Wireless Auction Software
an article by
Richard Hodges
as told by one of my Users
One Ten vac
Auction Cashiering System

"I've been a professional auctioneer for 20 years. Several years ago I computerized my auctions. I think all true professionals should do that. My system provided for a remote clerking terminal. Through this terminal my clerk can post the auction "live" as I'm selling.

I was faced with a dilemma. How can I utilize this remote clerking in a situation where I must move between tables or even over several acres of auction items (some of my auctions are outside)? Of course, the first thing to come to mind was a wireless terminal/modem combination. There are a good many such devices available although the cost is high. I was concerned about the cost of this equipment as well as the practicality of having the equipment outdoors in all kinds of weather and crowd conditions. Also, my clerk must concentrate on her work and can't be distracted by folks asking her questions about the auction, etc.

I use a wireless PA system at my auctions. The solution was right before my eyes. I purchased a second receiver for my wireless mike, hooked it to a set of headphones and a long play cassette recorder. Now my clerk can stay in the cool, dry trailer and enter the auction as it progresses by listening to me as I sell.

But there was yet another problem. How could I be sure that I wasn't running ahead of my clerk? I couldn't see her (mine is a lady - no sexism intended), so she couldn't tell me to slow down. Again the answer was simple: a pair of GMRS walkie-talkies for clerk to auctioneer communications. Whenever the clerk needs for me to repeat something, she uses a prearranged set of code words. For example: the word "WHAT?" means she needs for me to repeat the description of the lot. When I need to respond, I just speak through the wireless PA system or if I need to have a private conversation, I respond through the walkie-talkie.

This system of clerking is better than before when the clerk followed me around. The clerk is in isolation and is able to concentrate much better on clerking the auction. No one disturbs or annoys her, so mistakes are much less likely. Of course, the bidders like it better because the lots are immediately "on-line" for settlement and there is no waiting to check out. We use both a clerk and a cashier, so if we run two rings, the cashier can log sales as well as the clerk.

This is a new way of cashiering auctions, and requires some practice. I don't recommend that you attempt this at an actual auction for the first time. Allow yourself at least three practice sessions. When you get the swing of it, you'll be amazed at how fast and easy it is!

I use One Ten vac Auction Cashiering System, because its easy to use and always accurate."