How To Select Auction Management Software
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When choosing an auction management system it is important to make a decision based on comfort. Most auction management systems provide the same general features but are very different in the way one moves around the software. In tech terms this is called the user interface. The two kinds of systems are online and offline with both having advantages and disadvantages. Before we look at each kind lets look at a basic package check list.

Whatever system you choose should perform the following:

• Overview of your auction business - how many current options, items needing shipping, how many buyers still have a balance, etc
• Backup method
• Posting/updating of auctions
• Relisting of expired auctions
• Tracking of buyers with contact information - (e-mail address)
• Tracking payment - who has and hasn't paid and even method: Cash, check, money order, credit card, paypal, etc
• E-mail buyers on auction success (they won), payment received (thank you) and shipment/delivery. Also a follow up message to re-thank them of their payment and transaction make a big difference. This where you can remind them to leave feedback points and makes you look professional
• Shipment tracking (should include noting if insurance was selected), carrier (FedEx, UPS, USPS, etc)
• Inventory control (if you are going to stock items this is a nice feature)

Online systems are hosted on the internet. You pay a monthly access fee (like web hosting, internet access, phone service, etc).

Pros:

• Always online and can interact using the internet. You don't need to be online all the time or leave your computer on.
• You can access this information from any computer. This way if you are at work, have multiple computers, go on vacation, etc all you need is a computer with internet access.
• Provides a central place to store records and allows for multiple individuals to view, update and create auction information at the same time.
• Backing up of records done automatically. (Company should be backing up their database(s) to protect against viruses, hackers and other issues. This does not usually mean they will retrieve information if accidentally deleted, so keep your own copies if possible)
• No software to install and no reason to worry about upgrades. All upgrades are done at the service level.

Cons:

• Monthly fee (raises overhead)
• Have to access the internet everytime you need to access auction information. Not much of an issue if you have high speed access like DSL, cable or satellite.

Notes: In this method technical support and customer service stand a chance of being higher since company must continue to win your business unlike a one time sale. There is however no guarantee, but logic and smart business sense reason this assumption.

Offline systems are systems you install on your own computer.

Pros:

• No need to pay monthly access fees
• Don't have to access the internet everytime you need to access your records

Cons:

• Must install software and mess with upgrades to keep features and functions current
• Must personally (or at least setup an automated system) to backup auction information to protect from viruses, hackers, etc.
• Multiple individuals can not access auction information at sametime, on the road, etc. (At least not without setting up a network and running software off a server)
• Have to connect to the net (at various times) to contact buyers and update changing information.

The choice is yours and only you can determine which method fits your lifestyle, budget and makes you comfortable. As mentioned both systems have their pros and cons and no system (either on or offline) is perfect. Software is like our roads, constantly needing attention, being repaired and evolving and hopefully getting better.