SANTA CLARA, CA: The popular Internet bonsai community known as bonsaiTALK announced today that the auction site bonsaiAUCTIONS is open for business.

The auction venue, dedicated to the hobby of dwarf trees, is open to anyone who is currently registered at bonsaiTALK.  Users can simply login using their existing forum username and password.  Those who aren't yet registered can join by clicking REGISTER, answering a few questions and confirming an email sent to their mail account.  Registration is free.

Once registered, it's a simple matter to login and browse any of the currently listed auctions in several dozen categories related specifically to bonsai & suiseki.  The site opened Saturday with several auctions to benefit the bonsaiTALK forum, which is supported largely by its own membership.

Matt Chroust, operator of the two bonsai websites, points out that the key features of bonsaiAUCTIONS will be its dedication to a specific focus: the art of bonsai, and the new venue's direct association with the bonsaiTALK community.  "Sellers will have an immediate audience of several thousand of bonsaiTALK members.  Buyers can find bonsai items easily without having to wade through lots of unrelated listings.  Our goal is to make bonsaiAUCTIONS successful by keeping listing fees down and the excitement up."

It's actually possible to list items for no charge at all at bonsaiAUCTIONS:  During the introductory period, sellers get a $5 credit.  That can be used to purchase enhancements like front page feature, category feature, highlighted listings or additional pictures.  When the item is sold, a final value fee of 3 to 5% of the auction's closing price is owed by the seller.

bonsaiAUCTIONS incorporates a feedback system to enable users to detail their experience with other users as a buyer or seller to help keep the trading experience secure.  During the introductory period, expected to last the first month, anyone can bid on auctions, but sellers will need to request authorization the first time they list, using the Contact Us link.

For more information about bonsaiAUCTIONS, visit the site at http://www.bonsaiAUCTIONS.com or look for details on bonsaiTALK