| The Importance Of Options
A recent survey by Manheim Auctions once more highlights the effect that factory-fitted options can have on a car's resale value. Manheim asked nearly 100 of its top used car buyers for their opinions on the effect of various optional extras on family cars, compact executives and full-sized executives. The results showed a similar trend in all three categories, with leather upholstery and satellite navigation having the most beneficial effects on residuals. The right paintwork was also considered important, with some respondents saying they wouldn't even bid on a car at auction if the colour was wrong, and especially if it was solid rather than metallic. In approximate order of importance, the other main influences on resale prices were climate control, a sunroof and a DVD/TV system.
Valuable airwaves head for auction
WASHINGTON -- There's about to be a land rush in telecommunications as the U.S. government auctions the only remaining airwaves suitable for nationwide, high-speed wireless Web access. Big telephone and cable companies are jostling alongside Internet and technology entrepreneurs to control the spectrum, estimated to be worth as much as $30 billion. "It's the biggest chunk of spectrum to come back into the public administration in a generation and it's by far the most valuable piece," said Ben Scott, policy director at Free Press, a Washington-based nonprofit focused on communications policy. And it's a hot topic in Washington: House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell, a Michigan Democrat, will explore the issues in a hearing Thursday, and the Federal Communications Commission, hoping to schedule the auction this fall, may vote on rules as early as Wednesday, April 25.
GENE SIMMONS Says He Was Blown Away By Success Of Dinner Auction ...
A&E network has announced its "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" charity auction raised a notable $76,770 for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Fans and supporters alike flocked to the auction from March 25 to April 4 to bid on a dinner with Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed, stars of the hit A&E television series "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" — making it the most watched item on eBay for the duration of the auction.
The auctioned VIP dinner drew over 200,000 unique visitors during the duration of the online auction. The winning bid of $75,100 was placed by Richard Craven of the U.K., who will enjoy a weekend of rock star treatment with three guests in Los Angeles. The package includes round trip air fare, two nights stay in deluxe accommodations, and the main attraction — an exclusive dinner with Gene and Shannon.
EBay results bolstered by newer businesses
NEW YORK: EBay posted better-than-expected profit in the first quarter as several of its newer businesses compensated for disappointing results in its mainstay auction service. The faster-growing units include shopping.com, a price comparison site; some classified listing sites; a service to let online merchants accept credit cards; and Skype, the online voice chat service. "We are on track with our well-crafted portfolio," Meg Whitman, eBay's chief executive, said in an interview after the earnings report Wednesday. The results sent eBay's stock up about 3 percent in after-hours trading. Overall, the company earned $377 million in the first quarter, up 52 percent from a year earlier. Excluding charges related to stock-based compensation and some other items, the company earned 33 cents a share, above the 29 cents that analysts had predicted.
Elton John And Simon Cowell Sign Up To Help Sick Animals
Rock legends, sporting heroes and pop stars autographs are all up for grabs in aid of veterinary charity PDSA. So if you fancy getting your paws on the signatures of Sir Elton John (pictured), or everyone's favourite Mr Nasty, Simon Cowell, or Greased Lightnin' babe Holly Willoughby, then log on to eBay and get bidding!
The auction coincides with the start of eBay's animal campaign, encouraging people to either sell items they no longer need and donate a percentage of the sale to their chosen animal charity, or bid on items being sold. Funds raised for PDSA will help the veterinary charity provide free veterinary treatment for sick and injured pets.
PDSA so relies on the generosity of the public to funds its PetAid services, which cost more than 41 million every year - and is counting on your bids to help keep tails wagging across the UK!
So what are you waiting for? Log on to PDSA's website and follow the links through to the auction site.
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