Over the past few years, we’ve all seen massive mergers shaking up the auction industry. Established names are joining forces with tech platforms at a pace that can leave small and mid-sized auctioneers unsure about the best path forward. I’ve been following these developments to see how things shape up (see Auction Industry Mergers and Acquisitions Analysis on LinkedIn). While combining resources can create some exciting opportunities, it also raises concerns about flexibility, costs, and the level of personal attention auctioneers receive.
I’ve spent much of my life around auctions, starting with my work at a family-run business and continuing through my partnership with Dennis and Nate, where we launched AuctionMethod as an independent tech solution. We created AuctionMethod to help auctioneers, estate sellers, and even businesses outside the auction world take ownership of their online sales. We’ve stayed independent since day one because our clients value freedom - the freedom to keep their brand in the spotlight, the freedom to set their own fees, and the freedom to customize software in ways that fit their operations.
Industry Trends vs. Client Needs
There’s no denying the appeal of major industry players. They can connect you to large bidder pools, streamline certain processes, and bring a recognizable label. For some folks, that can be a fine match. But I’ve also noticed a growing group of auctioneers and business owners who don’t want to sacrifice control or endure higher fees, just to be part of a giant marketplace. These folks would rather find a more personal platform that focuses on adapting to their needs, not the other way around.
That’s where smaller, independent providers like AuctionMethod come in. We offer two core platforms: StableBid and AdaptaBid. StableBid is an affordable, straightforward SaaS option that covers the essential online auction features without taking a cut of your revenue. AdaptaBid, on the other hand, is a more advanced version that can be carefully customized. If you want specialized workflows, mobile app integration, or custom bidding rules, AdaptaBid offers room to build exactly what you need.
The Value of Flexibility
When you’re part of a large platform, you often have to play by their rules. That can be fine if your auctions fit inside the standard mold. What happens, though, when you want to run a seasonal real estate sale with unique scheduling, or you’d like to charge a high buyer's premium and include unconventional terms and conditions, or you need to integrate your inventory system directly into your auction catalog? Adjusting those details might not be simple under a huge umbrella.
With an independent partner, you can usually pick up the phone and talk with the same team who built your platform. Those are the folks who can roll out an update or create a tweak that suits your process, and do it fast. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve received messages from clients who start by saying, “This might be a strange request…” and end by telling us how thrilled they are that we actually implemented it.
Serving Clients of All Sizes
One thing I’m especially proud of is how our tools help everyone from a single-person estate liquidator to a larger industrial auction company. StableBid gives smaller outfits the ability to run top-notch online auctions at a flat monthly fee, while AdaptaBid is popular with more complex businesses needing tailored features. We’ve even partnered with organizations outside the traditional auction scene. We’ve had wholesale pharmacies use our customized platform to move surplus inventory, metal recyclers use it to compete for and fill longstanding contracts, and auto dealers use it to set up dealer-to-dealer auctions with partial public participation.
Staying outside the big corporate groups has allowed us to remain centered on our clients. We don’t have any external pressures that might push us to spike prices or change software in ways that don’t make sense for the folks we serve. That’s meant a lot of direct collaboration and plenty of long-running relationships - the best part of what we do, in my opinion.
A Positive Future for Independent Providers
Consolidation isn’t always a bad thing, but it’s not the only route worth considering. If you’re an auctioneer or business that values flexible features, cost control, and an approachable team, there’s a lot to be said for choosing an independent platform. And if you ask me, competition in the auction tech market is a good thing. It keeps everyone on their toes.
Whether you’re a longtime industry veteran or exploring auctions for the first time, I encourage you to seek out a partner who treats you as more than another transaction. It could be AuctionMethod or another independent provider. Either way, the important thing is to have a solution that suits your business style and goals. If the mergers we’ve seen recently have left you feeling like you need more say in how your auctions run, know that there are still options out there.
I appreciate you taking the time to read my thoughts. If you ever want to compare notes or share your own experiences with auction tech, you’re always welcome to reach out. Let’s keep learning from each other and building a space where auctions thrive - with or without a massive corporate logo at the helm.
