Heads-up, savvy readers: I recently discovered a seriously fun way to score brand-name merchandise for a fraction of retail, and I think you’ll want in. Meet MAC.BID – an auction app and warehouse-pickup experience where returned, overstocked and open-box items from big retailers land up for bidding. How it works: you use the MAC.BID app (or website – open a browser and type in the following URL: mac.bid) to browse listings, place bids (sometimes starting at $1!), and if you win, you go pick up your booty from a local warehouse. I use both the Mac.bid app on my smart phone as well as often login on my laptop. Both work great.

The appeal? Imagine getting a brand-name gadget, home appliance or furniture piece for way under what you’d pay in stores – and again, you can seriously come away with lots of home furnishings for ONE DOLLAR! I’m not making this up! It turns deal-hunting into a little game of strategy and fun. The app even lets you track lots, set max-bids, and watch live.

Just a small caveat (because you know I keep it real): these items are often returns or open-box, so inspect what you’re bidding on, check pickup rules, and factor in any extra fees. But if you do your homework, this can be a killer tool for bargain-lovers. Many of the items have never been touched because they are overstock items. And if you lose out when bidding on a given item, keep coming back to the site because often times those same items resurface – I’m talking about brand new ones that were never bid on before.

If you setup your account, I’d appreciate it if you put my name (Ara Norwood) in the referral box because it gives me some sort of perk (although I’m not sure what is).

So stop what you’re doing right now. Download the Mac.bid app to your mobile phone. And maybe set up an account on your computer or phone. And remember, I’m not responsible for any addiction this causes.

Happy bidding!