Choosing auction software: look beyond the bidding screen
· By SeyCode
An online bidding screen is visible to buyers. Much of the work that makes an auction run happens around it. When assessing auction software, start with the complete sale process and the people responsible for each step.
Before bidding: establish the handover
Ask where stock information originates, who prepares descriptions and images, and how catalogue corrections reach the buyer-facing view. Clarify how buyers register and what staff must review before participation.
During the sale: follow the staff workflow
Walk through your live or timed format using a realistic sale example. Ask what the buyer sees, how staff clerk the sale and how operational questions are handled. A feature list alone will not tell you whether the process suits your team.
After the sale: follow the asset
Discuss seller reporting, buyer follow-up and collection administration. Establish which steps are included, which use a separate system and who owns each handover. Matters is a separate active project around offers, releases and collection planning; do not assume those workflows are standard in every BidFactory setup.
Communication is a separate decision
A buyer record does not automatically give permission to send marketing. Ask how contact data, subscriber preferences and account-related messages are handled. Email, SMS and WhatsApp each have a role, depending on the purpose and the customer’s choices.
Use your own process in the demonstration
Bring a sample catalogue structure and describe your staff roles. Discuss onboarding, support, provider dependencies and costs before deciding. SeyCode’s BidFactory work spans buyer bidding, catalogues, registration, clerking and seller-facing tools.