Show Hosts First Virtual Equipment Auction
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Farm auctions are getting a different look, thanks to the newfound ability to go virtual. The Walton Realty & Auction Co. hosted the Farm Science Review’s first-ever virtual equipment auction this fall. Unlike in past years, no equipment was present. Instead, onsite and remote participants bid for equipment displayed on large screens.
“Virtual Equipment auctions utilize multiple simulcast bidding platforms, which also allow pre-bidding prior to sale day,” says Sam Baer, Auctioneer Associate at Walton Realty & Auction Company. “These platforms are synchronized with a live auctioneer, enabling bidders from across the country to participate simultaneously and reach a final sales price for each lot.”
Walton Auction Co. first dabbled in the prospect in March of 2023 with auction plans for two late-model John Deere tractors. There wasn’t a good way to market them, so the team launched a virtual equipment sale. It had tremendous results, launching a virtual equipment auction brand now known as Equipment Connections.
“A virtual auction’s main advantage is the reduced need to transport large equipment to a central location,” Baer says. “Additionally, we can offer high-quality items that consignors prefer to keep protected from the elements. The items remain at the consignor’s farm or business for our virtual equipment auctions. Buyers can pick up their purchases directly from the seller’s location.” That leads to significant savings in shipping. “As labor and transportation costs continue to rise, the virtual auction format is expected to remain popular,” he explains. “It provides a cost-effective way to reach a wider audience of potential buyers while preserving the excitement of a live auctioneer’s bid call. Internet bidding remains a strong component, ensuring accessibility and convenience for participants.”
Bidders’ ability to attend the live virtual event in person depends on their preference, location, and availability. “By offering a live bidding option, we aim to increase buyer comfort and confidence in purchasing decisions.” Baer’s quick to clarify there’s still an appeal for showing up in person. “We enhance the live experience by allowing in-person bidding at the auctioneer’s site, with large digital screens displaying the equipment in real-time.”
The Walton Auction team has run several more virtual auctions since, and Baer believes the concept will catch on. “We’ve found that live virtual equipment auctions combine modern technology with the excitement and personal touch of traditional auctions, providing the best marketing platform for our consignors’ equipment.”
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Walton Realty & Auction Co. LLC (ph 419-294-0007; www.waltonauctionco.com).
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Show Hosts First Virtual Equipment Auction SPECIALTY/SERVICES Farm auctions are getting a different look thanks to the newfound ability to go virtual The Walton Realty & Auction Co hosted the Farm Science Review’s first-ever virtual equipment auction this fall Unlike in past years no equipment was present Instead onsite and remote participants bid for equipment displayed on large screens “Virtual Equipment auctions utilize multiple simulcast bidding platforms which also allow pre-bidding prior to sale day ” says Sam Baer Auctioneer Associate at Walton Realty & Auction Company “These platforms are synchronized with a live auctioneer enabling bidders from across the country to participate simultaneously and reach a final sales price for each lot ” Walton Auction Co first dabbled in the prospect in March of 2023 with auction plans for two late-model John Deere tractors There wasn’t a good way to market them so the team launched a virtual equipment sale It had tremendous results launching a virtual equipment auction brand now known as Equipment Connections “A virtual auction’s main advantage is the reduced need to transport large equipment to a central location ” Baer says “Additionally we can offer high-quality items that consignors prefer to keep protected from the elements The items remain at the consignor’s farm or business for our virtual equipment auctions Buyers can pick up their purchases directly from the seller’s location ” That leads to significant savings in shipping “As labor and transportation costs continue to rise the virtual auction format is expected to remain popular ” he explains “It provides a cost-effective way to reach a wider audience of potential buyers while preserving the excitement of a live auctioneer’s bid call Internet bidding remains a strong component ensuring accessibility and convenience for participants ” Bidders’ ability to attend the live virtual event in person depends on their preference location and availability “By offering a live bidding option we aim to increase buyer comfort and confidence in purchasing decisions ” Baer’s quick to clarify there’s still an appeal for showing up in person “We enhance the live experience by allowing in-person bidding at the auctioneer’s site with large digital screens displaying the equipment in real-time ” The Walton Auction team has run several more virtual auctions since and Baer believes the concept will catch on “We’ve found that live virtual equipment auctions combine modern technology with the excitement and personal touch of traditional auctions providing the best marketing platform for our consignors’ equipment ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Walton Realty & Auction Co LLC ph 419-294-0007; www waltonauctionco com
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