Although I have won a couple things that were cheaper than retail, they aren't things I really "needed". Paying $0.60 for a bid, just to watch someone else do the same. 10 bids later and you've lost $6 and still don't win. You have to be "all in" to hopefully win. When you don't they do account for the money towards "buy it now", but then you are paying 100% retail with zero discounts. You have to pay $60 just to join. After I use up my "bids" (read as throw them away) I will delete my account and warn family & friends to save their money.