Outbid Online Auction Launches Audio Feature, Optimized Design for New iPhone and iPad App

OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Outbid (www.outbid.com), which combines the theater and transparency of live online auctions with social and gaming features, today launches an enhanced app for iPhone and iPad that features live audio of the auctioneer and new layouts with enlarged buttons that make placing a winning bid easier than ever. The innovative online auction service recreates for mobile users the drama and bidding excitement that have characterized Outbid's frenzied online auctions, including the infectious sounds of an auction host encouraging bidders and declaring the ultimate winner.

This new kind of online auction, unlike its static, traditional counterparts, delivers a rapid-fire bidding experience, complete with an auctioneer providing live color commentary, interacting with bidders and announcing "going, going gone!" when an item is sold. With a tap of the enlarged buttons on the iPhone or iPad screen, participants can place their bids in fast and furious contests in which an item is typically purchased in less than three minutes.

"Outbid's online auctions have always been about delivering auction excitement online by letting bidders interact with competitors and the auctioneers in real time," said Outbid CEO Dan Granger. "The new iPhone and iPad app now lets those bidders experience all the fun of a thrilling bidding battle, right from their mobile device."

The new app includes new layouts for auction detail screens as well as a bigger button for Outbid's unique monster bid feature, which enables participants to dramatically up their bid and vault over competitors. New animation, enhanced images and the ability to access the details on an item up for auction with a swipe of the screen are among the other improvements. iPad users will experience the optimized design for their profile page, with helpful in-line editing of their information. And bidding neophytes can learn the ins and outs of an Outbid auction with the new demo mode, which allows participants to hone their skills in a mock auction so they're fully prepared to snag that coveted electronic device, handmade soap, antique broach or baseball card.

Outbid has been embraced as a lively counterpart to the more traditional online auctions that can last for days or require the purchase of bids, both of which often leave users frustrated. The service, free to both bidders and sellers, lets anyone unload collectibles or hold a virtual garage sale; host a charity auction or fundraiser for their school, church or organization; or purchase items in themed auctions in a game-like atmosphere. Everything from artwork to sports memorabilia, from Beatles collectibles to the latest gadgets, have been put on the Outbid auction block.

Outbid is owned by NASDAQ-quoted Copart, Inc. (www.copart.com), which developed the patented VB2 online auction technology. Outbid was the vision of Jay Adair, CEO of Copart, who led the creation of Outbid as a type of "virtual lemonade stand" so that his children could safely sell what they made to friends and family.

"We want to continue building on Outbid's innovative take on auctions in a way that brings the service to even more users,"  added Bob Lee, Outbid's Chief Product Officer. "These new features for the iPad and iPhone literally put what Outbid has to offer into the hands of bidders, giving them the chance to land a great deal and experience the same kind of buzz of a traditional offline auction room wherever they are at – and now in a way that takes advantage of the latest capabilities that mobile devices have to offer."

Outbid auctions are free to join or create. Sign up at www.outbid.com, schedule an auction and invite your friends and their friends to join in.

To download the Outbid app for iPhone and iPad: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/outbid/id524180055?ls=1&mt=8

To access the Outbid press kit with press releases, screenshots, and additional background information, go to: http://consortpartners.com/clients/Outbid.php

About Outbid
Outbid is reinventing the online auction. By bringing the auction room online and adding unique and exciting social features, Outbid is enabling real auction action online. Founded in Oakland in October 2011, Outbid is a privately held company with 17 full-time employees. Outbid was founded and is owned by NASDAQ-quoted Copart, Inc. (www.copart.com).

More information about Outbid is available at www.outbid.com and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/outbid.

Media Contact
Mark de la Vina
Consort Partners
[email protected]
Tel: +1 415 282 4795

SOURCE Outbid