Overview
This guide covers how to create a new auction in Auction Flex, whether it’s an online-only HiBid auction or a traditional in-person sale.
1. Start a New Auction
Click the New Auction button.
2. Choose Auction Type
When prompted, select one of the following:
HiBid Auction
An online-only timed auction with no live in-person audience.
Example: Internet bidders place online bids until the set closing time.Traditional In-Person Sale
A live sale with bidders in the auction crowd, or a mixed Webcast auction where online real-time bidding competes with an in-person audience.
3. Set Dates
Start Date – Typically, the day you upload your auction to the system.
End Date – The day you want your auction to close. This also controls when your auction moves from Current to Past on your HiBid page.
4. Save the Auction
Click the Save button in the upper-right corner.
Copying a Previous Auction
If you have an auction template with all your preferred settings:
Go to the Copy Auction tab.
Select a previously created auction where the settings worked exactly as needed.
Copy those settings to your new sale.
This is a quick way to ensure consistency without re-entering auction parameters each time.
Best Practices
When to Start from Scratch
Creating a completely new auction format.
Changing major settings such as bidding type, lot numbering method, or buyer’s premium structure.
Running a one-time specialty sale that doesn’t match your usual settings.
When to Use Copy Auction
Your previous auction setup already had the correct terms, payment methods, and settings.
You frequently run auctions with similar formats and requirements.
You want to save setup time while maintaining consistency.
Pro Tip: Even when copying an auction, review all settings—especially dates, terms & conditions, and buyer’s premium—before publishing.