FAQ
Learn how our solutions can help you maximize your business potential.
Event Types
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What types of auctions does AuctionMethod support?
AuctionMethod supports various auction types including Timed Online Auctions, Simulcast Auctions, Fixed-Price Sales, Blind Timed Auctions, and Catalog-Only options.
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Can users place a bid higher than the minimum bid amount?
Yes, bidders can place a bid higher than the minimum bid increment. This is called a "proxy bid" or "maximum bid" and allows the system to automatically bid on the user's behalf up to their maximum amount.
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What is a bid extension or soft close?
A bid extension, or soft close, is a feature of timed online auctions that automatically extends the end time of an auction item if a bid is placed within the last few minutes of the auction. This prevents "sniping" and ensures that all interested bidders have a fair chance to place their highest bid.
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Can I require users to place bids in defined increments on?
Yes, our software allows you to set defined bid increments, ensuring a consistent and fair bidding process across all auctions.
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How does AuctionMethod's Simulcast Auction solution work?
The Simulcast Auction solution is a low-latency live auction simulcast tool that includes a clerking console to manage bids from both live and online audiences. It supports prebidding, on-the-fly lot creation, and group and choice lot sales.
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Is there a dynamic closing option for timed online auctions?
Yes, AuctionMethod offers a custom "Dynamic Closing View" for timed online auctions, changing the catalog layout when the auction is closing to focus on the items that are selling soonest.
Administration
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Is there any mobile app available for auction management?
Yes, AuctionMethod offers a dedicated mobile application called "The Auctioneer's Toolbox," which streamlines auction management on the go. It syncs up with the platform and allows you and your team to create auction inventory with pictures and also to manage the checkout process.
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What payment gateways does AuctionMethod support?
The software platform includes a flexible invoicing system with various automation options, and it supports multiple payment gateways, including Clover CardConnect, Authorize.net, eWay, and Stripe.
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How does the software handle sales tax and reseller tax exemptions on invoices?
AuctionMethod provides a robust sales tax management system that allows auction administrators to handle sales tax and reseller tax exemptions with ease. Administrators can create tax codes, set rates, and apply them to auction events or specific items. When it comes to reseller tax exemptions, the software enables administrators to manage reseller tax-exemption certificates for bidders, ensuring that tax-exempt bidders are not charged sales tax on their invoices.
During the invoicing process, the software system will automatically calculate and apply sales tax based on the set tax rates and the buyer's location. If a bidder has a valid reseller tax-exemption certificate on file, the software will recognize their tax-exempt status and exempt them from sales tax on their invoice. This ensures that the invoicing process is accurate and compliant with tax regulations, simplifying the auction management process for administrators.
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Can I import auction lots using file uploads?
Yes, the software supports importing auction data using CSV file uploads, streamlining the data-entry process.
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How do you handle shipping and removal of purchased items?
The software streamlines the shipping and removal process with features like removal scheduling, a checkout tool in The Auctioneer's Toolbox mobile app, and removal authorization forms for buyer releases. Keep track of lots that have been pulled in advance and track shipments to buyers too.
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What kind of reporting options are available?
The software provides comprehensive reporting, including accounts receivable reports, sales tax reports, invoice summaries, deposit reports, bidder expense reports, and more. These reports can be filtered and exported for further analysis.
User Management
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Can I manage consignor accounts on AuctionMethod?
Yes, our software platforms can provide comprehensive consignor management options, including creating and editing consignor statements, controlling commissions, and managing account privileges.
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Can I import bidders using file uploads?
Yes, you can do this yourself on the StableBid platform. With AdaptaBid, the support team will help import bidders as part of the data-migration process. That includes scrubbing and cleaning the account data prior to import.
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What are the options for managing bidder accounts?
AuctionMethod allows administrators to manage pending registrations, edit account details, blacklist bidders, import and export bidder lists, manage reseller tax exemptions, and more.
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Can I retract bids made by users?
Of course. Administrative users with the right privileges can remove one or more bids from a lot's bid history and automatically notify other bidders who are impacted by the change.
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Can I assign different user roles to admin users?
