AuctionSubmit (http://www.auctionsubmit.com): Free

In Issue #3, I reviewed five auction software programs. (To see the story complete with table, go to http://www.auctionbytes.com/Email_Newsletter/8/7/6/5/3.html#feature.) In that review, I grouped the auction programs into three general categories: Basic Assistance, Medium, and Complete Handling. AuctionSubmit, a free program from EZ Time Software, is definitely in the Medium category, but a bit on the "low" side. That's because they seem to assume you're not a beginner to online auctions and endeavor to "stay out of your way." For example, they apparently assume that you've posted auctions to eBay before and that you're familiar with all the elements of eBay's "Sell Your Item" form.

If you know what to expect, AuctionSubmit is quite straightforward. It took me once through to realize that I needed to enter my default settings (my location, duration of auctions, payment information, etc.), but that's because I was too impatient to read their "Getting Started" guide. The help files are in HTML, so you read them in your browser. The help files have good, clickable graphics - a nice setup, especially for us Web-surfers.

Unfortunately, they only offer one layout template for auctions. (They hint that there will be more, but I got no response when I wrote to their support address and asked for more information.) The good news is that they let you enter your own HTML. This is good if you've already got your own "look and feel" for your auctions.

There's no mention of image hosting - you're expected to have this figured out for yourself, I guess! - and no hit counters, but that's not surprising, since those are usually associated with image-hosting sites. You can create several auctions (even over several days), then submit them one at a time, or all at once. I'm very security-conscious, so I was pleased to see that AuctionSubmit does not save your password from one time to the next - better to be safe than sorry!

AuctionSubmit's default is to post to eBay, but it knows several other sites: Amazon, uAuction, and Shoporium. It tracks your auctions, including completed ones (both sold and unsold). However, there's no quick way to go to the item's listing on eBay, which would be helpful when you're ready to send mail to the high bidder.

Overall, I'd have to say I was somewhat disappointed. The lack of templates means you're pretty much locked into one format or left to write your own HTML. Their auction tracking isn't really much different from "My eBay," so all that's left is the ability to set up several auctions before submitting them. All in all, a nicely done package that really doesn't fill any particular need!