Always Open: How Continuous Online Auctions Keep Sales and Engagement Rolling

The auction world is embracing a new approach: continuous online auctions. Unlike traditional scheduled events, these auctions run constantly, allowing items to be bought and sold 24/7. This model brings immense benefits to both auction houses and buyers, resulting in increased sales, broader audience reach, and improved convenience

How Continuous Online Auctions Work

Continuous online auctions operate on a rolling schedule, meaning items are always available for bidding. As soon as one auction ends, the next begins, creating a perpetual sales environment that boosts turnover and overall sales. Items are catalogued, photographed, and published immediately before being sold and shipped via Auctionet—resulting in an average stay of only 2-3 weeks at the auction house. This efficient cycle allows auction houses like Bishop & Miller to sell at a faster rate, maximizing inventory flow while preserving the time-honoured excitement of live hammer sales for a global audience.

The Benefits of introducing Continuous Online Auctions

1. Increased Throughput:
   With traditional auctions, there are often long periods where no sales take place, while items are stored and take up valuable space at the auction house premises. Continuous online auctions, however, ensure a constant cycle of items being listed and sold, which can lead to significantly higher sales volumes. Auction houses can achieve up to a 40% increase in item turnover with this model, as shown by Auctionet’s success stories—using the same premises and staff. 

2. Broader Buyer Reach:
   Continuous online auctions open the door to a global marketplace. By operating around the clock, auction houses can attract buyers from different time zones, expanding their reach beyond local and regional audiences. Auctionet’s platform has an extensive user base spanning over 180 countries, enabling auction houses to connect with international buyers who might otherwise be out of reach.

3. Enhanced Buyer Convenience:
   Buyers appreciate the flexibility of bidding whenever it suits them. Unlike traditional auctions, continuous online auctions allow browsing and bidding at any time, with thousands of new items added daily to keep the marketplace lively. This approach boosts engagement and satisfaction, catering to modern buyers’ need for flexibility, accessibility, and variety.

Real-World Success Stories

Auction houses using Auctionet’s platform have experienced the benefits of continuous online auctions. For example, Bishop & Miller has leveraged this model to keep buyers consistently engaged and increase their item turnover. By offering continuous sales opportunities, they’ve been able to cater to a broader audience and capitalise on the increased exposure that comes with a constantly updated catalogue.

Moreover, Auctionet supports auction houses in optimising their listings, ensuring that each item is easily discoverable and effectively promoted to potential buyers. The platform’s marketing and logistics tools further enhance the buying experience, making it simpler for buyers to browse, bid, and receive their purchases efficiently.

The Future of Auctions is Continuous

As more auction houses adopt continuous online auctions, it’s clear this model is the future of the industry. For auction houses looking to expand their reach and improve efficiency, continuous online auctions offer an unmatched opportunity for growth. By partnering with platforms like Auctionet, auction houses can take advantage of cutting-edge technology, robust buyer engagement tools, and hands-on support to maximise their sales potential, from start-up through to daily operations.