KEY POINTS:
A new website will be launched this week aimed at allowing traders and shoppers to haggle.
Wheelndeal.co.nz will offer retailers the chance to sell or trade end-of-season stock, wholesale merchandise, liquidated items and bulk goods.
The website will also allow schools, organisations and community groups to collectively bargain on discounted stock.
"One of our clients has over a million dollars worth of products to offload. It's a perfect opportunity for groups around the country to make real savings without the hassle of travelling to Auckland for purchasing," managing director Grendon Boynton said.
Technical director Jim Boswell, who developed the site's software, said haggling was encouraged.
"Shoppers can negotiate directly with the retailer on items that have the wheel icon displayed. Basically consumers can haggle like they're on holiday; just like holidaymakers bargaining with street vendors overseas."
Boynton disagreed the venture was copying online auction site Trade Me.
"There's two major points of difference; we don't sell second-hand goods, only new items still in the box. Although anyone can shop on the website, only retailers can sell through wheelndeal.co.nz.
"This means the shopper can get bargains on items they'd usually pay top dollar for."
Boynton said 1.25 million New Zealanders bought products online last year, and companies had to explore online retail options to maintain business growth.
The company said all goods had to come with manufacturers' guarantees and involved a point of origin which was legally binding between seller and buyer.
It expected 5000 retailers would sign up in the first year.
- NZPA
