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Choosing the Right Auction Platform
It’s not about price - it’s about performance and value
When you're choosing a digital auction platform for your real estate agency, it should never be just about the price. Take a close look at what the platform actually delivers.
It's like comparing a European car with all the right features and performance to a budget model with no extras. On paper, they both get you from A to B, but the features, experience, reliability, and long-term value are worlds apart.
Does It Meet Your Day-to-Day Needs?
First and foremost, ask yourself: Does this platform meet my agency's day-to-day needs?
It's easy to be tempted by a low monthly fee, but if the product doesn't offer the right tools or, worse, only covers the basics, you'll quickly run into limitations. A platform designed specifically for auctions should enhance your process, not create more work.
What Clients Say About Other Platforms
I receive consistent feedback from clients who have switched to Auctions Live about the frustrations they experienced with their previous auction systems. Describing them as clunky, outdated, and lacking the flexibility modern agencies need. Some of the most common issues include:
- Having to manually build in-room presentations using PowerPoint.
- No ability to generate a simple Order of Sale sheet.
- A complicated, hard-to-use interface that causes stress during live auctions.
- No options to tailor the visual experience to reflect their brand.
- Inflexible bidder registration forms that can’t be customised to suit office requirements.
- Auctions are only visible on the provider's website, limiting brand visibility and reach.
These limitations add unnecessary work and often force agencies to create manual workarounds, defeating the purpose of using digital tools in the first place.
Support Makes a Difference
Support is another area that can be costly. A system might look polished, but if things go wrong and help is hard to obtain, minor problems can quickly escalate into significant issues.
At Auctions Live, we see firsthand the value of having a knowledgeable support team that understands the fast-paced and pressure-filled nature of running auctions. It's not just about fixing issues - it's about knowing someone has your back when you need it.
Your Platform Reflects Your Brand
Your auction platform also plays a role in how your brand is perceived. It should reflect the quality and professionalism of your business. A basic and rigid system doesn't just get in your way; it also gets in the way of your clients.
If you're serious about lifting your profile and delivering a top-tier client experience, your tech partner should support that.
The Real Cost of Pricing Models
When it comes to pricing models, I often hear that fixed monthly plans seem more straightforward. But think about it like you would a marketing campaign; do you go with the cheapest advertising package or the one that gets real results?
A pay-per-auction model gives you flexibility and control. Better still, the cost can usually be passed through to the vendor as part of their vendor-paid advertising, meaning it doesn't eat into your bottom line.
Is Your Provider Evolving?
Another thing I always encourage agencies to do is examine how a platform has evolved over the past few years. If it hasn't changed, that's a red flag. PropTech is moving fast, and if your provider isn't keeping up, your agency risks falling behind.
Innovation isn't a buzzword; it's a commitment to staying ahead of what your clients expect and what your competitors are doing.
Why We Built Auctions Live
At Auctions Live, we reinvest heavily into the platform every year. We're constantly improving - whether it's new features, integrations, or performance upgrades - because we believe our clients deserve more than just a basic tool. They deserve a partner who's thinking long-term.
When weighing your options, consider not just the current cost of a system. Consider how it enhances your workflow, supports your clients, and promotes your brand. Make sure it's growing with you, not holding you back.
That’s why we built Auctions Live, and I proudly stand behind it.
About the Author
This blog was written by Maurie Mazzeo, Managing Director and Co-Founder at RE Software Pty Ltd. The insights shared are based on Maurie’s extensive experience in real estate technology and client success, aimed at helping agents optimise their auction strategies.
Disclaimer: This blog does not consider specific legislation governing auctions or individual selling objectives. Always consult local regulations when conducting auctions.
Posted 1 month ago