It’s the 21st century, where you can do almost anything online. You can watch movies through streaming services, order groceries on a store’s app, and even meet the love of your life on a dating website.
In 2012 we decided to get with the times here at Big Valley and began offering an online simulcast, giving you and other dealers nationwide the opportunity to buy vehicles online.
In this article, you’re going to learn how Big Valley Auto Auction’s online simulcast can benefit you and your business, as well as how you can access it and what precautions you should take when participating.
What is Big Valley Auto Auction’s Simulcast Sale?
Big Valley Auto Auction’s simulcast is an online bidding service that gives you the chance to bid on Big Valley inventory in real time, from the comfort of your home or office. This is great if you’re a dealer who doesn’t want to leave the office and potentially miss out on clients visiting your location. This is also good if you’re not a fan of the outdoors.
However, the need for vehicles is not limited to one specific area. Dealerships are all over the world. You may be reading this article from your office in Nebraska, or maybe you’re Batman, hiding in your bat-cave. Our simulcast benefits out-of-town dealers, as it gives you the opportunity to shop our inventory, without having to take a plane ride over here.
How Do I Access Big Valley’s Online Auto Auction Simulcast Sale?
There are 2 ways you can access Big Valley Auto Auction’s simulcast sale.
- Option 1: Big Valley Auto Auction’s Website. If you are already registered with Big Valley Auto Auction, you can visit our website, log in, and go to the “online auction” area.
- Option 2: EDGE Pipeline. Another way you can access our simulcast is going to the EDGE Pipeline website, log in, and attend the auction.
For both Big Valley’s 9:30 AM Early-Bird Sale and 4:00 PM Second Chance Sale, you can log in 10-20 minutes before start time, to browse the vehicles that will be running.
Once the auction has begun, the bidding process will start. Simulcast bidding is in real-time, with simulcast bids appearing on screen at the same time as in-lane bids. Accessing Big Valley’s online simulcast is the same process, regardless of what device you use.
Below is a photo of what the online simulcast page will look like, including the lanes where each vehicle will be running, the list of vehicles being sold, real-time footage of the vehicle running through the lane, where you can send a message to the block clerk, gather condition report information, and where you can place your bid.
Can I Access Big Valley’s Simulcast From My Phone?
You can access Big Valley’s simulcast through your phone or tablet. However, if you are going to use these tools, beware of making accidental bids. For example, a past instance involved a buyer who was logged in to their phone, meant to hit the refresh button, but accidentally bid. This situation could lead to you buying a vehicle you didn’t intend to buy, so this is one precaution you’ll want to take.
What Precautions Should I Take When Simulcast Bidding at an Auto Auction?
Although bidding online has its benefits, there are also 2 main precautions you should take to avoid a bad auction experience.
- Precaution 1: Have a Stable Wi-Fi Connection
Wi-Fi connectivity could be the deciding factor in winning or losing a bid. The last thing you want is to be on the verge of victory, only to have your internet stop working. If your Wi-Fi stops working, but your bid was the final bid, then you would win the auction. Make sure your internet bill is paid, or go to a location that has a strong Wi-Fi connection. Since you won’t be able to physically inspect the vehicle, you’ll want to ensure your Wi-Fi is stable, so you can have clarity around exactly what you’re bidding on.
- Precaution 2: Remove Distractions
Bidding at an auto auction is an exciting experience to begin with. However, just like with in-lane bidding, getting distracted can cost you a win. Since you’ll be at your home or office, there may be things or people who might pull your attention away. You can avoid this by having a designated work space, away from anything or anyone who might cause you to lose focus.
Also, make sure you are the only person with access to your credentials, to avoid anyone else logging in and bidding for you. For example, one customer claimed that their cleaning lady was cleaning his work area and accidentally made a $15,000 bid.
What Type of Payments Are Accepted For Big Valley Auto Auction’s Simulcast?
There are 4 types of payment that are accepted at Big Valley Auto Auction.
- Cash
- Cashier’s check
- Business check
- Flooring company
Personal checks are not accepted.
If you are paying with a check, you must bring it in person. If your payment is through a Flooring company, you can call the front desk and make a payment. Payment is due by the end of the sale day. If the price was negotiated, you have until the following day to pay.
Should I Attend Big Valley Auto Auction’s Simulcast Sale?
If you prefer watching movies in theaters or finding love at the club, then online simulcasts may not be for you. However, if you prefer to do business online, or if you just don’t like being around people, Big Valley Auto Auction’s simulcast would be a good option to consider.
On average, 20% - 30% of all Big Valley Auto Auction’s total sales are online purchases, so if you’re a dealer who doesn’t want to leave their business, or you’re a vampire who doesn’t want to face natural sunlight, Big Valley Auto Auction’s online simulcast could work out in your favor.
Now that you know the benefits of Big Valley Auto Auction's simulcast, learn about the other benefits being a registered Big Valley dealer brings.
