Is Auction Flex only for live auctions or is it an online eBay style auction site?

Our software is for managing live auctions. We do, however, provide a web service that allows you to take internet absentee bids on your upcoming auctions or conduct internet-only auctions. Our internet bidding capability is optional and is not required to use the Auction Flex software.

Is Auction Flex sold by module?

No.  We feel you are entitled to a full-featured product at a reasonable price. Even if you don't use all of our software's capabilities, you still get your money's worth. And what's better is that the capability is waiting at your fingertips should you decide to use it in the future.

Does Auction Flex support multiple users?

Yes. Auction Flex works in both peer-to-peer and client/server networking environments.

A peer-to-peer network is a type of network in which each workstation has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities, though all data is stored on the main computer. This type of network is generally setup with 2, 3, or 4 computers where every computer will be running Auction Flex.

With 5 of more computers, we generally recommend a client/server network architecture. In this setup there is a dedicated server hosts the data for all the other computers (clients). Servers also generally have a Raid1 (mirrored) hard drive array, which provides an additional layer of fault tolerance. With Raid 1, if a single hard drive on the server fails, the other hard drive immediately takes over without any down time.

Peer-to-peer networks are generally simpler, but they usually do not offer the same performance under heavy loads.

Does Auction Flex offer wireless clerking?

Yes, we offer wireless clerking with a handheld terminal or with a regular computer.  Learn more about the wireless handheld terminal by clicking here.

Wireless clerking on a regular computer via RF modems is HIGHLY preferred over Wi-Fi. To learn more click here. It has greater range and greater stability.

Wireless clerking via Wi-Fi (802.11*) is not recommended, as it is typically not stable enough to handle the amount of information Auction Flex needs to transfer.  Standard Wi-Fi has a tendency to cut out, which will corrupt your Auction Flex data.

What are your suggested minimum requirements?

Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista/Windows 7
Processor: 400Mhz for 98/ME, 700Mhz Processor for NT/2000, 1Ghz for XP/Vista/Windows 7
Memory: 64MB Ram for 98/ME, 128MB for NT/2000, 256MB for XP, 2GB for Vista/Windows 7
Screen Resolution: 1024x768  (will work on 1024x600 netbooks and clerking screen will work on resolution as low as 800x600)
Hard Drive: 150MB of space for the program and data. More if you plan to use Auction Flex imaging capabilities.

Can Auction Flex run on a Mac?

Auction Flex is Windows-based.  However, if you can run parallels or Boot camp with Windows, you should be able to use Auction Flex.

What type of printer do you recommend?

The printer of choice is definitely a middle-of-the-road laser if portability and price are of no concern. Brother has come out with some very affordable black-and-white laser printers like the HL-2140 which currently retail for around $100. Just keep in mind that the faster ppm (page per minute) rating, the less you'll be waiting on the printer and the quicker your check-out line will run.

Inkjet printers are a good option when price or portability are of concern. Look for a high page per minute rate (14 or more ppm) for black printouts. The downside to inkjets is that the replacement cartridges are expensive and that they generally use the computer's processing resources to print. 

Dot-matrix printers are very often too slow for normal reporting; however, Auction Flex does have a specialized invoice/receipt so that dot-matrix printers can be used for buyer check-out, which permits the continued use of existing equipment and multi-part paper.

Frequently Asked Questions - Bidopia & IWS

What if I want to use your integrated web service but I DON'T have a web site?

Our integrated web service does not require that you already have a web site. We do offer web site hosting services if you want to host your website with us. Our web service, however, does not require that you host your website with us.

What if I want to use your integrated web service but I DO have a web site?

The Auction Flex web service is designed to work with your existing website. We will provide you with a link to use on your existing web site that allows your customers to browse your upcoming auctions. You never have to modify your web site again.

What if I already publish my upcoming auctions to my website?

• We have reduced our upload process to a single click of the mouse. Is your current method this easy?
• Our software automatically adjusts images for optimum internet viewing.
• Our web service provides a searchable database. This means that a potential customer can search for specific items without having to browse through the entire auction.
• Our web service allows you to take internet absentee bids (optional). This means that prospective bidders can sign up on your website and leave absentee bids all without having to contact you directly. You remain in complete control over the approval process and can accept or reject bidders at your discretion.
• Auction Flex makes it easy for potential customers to become active buyers.

How do I view my personalized Auction Schedule page?

The link will be e-mailed to you when you apply for your free trial. If you have lost this link or it was not provided with your trial e-mail, please contact us. Please keep in mind that the default web service is very plain. When you become an active customer we will update the web service catalogue to mimic your website so that web visitors will never know the difference between your website and the Auction Flex Integrated Web Service.

Can the Auction Flex Integrated Web Service do penny auctions, buy-it-now, or pay-per-bid auctions?

No.  The Auction Flex Integrated Web Service is a traditional online service.  Each auction has a beginning and end date, buyers can enter flat or maximum bids (based on your preferences), and bids can be sealed or show the current high bid.  We do not offer buy-it-now, pay-per-bid, or penny auction software.