You already know you’re going to need a serious computer set-up during your auction in order to process the tons and tons of information (“tons” being the technical measurement of information) that run through your event. Finding the set-up that fits your specific auction need isn’t so obvious, however.

 

There are a couple of computer use options available to you for your auction:

1. Contract computer equipment and networking services through Stokes Auction Group. We provide all computers (with appropriate auction software installed), printers and necessary connections, set everything up, show you and your volunteers how to use it, and are even available to help during the auction. We really don’t mind standing over your shoulder and staring at the screen while you try to work.

2. Use your own computer equipment and networking services. Also, you might already have auction software. In which case, reading this section of the site is a good brush-up. Thank you for stopping by.

 

When shopping for auction software, you should look for software that can:
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  • Customize to fit your event’s needs
  • Track and manage all constituents, including mailing, attendance, table assignments, bid numbers, entrée choices, payment history and so on
  • Track and organize catalog items and non-catalog or multi-sale items (such as raffles)
  • Combine individual items together to create packages
  • Maximize efficiency of input for Fund-A-Need, bidding frenzies and other specialty auction modules
  • Possibly offer Bid-O-Gram, a computer-based auction feature
  • Offer a stage-side bidder recognition display
  • Produce professional-looking and consistent materials for your auction: catalogs, gift certificates, mailings, bid sheets and invoices
  • Streamline registration, successful bid entry, express pay and efficient check-out
  • Produce detailed reports with a click of a button
  • Enable organization and constituents to be IRS-compliant
  • Synchronize to a service that can process your credit cards automatically, eliminating the need to hand-enter thousands of digits after your event
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    The software company you choose should:
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  • Allow web-enabled remote entry (essential during procurement process)
  • Import and export existing data from your current tracking system
  • Supply responsive and capable technical support by phone and email
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