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Cataloging Lots in Your Auction

Enter, organize, and manage your auction inventory before publishing your event to HiBid

Updated over 2 months ago

Overview

Cataloging is the process of creating detailed listings for every item in your auction. This includes lot numbers, descriptions, images, and any relevant metadata that helps bidders make informed decisions. AF360 supports manual entry, bulk import, and image uploads.


A lot listing usually includes:

  • Lot number – unique auction-specific number for tracking items and setting the order of sale

  • Seller/consignor – the owner of the item(s)

  • Quantity – number of items in the lot

  • Title – short, descriptive name

  • Description – detailed information about the lot

  • Lot media – images and other media files

Lots can range from a single object (e.g., a painting) to a set of multiple related items (e.g., a collection of tools).

The highest bidder at the end of the auction wins the lot.


Lot Fields

Field

Description

Lot Number

Unique auction-specific number assigned to each lot. Used for catalogs, online listings, and item tags. Usually assigned sequentially.

Seller / Consignor

The person or business who owns the item(s) being sold. Typically agrees to a commission arrangement with the auctioneer.

Quantity

Number of items in the lot. May be a single item or multiple grouped items.

Title

Short, clear name for the lot. Example: “Vintage Silver Tea Set” or “Set of 4 Bar Stools.”

Description

Detailed explanation of the lot, including condition, size, materials, age, notable features, or defects.

Lot Media

Drag and drop images directly into AuctionFlex 360 to assign them to the lot. Use clear, well-lit photos.

Adding a New Lot

Option One: Manual Entry

Use New Lot to manually add items into your sale.


Save Options

  • Save / Next – Saves the current lot and opens a blank lot entry form for the next item.

  • Save / Edit – Saves and allows further edits to the current lot.

Tip: If you are wanting to copy a lot, click the checkbox then Save / Copy to Next


Option Two: Scan Lot

Use Scan Lot to quickly add items by scanning their UPC barcodes. You can:

  • Assign a consignor

  • Instantly create a lot entry pulling images and data.

  • Great for open box or returned goods style auctions


Option Three: Mass Import via .csv File

View our instructional guide on how to mass import files and images here.


Sale Order

The sale order is the sequence in which lots will be sold during the auction.

Strategic sale order planning can:

  • Maintain bidder engagement

  • Maximize competition on high-value items

  • Control the pacing of the event

Setting Sale Order

Click Sale Order to arrange lot order. The dropdown options include:

Option

Description

Set Sale Order Equal to Lot Numbers (Most Popular)

Orders lots according to their assigned lot numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3…).

Set All to 0

Assigns all lots a sale order of “0” — resets the order for manual rearranging.

Set All to 99999999

Assigns all lots a high number so they appear last unless changed.

Enter a Custom Order Using Lot Numbers

Manually type lot numbers in the exact order you want them sold.

Tip: Always save changes after rearranging your sale order.


No Lots Selected

If no lots are selected, you cannot delete or transfer them.
When lots are selected, you can:

  • Delete them

  • Transfer them to another auction


Best Practices

  • Use clear, descriptive titles — they are the first thing bidders see.

  • Include multiple images from different angles.

  • Arrange your sale order strategically — put popular or high-value lots at key points in the auction.

  • Double-check lot numbers to prevent duplicates or skipped numbers.

  • Review our Lot Creation Checklist here to ensure proper details are being added to each Lot.

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