Dealdash and the BBB: What the Official Ratings Say About Legitimacy
DealDash is one of the most heavily advertised "penny auction" websites, promising incredible deals on brand-new electronics, appliances, and more. But for every glowing testimonial, there seems to be a story of someone losing money. This leads to a crucial question: "Is DealDash legit?" To get an objective answer, one of the best resources is the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This guide analyzes DealDash's BBB profile to understand what their rating and customer complaints say about the company.
The Short Answer (According to the BBB)
Yes, DealDash is a legitimate business, not a scam. They hold a "B" rating from the BBB and actively respond to customer complaints. However, its "pay-to-bid" model is confusing and high-risk, leading to hundreds of complaints from users who did not understand that they lose the money they spend on bids if they don't win the auction.
The Problem: A Confusing "Pay-to-Bid" Business Model
The core of the public's distrust stems from its business model. It is not a traditional auction. It's a "penny auction," which means you must pay for every bid you place.
- You must buy "bid packs" with real money (each bid costs ~12-15 cents).
- Every bid you place costs you one bid from your balance.
- You spend money on bids whether you win the auction or not.
The winner gets the item for the low final price, but DealDash makes its money from all the bids spent by everyone participating in the auction. This is the source of most customer confusion and complaints.
DealDash's BBB Profile: At a Glance (Early 2025)
| BBB Rating | B |
| BBB Accreditation | Not Accredited |
| Customer Complaints (3-Year) | Hundreds filed, with a high response rate from the company. |
The "B" rating indicates that the BBB believes the company makes a good faith effort to resolve customer complaints. Their lack of accreditation means they have not sought the BBB's endorsement. The high volume of complaints is a major red flag about the clarity of their business model.
The 3 Most Common Complaints on the BBB Website
Analyzing the text of the complaints reveals clear patterns:
"I didn't know I was paying for bids." This is the number one issue. Users think they are only paying the final auction price and are shocked to discover their credit card was charged for bid packs. They feel the model was not explained clearly.
"The 'Buy It Now' feature is misleading." DealDash allows you to buy the item at a retail price to get your spent bids back. However, customers complain this retail price is often inflated far above what the item costs on Amazon or elsewhere, making it a poor value.
"The auctions feel unfair or use bots." This is a common accusation against all penny auction sites. Users feel it's impossible to win and that automated "bots" are bidding against them to drain their bid balance. While there is no definitive proof, the feeling of an unfair playing field is a frequent complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DealDash considered gambling?
Legally, penny auctions have generally avoided being classified as gambling in the U.S. because there is an option to "Buy It Now." However, from a consumer perspective, the experience is very similar to playing a slot machine: you are paying money for the chance to win a prize, and the odds are structured in the house's favor.
Do people actually win on DealDash?
Yes, people do win the auctions and receive their products. The company's business model relies on having legitimate winners to advertise. However, for every person who wins a big-ticket item for a few dollars, many other participants have collectively spent far more on bids than the item is worth.
Can I get my money back from DealDash?
Generally, no. Bids are non-refundable. If you feel you were genuinely misled, your only recourse is to file a complaint through the BBB or contact your credit card company, but success is not guaranteed.
Conclusion: "Legit," But Not Recommended
Based on the information from the Better Business Bureau, we can draw a clear conclusion.
Yes, DealDash is a legitimate business. They are a real company that delivers the products people win, and they do respond to customer complaints. They are not an outright scam in that they take your money and disappear.
However, "legitimate" does not mean "a good financial decision." The business model is complex and high-risk for the consumer. The BBB complaints show that a significant number of users feel misled. Therefore, DealDash should be treated as a form of online entertainment, closer to a casino game than to shopping. It is possible to get a great deal, but it is far more likely that you will spend money on bids and walk away with nothing. If you choose to use DealDash, do so with a strict budget, understanding that the money you spend on bids is the cost of playing the game.
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