Founder calls time on Wheedle

Online auction site Wheedle is closing about two years after its launch with its sole funder – Mainfreight co-founder Neil Graham – deciding against further investment. “Our aim was to create a commercially successful site where people could buy and sell online without costing users an arm and a leg,” he says in a message to the website’s members. “More than 80,000 members backed us and we’re proud of that.” An “important notice” has been posted on site’s home page. It states: “It is with regret we announce Wheedle is winding down. To recover funds in your account, please go to the refund page and provide appropriate information. “The $5 account closure fee will be waived. If you have an item listed, the auction will run its term and outstanding transactions can be completed.Please use the ‘contact us’ page if you have any questions. Thank you for your support and best wishes from the Wheedle team. It’s not about us, it’s about you.” Graham was the largest of three shareholders in the Christchurch-based company where employees have been given notice. Launched in October 2012, the site charged a flat-rate $1 fee on items selling for more than $20. Wheedle was soon shut due to issues with its systems before the site was relaunched in April 2013.