One 'bump' sold: More to come

A pregnant Auckland woman who auctioned off advertising space on her 'bump' now plans to make a business out of linking expectant women with would-be advertisers.

Close to eight months pregnant, Julz Thomson of Green Bay, Auckland, and her fiance Gerrard Simmons 'sold' her pregnant tummy area as advertising space by holding an auction on trademe.co.nz.

What started out as "a bit of fun" and a way to earn about $100 to put towards a new cot for their baby son, due on March 8, instead raised them $255 from an Auckland businessman.

Lawrence Raukete paid for the advertising space for his six-month-old Customs Clearance business, Mailman Solutions.

Until the baby arrives, Ms Thomson will wear a T-shirt, bearing the phrase: "The Mailman Always Delivers."

After television news showed interest in the story, Mr Raukete gave her another $500 to appear on screen.

Amid the hype, Ms Thomson has come up with another idea.

"I am starting an internet-based business and I am going to call it: 'Bump Up Your Advertising,' which will be a website where pregnant women and businesses wanting the novel advertising space can link up with one another," she said.

"I have a web designer and creator coming to see me tomorrow and once we sort out the details, we're hoping to be on line by the end of this week.

"I will just be the match-maker and take a small commission."