Smokoo - newsletter content from independent reviewer

For those who thought Smokoo was all smoke and mirrors, I have to report that they could not have been further from the truth. Au contraire, Smokoo turns out to be all excitement and bargains. I watched bidders compete in quick-fire action for items such as digital cameras, notebook computers and GPS units. There was even another Apple iPad on offer as well as Apple's latest miracle phone, the iPhone 4. So what, you may ask. So what if I told you that each of those brand new, guaranteed items were eventually sold to bidders at discounts of more than 90%?

The auction operates on a pay-to-bid principle in which bidders must register and buy bids at a nominal price of R5 each. These bids are then used in auctions of their choice as they compete against a clock counting down steadily to zero. Each bid increases the auction price by just a single cent and adds 10 seconds to the countdown. The auction ends with the last bid made before the clock hits zero and that bidder now has the right to pay the final price displayed, usually no more than a few Rands, and to arrange for delivery of his or her purchase.

You can look back over the closed auctions to see who has been winning what and how much they have paid and, in all cases, the savings were greater than 90% when compared with the recommended retail price.

You can also take a glimpse ahead to see what items will be coming up for auction in the future. A quick glance at just a few of these should be enough to excite even the most internet-phobic shoppers. Fancy a Rolex, a 3-D Flat Screen TV or a C Class Merc? In the next couple of months Smokoo will be the only place that makes sense to shop at if you're chasing one of these luxury items. Could you name another outlet that would offer you 90% off?

I already know with complete certainty where I will be doing my Christmas shopping this year.