Auction Systems - Arizona Auctions: Selling at a live, simulcast or online auction

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Arizona Auctions Selling at a Live, Simulcast
or Online AuctionBy Deb WeidenhamerPresident
CEO, Auction Systems
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Arizona Auctions

A fast and profitable way to cash in on your
unwanted assets is by selling them at Arizona
auctions. Auctions sell virtually every type of
industrial, commercial and personal asset. They
come in many forms, including autos,
bankruptcies, business liquidations, charities,
estates and antiques, government agencies,
household dispersals, landlord liquidations, lien
satisfaction and private invitation only. In
general, these auctions can be conducted live,
simulcast or online.
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Selling at Live Arizona Auctions

In a live auction, items are liquidated at the
sellers location or the auction houses
facility. The auction service will stage and
properly display the auction merchandise. An
experienced auction house will divide and combine
assets strategically to encourage sales at the
highest price.   In addition, the auction house
should conduct a targeted advertising campaign to
interested buyers likely to pay the most. This
form of auction produces the fastest cash
settlement for sellers.
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Selling Items in Online Arizona Auctions

Online Arizona auctions may be used to sell
specialized items to select buyers. Examples
include special collections and small antiques.
The auction house will photograph each item,
write a description and list the items on an
Internet auction site such as eBay.   These types
of online-only auctions tend to take more time.
Special research is conducted into each item so
the description can be accurate and promotional.
However, it is not uncommon for these online
auctions to provide the largest return for
sellers.
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Selling at Simulcast Arizona Auctions

Simulcast auctions combine live and online
auctions. These Arizona auctions can be
conducted at the sellers location or the auction
services facilities. Items to be auctioned
appear on the Internet the same time as the live
auction.   Just as the other Arizona auctions
described above, merchandise is photographed and
described in writing. This information is placed
online at least one week prior to the live event.
Bidders participating online can preview items
and make proxy bids. On auction day, bidders can
attend the live auction or participate online
from any location. Online bidders bid in real
time against other online bidders and live
auction attendees. Expanding the buyer base
often produces additional revenue for sellers.
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Partner with a Proven Auction Service

Regardless of the auction type, you want to use
an auction house that fully understands how to
create markets for your assets. The auction
company must be adept in marketing and
advertising programs to attract the most
qualified buyers. By reaching the right
audience, you can be assured of competitive
bidding.   A solid auction service will know who
the buyers are and how to reach them. They will
use diverse advertising vehicles, such as direct
mail, trade journals, newspapers, Internet,
e-mail and fax, to get the word out. And, most
importantly, the best auction service will have a
solid reputation for fairness and ethical conduct.
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Arizona Auctions

Finally, its important to your bottom line to
carefully consider buyers premiums for items
sold at Arizona auctions. These premiums are
charges tacked on to the final selling price and
can be as much as 25 percent. Buyers premiums
can hinder sales and put less money in the
sellers pocket. Therefore, sellers should
first consider auction houses that dont charge
these add-on costs. To get the most from your
auction experience, you should select an auction
house with a proven track record. By conducting
numerous auctions a year and producing
substantial dollar amounts for sellers, a
reputable auction service can make a substantial
marketing and financial difference for you.
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About the Author

• Deb Weidenhamer is President of Auctions Systems
  Auctioneers Appraisers, Inc., based in Phoenix,
  Arizona. They specialize in auctions and
  professional appraisals.
• Visit us at http//www.auctionandappraise.com or
  call 1-800-801-8880 for more information about
  our Arizona auctions company.