an auction system and method which only allows a user who has paid a membership fee to participate . a user accesses an auction website . the user logs into the auction website . however , only a user who has paid a membership fee is allowed to log into the auction website . the user locates an item he wishes to bid on and places a bid on the item . the auction of the item is stopped after a predetermined time frame . the funds of a participant who places a highest bid is verified and then charged .