AUCTIONS ON THE GO

Bidding From YourMOBILE DEVICE

a u c t i o n A N D a p p r a i s e . c o m

Bidding at auction using your mobile device extends the reach of the event, as well as illustrates the benefits technology provides. No longer are you constrained to one physical location for auction participation. With your smartphone in hand, you can bid during an online auction anytime, anywhere.

WHY GO

MobileFOR AUCTION BIDDING?

Auctions certainly aren’t new to the Internet. In recent years, online auction sales have skyrocketed. They offer an open market to buy and sell products quickly and easily. Plus, low overhead allows online sellers to auction items for prices a bricks and mortar retailer usually cannot match.

However, one downside of online auctions is the dedicated attention a bidder must devote to winning an item. You need to be tuned into the auction, especially when an item you want is nearing the end of its bidding period.

For those who don’t want to stay in one place glued to their computer screen, mobile devices provide a great option. You can stay tuned-in to the auction without being tied down. Mobile bidding offers unmatched flexibility, convenience and simplicity. You never have to worry about losing an item because you were away from your computer.

Online auctions usually span several days or weeks. With the hectic lives that most people lead today, actively participating in the bidding process throughout the duration of an auction is impractical. Few participants can make themselves available day and night to monitor the action.

For example, auctions may end at inconvenient times for some bidders. Some people may have to work at their jobs and might not be able to access the auction site on a computer.

What if an item you really want experiences a rash of bidding activity right before the auction ends? But, you don’t have access to your computer to increase your bid amount. If you can’t respond with a raised bid amount, you’ll lose the item. By using a mobile device to access the auction company’s site, you’re never out of the bidding loop.

Mobile phone technology is changing the way we function in our business and personal lives. And auction bidding is just one more way you can leverage your mobile device to streamline your activities.

HOW TO

BidWITH A MOBILE DEVICE

Primarily, you have two ways you can bid using your smartphone: by accessing an auction website that’s been optimized for mobile devices, or downloading a mobile app.

A web-based auction interface simply means the auction company has designed its website so it supports mobile devices. In other words, they’re mobile friendly. When you access the mobile version of an auction website, you can easily perform functions without having to enlarge, scroll or perform other cumbersome navigation tasks on your small phone screen.

Instead, you have access to all the same bidding features as your desktop computer, but on your mobile device. You can be anywhere an Internet connection exists and participate in an auction.

In other scenarios, an auction company may develop specific applications for mobile devices. Although these apps let you perform basic auction activities, they typically involve a single auction site. This may not be an issue if you regularly only participate in one company’s auctions.

In addition, these company-specific mobile apps may not be fully featured. They may offer only basic auction features. So, it’s important to understand the capabilities of the mobile application you want to use.

Another option is a dedicated auction app. By providing a unified interface, these apps enhance mobile bidding far more than site-supplied apps. Bidding is simplified by accessing multiple auction sites from just one application. This is a great option for the avid bidder who routinely participates in more than one auction at a time.

So which mobile method is better? It really depends on the specific auction site and the mobile apps being offered. A site optimized for mobile access may or may not have the same functionality as the main website. And mobile apps can vary greatly in how they operate.

Some mobile apps allow bidders to decide their maximum bid for an item. The app may also let you to bid incrementally up to that price, as well as send you an alert if your maximum bid has been reached. You can then decide if you want to stop bidding or increase your upper bid limit.

While an app is helping you manage the bidding process, you’re free to do other things. You don’t have to be locked into the auction activity from start to finish.

In most cases, auction bidding apps for mobile devices can be downloaded from app stores such as iTunes for Apple products or Google Play for Android devices.

As the world becomes increasingly mobile every day, you can expect technically savvy auction companies to keep pace. Check with your auction company to learn how you can bid on the go.

LEARN MORE ABOUT

Auction SystemsAUCTIONEERS & APPRAISERS

Auction Systems Auctioneers & Appraisers, Inc. conducts all kinds of auctions on a regular basis. To find out more about our company, visit our website or contact us. Or, check our auction schedule for upcoming auctions.

About theAUTHOR

DEB WEIDENHAMERPRESIDENT

Deb Weidenhamer is President of Auctions Systems Auctioneers & Appraisers, Inc., based in Phoenix, Arizona. They specialize in auctions and professional appraisals. Visit us at www.auctionANDappraise.com or call 800-801-8880 for more information about Auction Firms.