Yes, AuctionMethod allows you to assign different user roles to admin users, providing varying levels of access and privileges depending on their responsibilities within your organization. Roles available on the StableBid platform include Super Administrator, Administrator, Field Viewer, Data Entry, Checkout Only, and Auction Only. The AdaptaBid platform allows for the creation and customization of user roles.
By assigning appropriate user roles, you can effectively manage your team and ensure that each member has the necessary permissions to perform their tasks without compromising the overall security and integrity of your auction platform. To assign user roles, you can access the user management section, create or edit admin accounts, and choose the appropriate role for each user.
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Can I ban users?
Yes, AuctionMethod allows administrators to ban users by adding their accounts to a blacklist. Once a user is blacklisted, they will no longer be able to log in or re-register on the platform. This feature enables auction administrators to maintain control over their user base and prevent unauthorized or problematic users from participating in auctions or accessing the platform. To ban a user, administrators can access the user management section, find the user in question, and add them to the blacklist.
User Experience
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Can consignors upload their own auction lots?
With the AdaptaBid product, consignors can be given the option to upload their own auction lots, depending on their account privileges.
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Can users browse past sales data and auction results?
Yes, if you make the option available to them, then users to browse, search, and filter past sales data and auction results, providing valuable insights into historical item values and trends.
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Can bidders create a watch-list of favorite lots?
Yes, bidders using the AuctionMethod platform can create a watch list of their favorite lots. This feature allows users to easily track and monitor items they are particularly interested in, making the bidding process more organized and efficient. Bidders can add lots to their watch list with just a few clicks while browsing the auction catalog. This watch list can then be accessed and managed by the bidder from their account, keeping them up-to-date and engaged with the items they find most appealing.
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Can users control their communication preferences?
Yes, users on the AuctionMethod platform have the ability to control their communication preferences. This feature enables bidders to choose how they would like to receive notifications and updates, such as email or text messages. Users can easily manage their preferences through their account settings, ensuring they receive the most relevant and important information in the manner that suits them best. By allowing users to control their communication preferences, AuctionMethod helps create a personalized and user-friendly experience for bidders.
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Do bidders see bid status information in real-time?
Yes, bidders on the AuctionMethod platform see bid status information in real-time. As bids are placed, the system updates the bid status immediately, ensuring that bidders always have the most current information. This real-time visibility allows bidders to stay engaged and make informed decisions throughout the auction process. Additionally, the platform provides real-time updates on outbid notices and auction closing alerts, keeping bidders informed and allowing them to act quickly and efficiently.
Platform Settings
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Can I control the 'soft-close' extended bidding settings?
Yes, of course! You can enable or disable extended bidding, and you can control when it happens, whether time is added to the countdown clock or it is reset, and how much time is used for the bid extension.
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Can I require users to place bids in defined increments?
Yes, our software allows you to set defined bid increments, ensuring a consistent and fair bidding process across all auctions.
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Can users place a bid higher than the minimum bid amount?
Yes, bidders can place a bid higher than the minimum bid increment. This is called a "proxy bid" or "maximum bid" and allows the system to automatically bid on the user's behalf up to their maximum amount.
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How is GDPR compliance handled?
AuctionMethod has GDPR compliance features built-in to protect user data and privacy. However, you have the option to disable GDPR compliance if it is not applicable to your business.
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What options are available for managing categories?
AuctionMethod's software platform provides several options for managing categories, allowing administrators to effectively organize auction items and enhance user experience. The available options include:
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Add categories: Administrators can create new categories to suit the specific needs of their auction events, ensuring items are organized and easy to find for bidders.
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Edit categories: Existing categories can be modified to update their names or descriptions, enabling better organization and clearer presentation of auction items.
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Delete categories: If a category is no longer needed or has become obsolete, administrators can remove it from the system.
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Category-specific fees: Custom fees can be added to buyer invoices or to consignor statements based on the category of the lot sold.
These category management options provide a flexible and user-friendly system for organizing auction items, enhancing the overall experience for both administrators and bidders.
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Can the software be white-labeled?
Yes, AuctionMethod's software platform offers a white-label option, allowing clients to have a privately branded website. With the white-label feature, the AuctionMethod footer attribution link is removed from your website, providing a seamless integration with your own brand identity. This option enables you to maintain a consistent and professional appearance throughout your online auction platform, enhancing the overall user experience and strengthening your brand's recognition in the market.
