One of the most common questions we get from sellers is: "Should I do a live auction or an online auction?" The honest answer is: it depends on the item. Here's how we think about it.
Live Auctions work best for: High-value single items or equipment that benefits from in-person inspection. Farm dispersals, large estate sales, and events where the auction atmosphere creates competitive energy. When you want maximum transparency and real-time bidding dynamics.
Online-Only Auctions work best for: Items with broad geographic appeal — tractors, specialty equipment, vehicles — where buyers from outside the region would bid if they could. Situations where a large physical event isn't practical. Timed online auctions give buyers more time to research and make confident decisions.
Simulcast Auctions (our personal favorite): Both formats running simultaneously. Live bidders on the ground, online bidders competing in real time. This gives you the energy and engagement of a live event with the reach of an online platform. It consistently produces the highest prices for the right category of items.
The short answer: If you're not sure which format is right for your items, call us. We'll evaluate the assets, consider the current buyer pool, and recommend the format most likely to maximize your return.