http://www.expatauction.com

Online shopping is a profitable, and highly addictive, practice in the West, but purchasing over the Internet in China is still something of a risky business. Indeed, oftentimes sending electronic payment online is the equivalent of throwing your money away. No more. Shanghai expatriates and locals alike can finally relax, Expatauction.com allows browsers to buy and sell through private auctions or partner with web stores.Categories range from home accessories (hardly used Ikea lamp, anyone?) to antiques (a Qing Dynasty desk from Jiangsu province), and just about everything in between: clothing, books, collectibles, movies, computers, jewelry, music, business, recreation and games, you name it.
Targeting local and worldwide customers, the site, cohosted by that’s Shanghai, offers both feedback and rating options, in other words the very essence of trust-based transactions, if we do say so ourselves. So what does Expatauction.com offer that you can’t find on Ebay.com? Well, the website and its partners provide free home or office delivery (within the Shanghai Inner Ring Road), factory warranties, authenticity certificates (for antiques and art) and even a seven-day return policy for some products, as well as auction-based, localized classifieds for Shanghai and English product information. Japanese and German versions are coming soon.

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
September 2005 issue