Uptime & Support
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What are the customer support hours?
AuctionMethod's customer support is available from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (US Eastern), Monday through Friday. During these hours, you can reach out to the support team for assistance, and they are committed to responding to your inquiries within 60 minutes or less. This ensures that you receive prompt and reliable help whenever you need it during the support hours.
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What's the best way to get technical support?
The best way to submit a support ticket is by logging in to your software platform as an administrator and selecting the Support option in the main administrative menu. This will provide the support team with critical details that can be used to provide better support. Alternatively, send an email to support@auctionmethod.com.
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What is the uptime guarantee?
AuctionMethod offers a 100% uptime guarantee for its software platform. This means that we are committed to ensuring that their platform is available and operational 24/7 without any interruptions or downtime. In the event of any service disruptions, we have a dedicated status page with optional email and text notifications to keep their clients informed and updated. This level of commitment to reliability and performance helps AuctionMethod clients maintain a seamless auction experience for their end-users.
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Can I check on the system status and receive notifications if there are service interruptions?
Yes, AuctionMethod provides a dedicated system status page where you can monitor the software platform's uptime and performance. In the event of any service disruptions, the status page will display relevant information to keep you informed about the situation. Additionally, you have the option to sign up for email and text notifications that will alert you when there are service interruptions, ensuring that you stay updated on the system's status and can address any issues with your users in a timely manner.
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How do you ensure platform security?
AuctionMethod is committed to ensuring the security of its platform to protect both its clients' data and the end-users' sensitive information. Here are some key policies and procedures that they follow:
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Secure Infrastructure: AuctionMethod's platform is built on a robust and secure infrastructure, using leading cloud service providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS) to maintain high levels of security and data protection.
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Data Encryption: All data transmitted to and from AuctionMethod's platform is encrypted using industry-standard encryption protocols like Secure Socket Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) to protect sensitive information during transmission.
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Regular Updates and Patches: AuctionMethod continually monitors and updates its platform to ensure that it is running the latest security patches and updates, minimizing any potential vulnerabilities.
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Access Control: Access to the platform and sensitive information is tightly controlled, with administrators able to assign different user roles and privileges to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to specific data and features.
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Employee Training: AuctionMethod trains its employees on security best practices and the importance of maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of user data.
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Incident Response Plan: AuctionMethod has a detailed incident response plan in place to quickly address and mitigate any potential security breaches or incidents.
By implementing these policies and procedures, AuctionMethod maintains a secure platform for its clients, providing them with peace of mind and confidence in the system's integrity.
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Do you offer software training for me and my team?
Yes, AuctionMethod offers software training to ensure a smooth transition and a thorough understanding of the platform's features and functionalities. We provide live demonstrations and video tutorials, which can be customized to cater to your team's specific needs. Additionally, our knowledgeable and friendly support staff are available to assist you with any questions or concerns during the learning process, making it easy for you and your team to become proficient in using the AuctionMethod software.
Billing
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Does AuctionMethod take a percentage of my sales or charge any other fees?
No. We do not take a percentage of sales. There are no per-lot or per-event fees. We do not charge extra to include more pictures. Run as many auctions as you want, with as many lots as you want, for as much money as you can possibly get - no extra fees!
* If you enable SMS text messaging on your platform, then you will incur usage-based fees for that service.
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What is the subscription length?
We do not require any long-term commitments. All subscriptions are on a month-to-month basis and you can cancel at any time.
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Can I save money by paying for a full year at a time?
Sure. You can save 10% by paying for 12 months of service in advance.
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How do I qualify for the UpliftBid platform for nonprofits?
To qualify for the UpliftBid platform for nonprofits, you should follow these steps:
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Your organization should have a legal nonprofit status in your country, such as a 501(c)(3) designation in the United States.
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Collect any relevant documentation that demonstrates your organization's nonprofit status, mission, and purpose.
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Submit an application on the UpliftBid product page.
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How are development services billed?
We provide firm quotes for all development work before we begin. If you decide to proceed with the work, then you pay for it in advance. At our discretion, we will accept a 50% down payment for larger projects, with the remaining 50% due upon completion.