mapBid located at http://www.mapbid.com is a new Silicon Valley based website which allows users to view local eBay auctions on a graphical map. The service allows people to type in keywords and retrieve all the eBay auctions which are local to a specified zip code. mapBid utilizes the Google Maps API technology and plots virtual pushpins onto a map. The user can click on any of the pushpins on the map to display a preview of the item’s title, thumbnail image, and price . A detailed list of all the virtual pushpins is also available on the right side of the map.

A search for a 2003 Corvette in the zipcode 95120 showed all the items related to the search around the local area. The user could further filter the results be selecting the approriate category and how far away from the zipcode to search. The service is especially useful for larger eBay items such as autos, real estate, or any big ticket item where the customer would want to visually inspect the merchandise. You can imagine the costs involved to ship a 2003 Corvette to your doorstep.

Users interested in viewing eBay auctions in their neighborhood can visit http://www.mapbid.com

Posted: 11|22|05 at 9:04 am. Filed under: Auction News.