To adapt to online auctions, you don’t have to stop doing live auctions, but if your customers want both options, shouldn’t you?
There is a beauty to the live auction setting that technology will never replace. And it shouldn’t. The sights, sounds, smells – we can never expect to recreate that level of community and camaraderie in an online environment. Once we get past this pandemic and can preserve those traditions that have been embraced for so many years, we absolutely ought to.
But…you can’t put yourself out of a job. You can’t ignore a valid revenue stream that helps you continue doing what you do best.
When you’re ready to make the leap (and you probably already know that if the time isn’t now, you’re soon going to be too late), you’re going to want to find a trusted software partner. There’s a reason why people like to have personal insurance agents instead of customer service departments. There’s a reason why people would rather not have to call a 1-800 number every time they’re trying to work out the kinks of a system they were hesitant to learn in the first place.
Technology doesn’t have to replace the old ways. But you can’t ignore the fact that once you get over the “hump” of adapting to it, it’s going to be quick, it’s going to be convenient, and you’re going to be surprised at how quickly your customers adapt.
You, as an auctioneer, can sell items without having to leave your home. You can take bids any time, day or night. Your inventory is tracked automatically, and you can access it anytime. The process is simple. If you know how to use a smartphone in any capacity, you can take your auction business online.
Your customers will know where to find you. You quickly post your items on an app. Your customer processes their payment on the app. It’s not just simpler for you; it’s simpler for your customers. So they spend more money.
Worried about fraud? Online auctions have been around for a while now, but there are still some misconceptions about how they work. One of the most common objections is that it’s easy to get scammed when you purchase online. Can’t people steal your identity and use it to buy things in your name? This has happened in the past. But today’s auction sites have advanced fraud protection features that make them very secure.
There’s no need to go through all sorts of hoops to ensure a safe transaction. Bank industry encryption is the standard for online payment systems. Passwords and email confirmation codes are put in place to protect both buyers and sellers from fraud. From beginning to end, the level of safety is like having your own security detail. Also, online software doesn’t need to mean anyone else shares your data. You can own it, even the bidder’s info.
Online auctions expand your reach. There are just no two ways about it. Instead of depending on an audience from your local area, you can now reach potential buyers all over the country and the world. Anyone with internet access can connect to your auction.
It may seem daunting to adapt to online auctions, but you probably already know it’s inevitable. Find a provider that’s patient. Find a system that’s easy to use. Maybe we’re your people, and maybe you can start right now.
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