A Guide to Auction Software: Platforms, Pricing & Personalisation
- Eugenio Leijten
- 3 days ago
- 12 min read
Auction-Pro's ‘Guide to Auction Software’ provides a comprehensive overview of how auction software works, advice on choosing the right platform, key features to look out for, and pricing considerations.
When it comes to online auction software, you really only want three things: a platform that works and integrates with your current systems, a price that fits within your budget, and the ability to personalise the auction experience for your bidders.
It sounds simple, but there are many auctioneering software and platforms out there, so we understand it can be tricky to know which is going to offer you those core essentials.
An auction software as a service (or SaaS) platform is often the most cost-effective and user-friendly option.
There are no downloads or complicated setup processes—everything is accessible through a web browser. You can easily manage your auctions from anywhere, whether at your office or on the go if you're running it as a side hustle.
Not only is a SaaS platform very convenient, but it also offers advanced features that traditional auction software may not have.
Let's look a little more in-depth at your options and what you can expect from an auction SaaS.
What is Auction Software as a Service?
Auction SaaS, or Software as a Service, is a type of software delivery model where the software is centrally hosted and accessed through the internet.
In non-technical or wordy terms, it means you can access the software from any device with an internet connection, without having to download anything on your own computer.
Unlike traditional software that requires installation, SaaS is a cloud-based solution that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. You could be on your laptop, tablet, or even your phone and still be able to use the software as long as you have an internet connection.
Many of the big auction websites we shop on daily or weekly are examples of SaaS, as well as our very own online auction platform, Auction-Pro.
Who or What Businesses Can Use Auction Software?
From electronics and gadgets to fashion and accessories to niche collectible and antique items, almost any type of business can benefit from using auction software.
Here are just some examples…
Auction houses and auctioneers — Physical auction lots can be made more efficient and reach a wider audience when combined with an online auction platform.
Charities — Either registered charity organisations or individual fundraisers as part of a charity event can use auction software to raise funds for their cause.
Resellers and wholesalers — Auction software allows them to quickly and easily sell large quantities of goods, either through bulk sales or individual auctions.
Individuals — Collectors, traders, or side-hustlers can use auction software to buy and sell items for personal profit or hobby.
Liquidation companies — Auction software is a popular tool for liquidation companies to quickly sell off large quantities of goods, often at discounted prices.
Small businesses — Auction software can help small businesses reach a wider audience and compete with larger retailers by offering unique and hard-to-find items at competitive prices.
How Does Auction Software Work?
The way in which an online auction software works will depend on your provider, your current business model, and your specific needs.
For example, Auction-Pro works as both a standalone platform or as an add-on to your existing website.
Our auction SaaS can connect to your existing website, using a domain extension to host your auction. You can then link this on your website (like in the menu bar or on a specific landing page) to bring visitors directly to your auction.
Alternatively, you can use our software as a standalone platform, which will have its own dedicated website.
To make this possible, we partner with various integration platforms that are all strategically chosen to offer our clients the most seamless setup experience.
What Are the Key Features of Auction Software?
Capabilities and tools will vary based on the platform or software you select, but there are key features that distinguish quality auction software from others, and features you should expect to find.
Various Bidding & Listing Options
Payment Processing
User Management & Communication Tools
Display Customisation
Supported Marketing & SEO Tools
Custom Fee Options
Various Bidding & Listing Options
Online auction platforms should offer a variety of bidding and listing options to accommodate different types of auctions, such as live, timed, sealed bid, and more. These options should also allow for customisable bidding increments and reserve prices, giving you more control over your auctions.
Being able to categorise your lots or listings is also important, to help buyers find what they're looking for more easily. Look for auction software that allows you to create categories and subcategories, as well as the ability to add tags and keywords to your listings.
Payment Processing
A good auction software will integrate with payment processing services to make it easy for buyers to pay for their purchases.
Bear in mind that bidders and buyers will have expectations as to what payment options they are offered, like PayPal, credit card and bank transfers. It's important to offer a variety of payment methods to cater to different preferences and increase the chances of successful transactions.
Moreover, an efficient payment processing system will ensure timely payments from buyers, reducing the risk of non-payment and increasing seller satisfaction (or less frustration for you if you're a sole seller).
User Management & Communication Tools
Managing user accounts is an essential aspect of running a successful online marketplace. As the platform owner, you will need to keep track of user information, such as usernames, emails, and payment details, and monitor the activities of both bidders and sellers.
Integrated Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems can support this process by providing tools for managing customer data and more.
We partner with Monday.com to offer comprehensive user management and communication tools for our marketplace clients. |
Particularly if your auction isn't a one-off but a recurring event, CRM systems can help you build long-term relationships with your customers.
Customer satisfaction is king, and if your buyers or bidders aren't happy with the experience on your auction site, then they likely won't return.
Display Customisation
No person or business wants their auction site to look exactly like everyone else's, especially with the number of online auctions in the UK. A customisable display will help your business stand out from the rest, and make it easier for customers to identify your brand.
Customisation options can range from basic colour schemes and logos to more advanced design features like font choices, layout options, and image displays, so users can tailor their auction site to their brand's identity and create a unique user experience for customers.
Moreover, customisation options can also improve the functionality of your site.
For example, having different layouts may make certain features more prominent and easily accessible for buyers, while font choices can enhance readability and make it easier for customers to navigate the site.
