January

January 2021

Bid From Home This Winter: A Step-By-Step Guide for Online Bidding

As we enter the cold winter months, we want to remind our bidders of the convenience of our online bidding platform. While we are still proud to be conducting live auctions, online bidding continues to be a great option for those who can’t travel or prefer not to.

We learned in 2020 that taking auctions online doesn’t affect their performance. “We’re very fortunate to have established our base of sellers and buyers who understand and have confidence in our online platform, which we’ve been using for 11 years. It allows us to sell land, machinery and other assets without putting our sellers, bidders or employees at the risk of exposure,” said Scott Steffes, president of Steffes Group.

For those who are new to online bidding, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process:

1. Create an account. In the left menu login box on the website homepage, click “Create a Free Account” to get started. If you’ve already created a free account, you can log in with your username and password. With your account, you can edit your information, such as your address for billing purposes.
   
   
2. Bid on an auction. Find an auction you want to bid on (on any lot) and click the red “Request to Bid” button. This will walk you through the terms and conditions of the auction. Each auction may have its own unique terms, so please read carefully. Once you’ve read the terms, click on the yellow “Accept Terms” button and you will be directed back to the auction’s home page. From there, simply use the green “Place a Bid!” button to bid on an item.  
   
   • Find a specific equipment category. As a reminder, you can click the “Lots by Category” tab at the top of the lot listing to view a specific equipment category. For example, if you are looking for a semi-tractor this will save you having to scroll past numerous lots containing tractors and combines
     
   • Place a maximum bid (optional). One of the best features of our online bidding platform is the ability to place a maximum bid, which can improve your chances of winning your item. By placing your maximum bid, if another user also places a bid the system will bid on your behalf incrementally up to your maximum bid amount. If your maximum is outbid, you will receive a notification that gives you the option of raising your bid.
     
   • What happens in extension bidding? If a bid is placed on a lot within a few minutes of the lot closing, that lot will go into extended bidding. When this happens, the lot’s closing time is extended four more minutes (time may vary by auction). This will continue until bidding ceases, which in some cases may go on for quite a while if it is a popular piece of equipment.
     
     
3. Payment and collection of your items. Once the final lot in extension closes, the auction will have concluded. We will review all final bids and email you an invoice for the lots you won. Please be aware that we cannot accept payment until you have received your emailed invoice. Once you receive the invoice, you can call the office number listed to make your payment. We are open Monday through Friday, 8AM-5PM, and accept a check over phone or fax, wire transfer, or credit card (3% service fee). We do not accept mailed checks.
   
   We strive to make your online bidding experience as easy and seamless as possible. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also refer to our Bid FAQ page for more information.