This article describes processes and tips for creating and managing a Live Event in AuctionBuilder. For more information on creating a live cross-listed auction, click here.
This article contains the following sections:
Event Setup
Select Live & Pre-bid, Live, or Live Virtual as the Event Type to create a Live auction. The subsections below align to fields that are only visible when creating a Live event.
Stream Audio/Video
Proxibid allows an auction event to be live webcast. Streaming live video or audio from an auction creates an authentic, exciting and more appealing auction experience for online buyers as it makes bidders feel as if they are at the auction. Having audio and/or video will makes an event more interactive. The more interactive an event, the better online results will be.
If there is any chance the auction event may be streamed online, check the Stream Audio/Video box when creating the event to reserve a dial-in audio stream for the auction event.
If a cross-listed event is being run on both Proxibid and BidSpotter/ATG White Label, it will require separate audio streams (can be the same inputs).
It is strongly recommended that auction companies test their audio/video connection 24-48 hours before an auction begins. For more information, see Live Streaming Test.
Date of Live Event
Use the Date of Live Event and Start Time fields to enter the date/start time of the auction. The start time is the time bidders will plan on logging in for live bidding. If an event contains some inventory that will not be offered online, enter the time the online portion of the auction will begin. The on-site times can then be listed in the Event Description.
The Estimated End Date and Estimated End Time are used to assist the Proxibid Implementation team in scheduling support for events. If an event contains some inventory that will not be offered online, enter the time the online portion of the auction will end. The on-site times can then be listed in the Event Description.
Operator Options
Use the Operator Option drop-down to select whether the auction will be self-run, or run by a Proxibid Operator. For more information, see Event Operator Options.
For cross-listed events, if you would like an ATG Operator to run your auction on both platforms, you will need to request two separate operators, one for Proxibid and one for BidSpotter/ATG White Label. You do not need separate operators for BidSpotter and ATG White Label as they are both managed through GAP.
- For information on requesting an Operator for Proxibid, see Event Operator Options.
- For information on requesting an Operator for BidSpotter/ATG White Label, see Requesting an Auction Services Pro.
Cross-Listed Auctions
Below are some key items to consider when creating and managing a Live cross-listed auction. Live auctions can currently only be cross-listed to BidSpotter and ATG White Label. For more information on live cross-listed auctions, click here.
- While AuctionBuilder allows you to run a Live auction without pre-bidding, GAP Toolbox requires pre-bidding on Live auctions.
- For Live auctions, Reserves entered into AuctionBuilder will not sync to GAP Toolbox. If reserves are needed on BidSpotter or ATG White Label, they will need to be added to the catalog in GAP Toolbox manually.
- Gap Toolbox's live auction application does not display the lot title. As such, adding the lot title to the lot description is recommended in Live auctions to make it easier for the operator to run the live sale in GAP Toolbox.
- If you would like an ATG Operator to run your auction on both platforms, you will need to request two separate operators, one for Proxibid and one for BidSpotter/ATG White Label.
- Once the live application is launched in either AuctionBuilder or GAP Toolbox, edits made to the catalog will not sync to the live applications. The live applications in both AuctionBuilder and GAP Toolbox will need to be re-launched in order for the changes to sync.
- In both AuctionBuilder and GAP Toolbox, the auction is closed by the operator in the live auction application.
- Passing lots should be done by the operator via the live auction application for both AuctionBuilder and GAP Toolbox.
Managing a Live Event
Catalogs should be finalized prior to changing the status of a Live Event to 'Live'.
Some fields will be restricted from edits in Live & Pre-Bid events once the status is changed to 'Online'.
Additionally, certain edits will be restricted on lots with pre-bids. If a lot already has pre-bids, a message will appear at the top of the lot on Catalog Generator page. For more information on editing and deleting lots, see Edit Lots.
Prior to the Event
- Perform a live streaming test 24-48 hours prior to the start of the event.
- Test the computer setup and connection before auction day and then again before the auction goes live.
- Schedule periodic breaks for the software operator.
Auction Day
- If the event will be streaming live audio via a cell phone, call the Proxibid audio line at 402-504-3500 approximately 15-20 minutes before the event begins.
- Verify that all battery powered equipment is fully charged, and that back-up equipment is readily available.
- Launch the Auctioneer Application 30-45 minutes prior to the start of the event.
Equipment Recommendations
Proxibid recommends the Logitech C930e camera. The camera software must be installed in order to get the best video quality with the Proxibid web encoder.
The webcam models below are not supported with the web encoder:
- Logitech C910
- Logitech C920
- Logitech C922
Closing a Live Event
For Live events, the auction will need to be closed manually using the steps below.
- Navigate to the event in AuctionBuilder and confirm that all bidding in the auction has been completed.
- Navigate to the auction's Listing page and select Closed from the Status drop-down.
- More information about Event Status can be found here.
- More information about Event Status can be found here.
- Click the Update button at the bottom of the page.
- A confirmation message will appear.
Troubleshooting
Uploading Images After Going Live
If there are just a few images that need to be added to lots, they can be added manually after the event goes live, however the Auctioneer Application will need to be relaunched in order for the new images to appear. Bidders will also need to refresh the Live Bidding Application.
If several images need to be added, please contact Seller Support for assistance.