Shop at Bid

It originally broadcast 12 hours a day, much of which was pre-recorded, with auction graphics overlaid so people could bid.

Bid later aired live broadcasts almost 18 hours a day, with recorded TV Shopping Network presentations during its downtime.

However, these were removed following the collapse of shopping channel Auction World.tv, which was criticised for advertising misleading guide prices.

When the channel originally launched, one of the most popular features was the relaxed style in which the presenters and assistants interacted with each other.

Despite the fact that they no longer used an auction hall theme, the presenters exclusively refer to the products they sell as 'lots' and to their customers as 'bidders'.

When referring to the next item to be sold the presenters and assistants would say "Closing next..." In early 2006 the website was overhauled in an attempt to increase its user-friendliness and overall aesthetic appeal.

In August, a new graphic was introduced, showing Bid TV's website address and a falling arrow.

On certain products (often bedding or clothes) the customer was able to choose the size or colour by pressing a telephone button.

As a celebration for Bid TV's 7th birthday, in September and October 2007, the channel held a six weekend megadrop promotion where at least one product each hour between 8pm on Friday and 1am on Sunday was sold for £1 plus postage.

Along with the new name, new buying graphics were introduced on all Bid Shopping channels and new idents compromising of 3D products flying around the new logo designs were shown.

The buying process changed to allow viewers to speak to an advisor after purchase and did not require a call back.

On 23 April 2014, the Bid and Price Drop websites were updated and the channels were pulled from Virgin Media.

Customers were also able to place bids for items on the website (providing they were registered) so as to avoid the initial £1.53 charge, but not postage and packaging.

Bid was therefore found in breach of ASA broadcasting codes for providing inaccurate pricing.

Sit-Up's chief executive Ian Percival explained the situation by saying "We are experimenting by using recorded video of a sale but playing it out with a live auction.

A subsequent press report stated that these recorded auctions would be scrapped following complaints and a possible ASA investigation.

However, Sit-Up's channels have in fact routinely featured these so-called "graphic led" pre-recorded auctions since launch.