FEATURES MENU Benefits of utilizing virtual auctions
LIVE ONLINE AUCTION: Live online auctions take place in a real-time competitive environment, as opposed to EBay style auctions, which can be uneventful. Timed EBay style auctions also lack the emotional component of a live sale that often drives up prices. The virtual environment created by VA is the next step in the evolution of live online auctions in that it creates a more user friendly, competitive and exciting auction platform by bringing the beneficial qualities of a traditional auction to the online world.
SCALEABILITY: Whether VA auctions few or many assets, our business model is unique in that the costs remain relatively low. An example of how we are able to do this is by automating the auctions as well as the uploading of information thereby reducing the need for unnecessary manpower. VA is built with the capabilities to auction many lots over a very short period of time and operate 24 hrs a day if necessary.
COST BENEFIT: Our fees are far less then other auction houses and brokers.
MORE CONTROL EQUALS INCREASED VALUE: Our software allows customers the option to have a professional auctioneer manually run their auctions. This process creates more value per item in most cases, because it gives the company greater control over the auction process and allows a skilled auctioneer to drive up the prices. We also have the functionality to run automated auctions that would be available day and night, for a more consistent sales schedule.
TRAFFIC AGGREGATION AND MARKETING: Our company provides a separate website that acts as a portal for all clients using our software to generate web traffic. The sole intention of this site is to drive online traffic to the auctions. In addition, as opposed to other auction houses, with Virtual Auction your assets will not directly commingle with lots from other vendors. Your auctions will be separate whether they run on an I Frame through your site or our portal. Therefore, from a marketing and sales perspective, you will not have to compete against someone else’s properties.
SOFTWARE INTEGRATION: We can integrate our software in one of three ways. Either we can have the auction look as if it is being run by VA Auction or we can allow you to feature the software’s functionality on your own website via an I Frame which is fed from our web server. White label integration for your industry is also available.
1.) I FRAME: We will imbed an i frame onto your site. The system will run directly off your website and to the end user it will appear as if the auctions are part of your site. Through a CSS style sheet we will include color and styles can customization as well as basic layout and field changes. Anything beyond the basic setup will be quoted accordingly. All transactions on this Iframe are controlled and managed by our in-house web consultants. Dedicated servers and support teams are available for larger projects.
2.) VA PORTAL: Completely anonymous to whose assets are being auctioned. VA can sell your assets through an auction that we create and run for your company on our site. Colors, fonts, styles and logos can be customized for each client. All transactions are controlled and managed by our in-house web consultants.
3.) WHITE LABEL INTEGRATION: There are unlimited customization options for the front end of your site with this software. For an example of our white label capabilities please view our industry integration demo on the home page. We can also configure with the back end of your site and integrate accordingly. If you are interested in this service, we have a diamond specific white label demo as well.
CUSTOMIZATION: The software can be fully customized for the look and feel of your website. The color and style sheets of the auction page can be identical to the existing site from a bidder’s perspective.
DO IT YOURSELF: This software was developed to be easy to operate. You have the option to run the software and auctions on your own. VA will provide customer support and teach your staff how to operate the software.
THE VALUE OF A SINGLE LOT: This software is capable of running a large number of simultaneous auctions at once with multiple single lots within the auctions.
THE WORLD-WIDE 24/7 AUCTION ENVIORNMENT: You will have the ability to run auctions 24/7. These auctions will attract bidders and incorporate investors from all over the world to achieve the best price for a lot. This technology gives buyers, not ordinarily comfortable bidding at a live auction, the opportunity to test the waters on their own terms.
NEW CUSTOMERS: VA can attract end users as opposed to just traditional investors, who expect steep discounts, while for the most part purchasing bulk lots at auction. Auctioning single assets, to end users in a live competitive format, is a remedy for increasing revenue per lot sold.
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: Our software is completely customizable, allowing us to display our site in various languages and to host on an international domain. This can have an immediate impact attracting foreign clientele.
CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY: Today's generation is a tech savvy audience; familiar with avatar characters like our auctioneer from second-life and video games. This consumer expects novel products, and the traditional "e-bay" auction format is outdated. Our technology takes a live auction format one step further and includes an interactive bidding portal with a virtual environment.
The engine running this software system has a proven track record. The live auction platform was originally written during the fourth quarter of 2001. Since that time the application has been used in over 750 auction sales, was awarded FORBES Magazine's "BEST OF THE WEB" distinction and is now the primary auction platform of some of the largest and most reputable auction companies in the country.