it develops into a viable alternative to ebay for the collecting community.

Good luck!

[darkpoet]

I just registered but my account has to be approved first before I can login. Email address was just confirmed. I'll check again after I leave the office today. Looking forward to helping test the website and entering some bids.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by darkpoet

I just registered but my account has to be approved first before I can login. Email address was just confirmed. I'll check again after I leave the office today. Looking forward to helping test the website and entering some bids.

right now approvals should take less than 5 minutes......otherwise you will need to put all of the info required to be approved ie....normal contact info....but all of it....as a safety precaution.....and thanks to everyone so far.....one last thing...very soon we will be taking this discussion from the main board to the whole new subforum entitled Grandslambids.com...which is up currently on this board...thanks again

[Matt]

Originally Posted by darkpoet

I just registered but my account has to be approved first before I can login. Email address was just confirmed. I'll check again after I leave the office today. Looking forward to helping test the website and entering some bids.

You're good to go.

[GoldenAge50s]

Matt/Leon--

I suggest making an announcement on the NS Board as well. I have a couple of NS cards to be starting this eve.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by GoldenAge50s

Matt/Leon--

I suggest making an announcement on the NS Board as well. I have a couple of NS cards to be starting this eve.

I need to check with Tom B to make sure he is ok with this. I don't want to encroach without asking.....I will shoot him an email. Thanks for the heads up...

Also- folks need to check their spam folders for approvals as some might go there...

[GoldenAge50s]

Just want to let everyone know I have entered another couple of T206's since we went LIVE and we have until Sun to continue & enter more new listings. I plan to do so & I hope the other Alpha listers will also!

In an effort to test all the functions & at the same time create continued interest in the site I have also lowered the price points on several of my listings, so for those of you who have visited, visit again the next few days--and for those that haven't visited at all yet, TREAT YOURSELF & come in & look around!

[Leon]

Originally Posted by GoldenAge50s

Just want to let everyone know I have entered another couple of T206's since we went LIVE and we have until Sun to continue & enter more new listings. I plan to do so & I hope the other Alpha listers will also!

In an effort to test all the functions & at the same time create continued interest in the site I have also lowered the price points on several of my listings, so for those of you who have visited, visit again the next few days--and for those that haven't visited at all yet, TREAT YOURSELF & come in & look around!

Hey Fred
We just approved your latest batch of auctions. So far so good (knock on wood) as to how things are going. We are very, very (cautiously) pleased at this point. We have received some really good feedback and will be working to improve the experience as much as possible. At the same time I also believe believe in the "KISS" (Keep It Simple Stupid) concept method, so that will always be kept in mind as we evolve. The last thing is that it looks like the one issue that is happening a little bit is that the registration email(s) are going to spam folders. If anyone has registered and not gotten approved by now, then we haven't received your confirmation email back. There are no registrations in our "need to approve" queue as of now. Happy collecting!! best regards

[iggyman]

One question, how can I see the ended stuff (completed auctions)???

Lovely Day...

[Leon]

Originally Posted by iggyman

One question, how can I see the ended stuff (completed auctions)???

Lovely Day...

There is an advanced search at the top of the page....when you click it there is a box that says "opened" or "closed" auctions.....some of the auctions were pre-testing so be careful as those prices were when it was not open at all....they were pre pre-test
thanks
leon


http://www.grandslambids.com/search.php

[iggyman]

Thank you "Mr. Grand Slam Rep". It's always nice to have an interactive 24-hour help line.

Oh by the way, stupendous job on the site. Somebody (or bodies) did alot of work, it really is first rate. My only nitpick complaint (great set-up, wouldn't you say....), is the snipe tool being built right into the bidding menu. It makes it way too easy to snipe. Fantastic for a buyer but a bit aggravating for a seller (or at least nerve rattling).

I'm not sure what the solution should be??? But with the snipe tool so "handy," you are basically endorsing sniping, and I'm not sure that is so great for both the auction house and the seller.

Lovely Day...