ScamTelegraph is investigating Dubli, an online shopping portal that promotes itself as a reverse auction platform with an associated business opportunity. Based in Europe, Dubli operates in the United States and Australia, but has a documented history of past failures in China. The company makes significant claims about its potential to revolutionize online shopping.
Dubli positions itself as a reverse auction shopping portal that includes a business opportunity for prospective Dubli Business Network Associates. The company, headquartered in Europe, has established markets across Europe, the United States, and more recently, Australia. Its operational history also includes a notable, albeit unsuccessful, past presence in China.
The company's marketing materials feature ambitious statements, such as claims that Dubli offers "a business opportunity where anyone can establish their own business in a competitive market; with little if no risk." Dubli also asserts it is "poised to change the rules of the online shopping game" through "ingenious ideas." Further promotional language suggests that "When DubLi.com takes off, it will go stratospheric," often drawing comparisons to eBay's multi-billion dollar business model.
Central to Dubli's operational framework is its credit system. Each credit is priced at US$0.80 and can be utilized in either of the two auction models Dubli provides. Dubli Business Associates are responsible for purchasing these credits, which they then resell to retail customers. These retail customers subsequently use the acquired credits to participate in Dubli's various auctions.
The Dubli business opportunity is accessible to individuals who register as a Dubli Network Business Associate and acquire an e-Biz kit for $175 USD. Once enrolled, a Business Associate purchases credit packages at a 5% discount, which they then resell to other Business Associates or directly to retail customers. Commissions are earned based on the Business Associate's level when these credits are spent in auctions or are resold by other Business Associates within their network. While the Dubli shopping portal does offer products, it appears that the primary avenue for Business Associates to generate income is through the marketing and sale of these virtual credits. Sustained income is contingent on the continuous sale of this commodity.
Dubli's core business model revolves around the sale of credits for use in what the company terms "reverse auctions." DubLi.com describes itself as "a reverse auction portal for high level branded merchandise." However, this terminology deviates from the conventional definition; Wikipedia defines a reverse auction as one where "sellers compete to obtain business, and prices typically decrease over time." In contrast, Dubli.com's auctions involve buyers competing against each other, theoretically to lower the item's price. A key distinction is that bidders incur a cost each time they wish to compete in these auctions. Dubli offers two types of these auctions: 'Xpress' and 'Unique Bid'.
What is Dubli and where does it operate?
Dubli markets itself as a reverse auction shopping portal that offers an associated business opportunity. The company is based in Europe and has established markets in Europe, the United States, and Australia, with a past presence in China.
How does Dubli's credit system function?
At the core of Dubli's model are credits, each costing US$0.80. These credits are purchased by Dubli Business Associates and then resold to retail customers, who use them to participate in Dubli's online auctions.
What is the Dubli Business Opportunity?
Individuals can join as a Dubli Network Business Associate by purchasing an e-Biz kit for $175 USD. Associates then buy credits at a discount and resell them, earning commissions when these credits are spent in auctions or resold by other Associates.
How do Dubli's "reverse auctions" differ from a traditional reverse auction?
In a traditional reverse auction, sellers compete to offer the lowest price. Dubli's auctions involve buyers competing against each other to theoretically lower a price, but each bid made by a buyer incurs a cost.