New shopping program offers buyers at-home bargain hunting .STERLING — This past winter a popular radio show in which residents sold and bid on items, “Swap Shop,” was taken off the air.
Now, spring is here and summer is just around the corner.
Along with the sunshiny weather comes the barrage of yard sales across the community, and the nation.
If going from one yard sale to another, waking up early to catch the best bargains is not for you, then grab the remote, sit tight and shop at home.
We’re not talking about the gigantic, corporate-driven major shows like QVC, Home Shopping Network or the online auction site eBay, but a local auction television show right here in Sterling.
Tucked in the 12,000 square foot hangar-looking building on Oak Street, which used to house the New Beginnings Fitness Center, is the broadcast center of Sterling’s own bid-TV “”Bargain World”.”
“Bargain World” hit the airwaves last week and put items including homeware, tools, games and toys up for bids.
The idea is simple. The show’s host presents items, people call in and the item goes to the highest bidder.
The idea for “Bargain World” is not new, said the show’s founder and host Tara Barlean.
As a matter of fact, a similar show is now making strides in Shawnee, Okla. That was where Barlean got the idea.
Tara’s husband Kelly Barlean said that the items sold at “Bargain World” are returned items which they buy — in bulk — from major big-box stores.
As soon as the items reach their studio, Kelly Barlean said their staff sorts through the them, test the electronic ones and arrange them, awaiting the sale.
“People have different reasons for returning items back to any particular store,” Kelly Barlean said.
Only Bresnan Communication cable subscribers can access the show on Channel 67 from 7 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Viewers wanting to bid must secure a bidder number by calling 522-2324.
The first of its kind in Sterling, Tara Barlean said she is optimistic that with as many bargain hunters as there are in town, the show is sure to be a hit.
“I am a bargain-hunter myself,” Tara Barlean confessed.
During the first night of the show, some viewers gathered inside the studio and paid attention to the TV monitor as their bids were flashed.
Some of the items — toasters, toys — sold for ridiculous prices as the process does not include an opening bid from the auctioneer, which means viewers can set the tone by giving an item an opening bid. Some, if not most, of the items also displayed name brands.
Also on that first night, the three phones in their studio rang off the hook as soon as Tara Barlean opened up the items for bids.
“It’s fun, entertaining and according to some of our viewers, addictive,” Tara Barlean said.
After one week of being on air, Tara Barlean said “Bargain World” now has 100 registered bidders and things are looking bright.
People are watching and people are buying, she said adding, that they are waiting for three truckloads of items to auction by the middle of next week.
“It’s a great business because people are going to save money,” Kelly Barlean said.
Tara Barlean not only hosts the show, but as soon as the camera fades to the bidding board, Tara runs upstairs and doubles as a phone operator taking bids from callers.
The segments of the show are separated in 16 to 20 tables — usually containing assorted items.
“There’s something for everyone in every table,” Kelly Barlean said. “The show is a unique blend of old-fashioned auctioning using modern technology.”
As the show progresses, the concept is not going to be all business.
Future shows may see a community participation in the form of announcements and some discussions to be done in-between bids.
“It’s like a community forum with community participation to discuss community events. We plan it not to be strictly just an auction site,” Kelly Barlean said.
Tara Barlean said that winning bidders have 24 hours to come by and pay for the items they purchased with cash or credit cards. They do not accept checks.
Visit our
shopping site and find great deals at Every Day Low Prices.