Having a well-designed auction site also adds credibility and professionalism. A visually appealing site can help establish trust with customers, making them more likely to make a purchase and return in the future.
You should also have the ability to add pages, such as Terms & Conditions (key for legal protection), FAQs (to answer common questions from buyers and sellers), and a Contact page (for customers to easily reach out for support or inquiries).
Supported Marketing & SEO
Any good online auction software will give you the tools for easier promotion. You should be able to easily integrate social media sharing buttons, as well as have the ability to optimise your site for search engines to drive more traffic.
Email marketing and management is another feature you want to utilise. This tool will enable you to reach out to your customers, keep them informed about upcoming auctions and promotions, and gather feedback from them.
We partner with MailerLite.com to allow our clients to create engaging and personalised email marketing campaigns, reach their target audiences, and drive key customer engagement for a more successful auction. |
If you can create an email newsletter? Even better! This will allow you to showcase featured items, share success stories from previous auctions, and keep your customers engaged and interested in your business.
Structured Fee Options
Fees are an integral part of running and managing an online auction platform.
Some of the fees you'll need to consider are:
Auction set-up
Buyer's
Seller's
Buy now
Relist fee
These can be displayed and calculated as a percentage or monetary figure, and your chosen software should offer flexibility in setting and adjusting these fees.
Auction Software Pricing: What to Expect to Pay
We know price is a significant factor when refining your buying decision for auction software. You want to get good value and access to features for the price you pay, as well as fit within your budget.
Many different factors could affect how much you end up paying for your auction software, including tools, customisations, and support options.
We can't speak for other auction software providers, but we can assure you that Auction-Pro is priced competitively, transparently, and affordably.
Unlike many other software platforms, we offer full access to our features regardless of your chosen pricing plan—the only difference is the number of active listings you can have.
Here's how our pricing plans compare:
Auction-Pro Features | Starter Plan | Business Plan | Enterprise Plan |
Number of active listings | Up to 25 | Up to 100 | Unlimited |
Access to all features | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Most suitable for... | Individual sellers & small businesses | Small to medium-sized businesses or charities | Large corporations & established online auction hosts/charities |
What Makes a Good Auction Software Provider?
We understand it's a big decision to choose a provider for your auction software needs; you're putting a lot of trust and investment into their services.
Some key factors that make a good auction software provider include:
Reliability — Your auctions are important, and you need a platform that you can count on to run smoothly and without any technical issues.
User-Friendly Interface — The interface should be easy to navigate for both you, as the auction host, and for your potential buyers. This will ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Customer Support & Guidance — A great auction software provider should also have reliable customer support and provide guidance for any technical or operational questions that may arise. You shouldn't be expected to navigate any issues on your own, and having a knowledgeable support team can make all the difference in ensuring a successful auction.
Quick Setup Times — In today's fast-paced world, time is a valuable commodity. Your chosen auction software should have a quick and easy setup process, allowing you to get your auctions up and running in no time.
Comprehensive Onboarding — While speedy setups are valuable, that shouldn't mean rushed. A good software provider should offer comprehensive onboarding, making sure you (and your team) are fully trained on how to use the software effectively.
Scalability — As your auction grows, so should your software. Look for a provider that offers scalable solutions to accommodate your business's growth.
How to Choose Your Auction Software Platform: Questions to Ask
So, with all that in mind, how do you make the choice? We recommend considering the following factors when choosing your supplier:
Your needs as an auction business — how complex will your auctions be? Do you need advanced features like live bidding or inventory management?
The cost of the software — does it fit within your budget? Are there any additional fees for upgrades or support?
Who you're selling to — is the software user-friendly for both you as the auctioneer and your bidders?
Your auction niche or market — does the platform support the categories and items you typically sell, such as electronics or collectibles?
Mobile compatibility — is the software accessible on mobile devices? This is important for bidders who may prefer to bid from their phones or tablets.
Asking these questions, in addition to assessing whether the above features are included in the software, can help you make an informed decision when choosing the right auction software for your needs.
Auction-Pro: The Next Generation of Online Auction Software
At Auction-Pro, we pride ourselves on being a feature-rich, all-inclusive auction Saas.
We strive to be a top choice for auction software, offering not only accessible pricing, but also exceptional built-in tools in one centralised platform.
Having created our platform around what auctioneers actually want from online auction software, we have taken the best features of various competitors and made them accessible to all.
With Auction-Pro, you can:
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We hit all the marks of a good auction management platform, and then some. Plus, our 24/7 customer support ensures you are always taken care of. With detailed video guides, helpful articles, an online chat, and phone support, we are here to assist you every step of the way.
Book Your Free Live Demo Today
We wouldn't expect you to just take our word for it. That's why we offer a free live demo of our auction management platform, so you can experience all the features and benefits firsthand.
During the demo, one of our experts will walk you through each aspect of the platform and answer any questions you may have.
Fill out the form below to schedule your call with us. We look forward to seeing where your auction can go!
FAQs
How do you start an auction platform?
If you're looking to take your auction online, have a great guide, How to Set Up an Online Auction, that covers everything in detail.
But, in short, you will need a software solution that allows you to set up a website host your auction. This will allow you to create and customise an online platform where bidders can register, bid, and pay for items.
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