About

YourLocalAuction.com is a business model for free localized online marketplace, designed to increase community spirit and boost economic activity for residents, local businesses, with awareness and fund-raising abilities for all local charities, political campaigns and non-profit organizations in order to strengthen and bring the communities together.The concept was developed by Tim and Pam Hoke, two entrepreneurs striving to help us all to connect on a more neighborly and fair level, while helping to make the world a better place for us to live and enjoy.

Who...


In early 2006, founder Tim Hoke discovered a software program developed in Spain, modeled after the well known eBay, u-Bidz, and Overstock.com online auctions, that he could manipulate with his extensive php-code experience to fit a need for a local niche online marketplace. Teamed up with Pam Hoke, brand expert, it was evident that the idea could be brought to fruition. It is free to everyone to exchange goods and services, with nominal advertising fees for companies who wish to participate – the business model relies largely on these companies along with Top Supporters for each area to be the bearer of the gift to their community.

What/Why...

The concept is simple - to provide a free marketplace online to all that benefits everyone and is safe and friendly. It was primarily driven by the hardships of selling large ticket items on eBay (such as boats, cars, furniture, appliances), to eliminate shipping, and provide the buyer easy access to inspect items. Once the software was obtained and manipulated, more came to mind. From a brand strategy standpoint and marketability tool, it was obvious that the local auction concept would become more than just an online yard sale, it would become a full portal for community connection. This marketplace is the only free localized marketplace that still connects all communities, for all types of business transactions. To add to the concept of connecting community are the Charity and Political sections.

The idea is to bring this out to communities everywhere as a viable alternative to online marketplaces and economic boost, giving small businesses and non-profits a jump-start to awareness and e-commerce, and residents a means to additional income/solution to current credit crunch. Neighborly, community oriented but, still connected to the rest of the nation.

Philanthropic Vision...

The objective is to create a place where people can become pro-active in their personal efforts to make ends meet and make a difference. All the while, local small businesses, non-profits and political efforts can increase awareness and funds effectively through the free and easy e-commerce available to them.

PHILANTHROPY GUARANTEE - Syntheweb, creator of YourLocalAuction.com DOES NOT collect ANY funds nor WILL EVER generate any income directly from non-profits or charities at these stores beyond the advertising revenue from our advertisers. This allows us to provide this free service completely free from our end to all our community non-profits and charities. The only expense for participation by 501c3's are any end selling fees incurred from their own banking institutions - NOT Syntheweb. For the protection of all buyers and donors, each charity/non-profit has to provide valid proof of their 501c3 status in order have their stores approved on this site. In addition, all private information about an organization, including their tax-exempt information is kept confidential - Syntheweb will NEVER disclose any confidential or private information about participating non-profits.

PRIVACY GUARANTEE - Syntheweb, creator of YourLocalAuction.com does not release, rent, sell or otherwise disclose any of the user information provided, unless required for the completion of an auction transaction.

The founders, long-time Martin County residents, former school district teachers, and volunteers for several local organizations, merely discovered a way to help all the local non-profit organizations within the means that they could. Questions or comments? Post a note on the message board, e-mail them, or call 866-LOCAL-40! We want to hear from you!