I assume that they are trying to carve out their own market, and not be compared directly to ebay. Having that happen builds peoples expectations and can make it quite hard to then get traction in the marketplace.
I like their approach, some smart people behind that site in my opinion. Even though some do compare it to ebay, quite unfairly in my opinion.
I'm with you regarding the auction format being added, and I truly hope that they are working behind the scenes on integrating that package at a later date.
With their positive reviews and market share growing each day, adding an auction format could then take a HUGE chunk straight out of ebay, and they would then be in position to take ebay head on.
I think Bonanzle has a very interesting future ahead, with the odd twist and turn to unfold.
What the market really needs is for most of these types of sites to go under. The reason one can get into a position to threaten ebay is the over saturation of competition.
If everyone would use all the possible avenues open to them to list, then all sites in competition would grow and and cause ebay a major headache, but people don't!
Each shops around and selects one or a couple of formats that they list on, without listing on all. What that does is water down the competition against ebay. It gives each of these competing sites a small foot hold in the market, without being able to build on it enough to be a major threat.
I know everyone wants choice, but if there was only two or three options to directly compete against ebay, then they would gain much more market share, and a lot quicker, making them the threat everyone is looking for.
Once you get an effective direct competitor to ebay, it will be easier for a lot more to enter the market place and carve out their own niche.
While the payload is being spread so thin, it is going to be a struggle for anyone to take market share away from ebay. If anyone is going to do it, it's going to be bonazle in my opinion, but they will have to implement changes at a future point.