Computers & Software
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. Let us help you determine those needs, trust, we’ve seen it all.
We recommend using a professional company to contract computer equipment and networking services. Our favorite company to work with is Elite Services & Support. They will provide all computers (with appropriate auction software installed), printers and necessary connections, set everything up and then when the event is over and your tired, they will even tear it all down removing the equipment and provide a fresh copy of your auction data to go.
When shopping for auction software, you should look for software that can:
- 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
The software company you choose should:
- 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 pre event, post event and during the event.
Consider these companies when shopping for auction software. Give us a call if you want to chat about your options.