Overview
Once your auction has been published, your role shifts from preparation to active management.
During this stage, your objective is to provide buyers with a professional, transparent and responsive experience while monitoring the progress of the auction.
Monitor Registrations
Regularly review new bidder registrations.
Depending on your auction settings, you may need to:
- approve buyers;
- review verification status;
- monitor payment verification;
- answer registration enquiries.
Ensuring that qualified buyers are approved before bidding opens helps maximise participation.
Monitor Auction Activity
Throughout the auction, keep track of key activity, including:
- new registrations;
- bidding activity;
- active Lots;
- highest bids;
- reserve price status;
- auction timeline.
Monitoring activity allows you to identify opportunities to increase engagement before the auction closes.
Respond to Buyer Questions
Buyers may contact you before or during the auction with questions about:
- individual horses;
- veterinary information;
- payment terms;
- transport;
- collection;
- auction procedures.
Respond promptly and professionally.
Fast, accurate communication builds confidence and encourages participation.
Keep Information Updated
If important information changes before the auction closes, update the relevant Horse Profile as soon as possible.
Examples include:
- additional veterinary reports;
- corrected registration details;
- updated competition results;
- additional photographs or videos;
- schedule changes.
Transparency helps protect both buyers and organizers.
Monitor Sponsors
If your auction includes sponsors, verify that:
- sponsor logos display correctly;
- banners appear as configured;
- sponsor pages are complete;
- promotional placements function as expected.
Sponsors are part of your commercial offering and should receive the visibility agreed with them.
Follow the Auction Timeline
Keep an eye on important milestones, including:
- auction opening;
- bidding periods;
- scheduled closing times;
- automatic bidding extensions;
- auction completion.
Being aware of the timeline allows you to respond quickly if buyers require assistance near the end of the auction.
Maintain Professional Communication
Throughout the auction:
- communicate clearly;
- answer questions honestly;
- avoid changing important commercial terms after bidding has started;
- keep buyers informed when necessary.
Consistency and professionalism strengthen buyer confidence.
After Each Lot Closes
As each Lot closes, review:
- the final result;
- the winning bidder;
- reserve price status;
- payment status;
- next steps for completion.
Prompt follow-up after the auction helps ensure a smooth transaction.
Best Practices
Professional organizers typically:
- monitor their dashboard regularly;
- respond quickly to buyer enquiries;
- keep horse information up to date;
- verify sponsor visibility;
- review auction activity throughout the event;
- prepare post-sale communication before the auction ends.
Successful auction management is not only about technology—it is about maintaining trust, responsiveness and professionalism from the moment bidding opens until the final transaction is completed.