If you're looking for a way to snag great deals online, DealDash might have caught your attention. DealDash is a popular penny auction website that promises to offer discounts on a wide range of items, from electronics to home goods. But how does DealDash work, and is it really a great way to save money?

In this 2025 review, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to help you decide if DealDash is worth your time and money.

What is DealDash?

DealDash is a unique type of auction site, often referred to as a "penny auction" platform. Unlike traditional auctions where the price of an item increases by a fixed amount with each bid, DealDash's bidding system works differently. Each bid you place increases the price of the item by just one cent, but importantly, each bid also extends the auction time by a few seconds.

The goal of DealDash is to place the winning bid before the auction ends. But here's the catch: Every time you place a bid, you pay for that bid—whether you win the item or not. This can make it a bit tricky to figure out if you’re truly saving money, especially since you’ll need to bid frequently to win.

How Does DealDash’s Auction Process Work?

If you’ve never used DealDash or a similar site before, it’s natural that you may be confused at how this whole thing works. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Place a Bid: To participate in an auction, you need to purchase bids. DealDash typically sells bids in bundles, and each bid costs around $0.15 (prices can fluctuate). When you place a bid, it adds 1 cent to the current price of the auctioned item.
2. Auction Countdown: The auction time resets to a few more seconds each time a bid is placed, making it a race against the clock. The auction will continue until no one places a bid for a specified period, at which point the auction ends.
3. Winning the Auction: The highest bidder when the clock runs out wins the auction. However, the winner doesn’t just pay the final auction price. Instead, they pay the final auction price plus the total cost of their bids. For example, if the item ends up selling for $10 and you placed 50 bids (at $0.15 each), you would end up paying $17.50 for the item ($10 for the auction price + $7.50 for the bids).
4. Shipping: One of the advantages of DealDash is that shipping is included in the price, so you won’t be hit with additional shipping fees at checkout.

You can find additional details about the process on DealDash's "How It Works" page.

Types of Items Available on DealDash

DealDash offers a wide variety of products across several categories. Here are some examples of items you might find on the site:

• Electronics: Smartphones, laptops, TVs, and more
• Home Goods: Furniture, kitchen appliances, and decor
• Gift Cards: DealDash frequently offers discounts on popular retailers
• Tools and Gadgets: Power tools, cooking gadgets, and other useful items
• Health & Fitness: Fitness equipment, supplements, and more

While it may be tempting to bid on higher-ticket items, it’s important to keep in mind that the more expensive the item, the higher the likelihood of other bidders driving up the price. A strategy is crucial to minimize losses.

The Costs of Bidding on DealDash

One of the most important aspects of DealDash to understand is the cost of bidding. As mentioned, each bid costs money (typically $0.15), and you’ll need to buy bids in advance. This can add up quickly if you find yourself bidding on many auctions.

To help offset this, DealDash offers some promotions. For example, they sometimes provide “free bids” to new users, or offer “bid packs” that give you a discount when you purchase larger quantities of bids. However, you should always be mindful of the total cost of bids, especially if you get caught up in the excitement of bidding.

Is DealDash Legit?

Yes, DealDash is a legitimate company, but it is important to approach penny auctions with caution. It is not a get-rich-quick opportunity, and there’s a risk of losing money on bids. If you're not careful, you might end up paying more than the retail value of an item.

DealDash has been around for years and has built a reputation in the penny auction space. They offer a “Buy It Now” (BIN) option, which means if you don’t win an auction, you can still purchase the item at its retail price and receive the bids you’ve placed back. This helps reduce the risk of losing money.

Additionally, DealDash is certified by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which gives it a degree of legitimacy in the online shopping world.

DealDash Reviews: User reviews are mixed, with many users praising the potential savings and others expressing frustration at the money they lost on bids without winning. Understanding how DealDash works and using it carefully is crucial for success.

How to Win Auctions on DealDash

Winning auctions on DealDash requires more than just luck—it demands strategic planning and smart bidding. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

1. Set a Budget and Stick to It: Before you start bidding, determine how much you're willing to spend on bids and auctions. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, so having a firm budget ensures you avoid overspending.

2. Use BidBuddy Wisely: DealDash offers an automated bidding tool called BidBuddy, which places bids for you at the last possible moment. This tool is invaluable for staying competitive, but use it cautiously to prevent exceeding your bid limit.

3. Focus on Low-Competition Auctions: Target auctions with fewer participants, especially for lower-value items. Auctions with less competition increase your chances of securing a good deal.

4. Bid During Off-Peak Hours: Late at night or early in the morning, when fewer users are active, auctions are often less competitive. Take advantage of these quieter times to improve your odds.

5. Observe and Learn: Before bidding, spend some time watching how other users behave in auctions. Noticing patterns, such as when people bid or stop bidding, can help you refine your strategy.

6. Take Advantage of Promotions: Keep an eye out for discounted bid bundles, free bids for new users, or special promotional events. These offers can significantly reduce your costs and boost your chances of winning.

7. Know When to Walk Away: If an auction price climbs too high or the competition becomes fierce, it’s better to stop bidding and save your resources for another auction. Patience is key on DealDash.

Alternatives to DealDash

While DealDash is a popular option for penny auctions, it’s not the only platform available. Here are a few alternatives to consider:

1. QuiBids: Another penny auction site similar to DealDash, QuiBids allows users to bid on products and offers a "Buy Now" option for users who don’t win.
2. eBay: A more traditional auction site where users can bid on items, but without the penny-increment model. eBay auctions typically have no upfront costs to bid.
3. Tophatter: An auction site with fast-paced bidding, where most auctions are completed within 90 seconds. It’s ideal for users looking for a quick and competitive auction experience.

Final Thoughts: Is DealDash Worth It?

DealDash offers a unique approach to online shopping, where you can potentially snag big discounts on items through penny auctions. However, it’s important to consider the costs of bidding and the competitive nature of the auctions. While DealDash is legit and offers fun ways to win products, it’s definitely not for everyone.

If you’re a savvy bidder with a clear strategy and budget, you may be able to win items at a significant discount. But if you’re not careful, the cost of bidding can quickly outweigh any potential savings.

For more insights on online shopping and how to save, check out our other articles on ThinkSaveRetire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About DealDash

1. Is DealDash Legit?

Yes, DealDash is a legitimate online auction platform. It has been in operation for years and is certified by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, like any auction site, it requires caution, especially regarding the costs of bids.

2. How Do I Place a Bid on DealDash?

To place a bid, you need to buy bid packs, with each bid typically costing around $0.15. When you place a bid, the price of the item increases by 1 cent, and the auction time resets. The auction ends when no one bids for a certain amount of time, and the highest bidder wins.

3. What Happens if I Don’t Win an Auction?

If you don’t win, you can still buy the item at the retail price using the “Buy It Now” (BIN) option and get your bids back. This reduces the risk of losing money entirely.

4. How Much Do Bids Cost on DealDash?

Bids on DealDash typically cost around $0.15 each. However, prices can vary, especially during promotions when you can get discounts on bid packs.

5. How Do I Win on DealDash?

To win on DealDash, you can use strategies like BidBuddy (use with caution), bid during off-peak hours, set a budget, and start with smaller auctions. Observing other users’ bidding patterns can also help you develop a winning strategy.

6. Can I Use DealDash Outside of the U.S.?

Yes, DealDash is available to international users, though shipping availability and costs may vary based on your location. Always check shipping policies before placing a bid.