The Challenge
With interest in classic cars on the rise and more lots being entered from trade and private vendors, Humbert & Ellis needed a system that could:
• Handle multiple auction formats efficiently (timed, single lot, and Buy Now)
• Offer streamlined vendor onboarding and contracts
• Integrate directly with DVLA to make car listings fast and easy
• Support flexible listing strategies (from curated catalogues to “always on” sales)
• Automate payments, invoicing, and settlement reports
• Provide clients with real-time access to bids, invoices, and preferences
• Deliver a polished, mobile-friendly online presence without heavy overhead
• Feed all the vehicles out to 3rd party platforms such as eBay, Glenmarch and Car & Classic
They also wanted to ensure they had a future-proof platform, capable of adapting to a growing digital-first audience without adding administrative complexity.
The Solution
Humbert & Ellis chose BidHarvest®, Auction Marketer’s next-generation auction management software, to power every part of their auction lifecycle.
Using the platform’s full suite of features, they now:
✅ Create and manage vendor contracts digitally
✅ Accept vehicle consignments using structured lot data and category-based attributes
✅ Publish lots to flexible formats, live webcast, timed auctions, single-lot sales, or Buy Now
✅ Enable bidders to track activity via a self-service My Account portal
✅ Process payments via Stripe and Open Banking with stored card AutoPay
✅ Auto-generate vendor statements and reconcile transactions with full ledger and VAT reporting
Results
The move to BidHarvest® has enabled Humbert & Ellis to run faster, leaner auctions with less reliance on manual paperwork and phone-based admin. They have also removed their reliance on 3rd party expensive auction aggregator platforms, taking control of their data and buyer/seller experience.
• Faster onboarding: Consignments are entered, contracted, and catalogued in one platform
• Flexible sales formats: Sellers can choose timed or Buy Now options with no extra admin
• Real-time reporting: Admins can see payment statuses, balances, and auction margins instantly
• Professional bidder experience: With branded emails, real-time bids, and simple online payments
• Lean, scalable operation: Suitable for large feature auctions or always-on rolling stock
BidHarvest® gives Humbert & Ellis a complete solution, from the contract to the payout, while maintaining full control, visibility, and a professional experience for both buyers and vendors.
Key Features Used
• Live Webcast Auctions with 0.2 second global latency
• Timed Online Auctions
• Single Item Auction Format
• Buy Now Listings
• Vendor Contracts & Consignment Flow
• Full Invoicing & Payment Integration (Stripe, Open Banking)
• Ledger & Tax Reports
• Vendor Statement Generator
• My Account Portal with Real-Time Bid & Invoice Tracking
• Wishlist & Bid Notifications
What’s Next?
With their auctions running on a modern, integrated platform, Humbert & Ellis are now exploring:
• Expanding their mobile app presence
• Using QR-driven workflows to photograph and catalogue vehicles even faster
Thinking of Switching?
BidHarvest® has been built for auctioneers like Humbert & Ellis; auction businesses that need affordable monthly fees, flexible sales tools, clear financial control, and minimal admin overhead.
Book a demo today and discover how you can run smarter auctions, with less effort.
