Dell to launch auction site

Hoping to become a "single-stop source for computer buyers," PC giant Dell Computer announced plans to launch its own online-auction site.

With the move, Dell becomes the first personal computer company to auction its own products online. The site also will sell refurbished Dell computers and used products made by other companies, such as printers that previously were leased to customers. In addition, customers will be allowed to list computer-related items of their own on the site at a cost of $2 an item per listing (after an initial 60-day free period).

The new auction business continues the Round Rock, Texas company's broad push into Web retailing that began three years ago with its own Internet site and continued this year with the launch of Gigabuys, its online site for computer and electronics gear.

Analysts say online auctions are one of the fastest-growing segments of online retailing, expected to account for more than 8 billion dollars in sales by 2001.

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