Live bidding is still the benchmark for high-impact auction events. Whether you're selling machinery, vehicles, salvage assets, or unique commercial stock, the thrill of a real-time auction can’t be matched. Bidders crave the buzz of competing against others live, and sellers get the benefit of true market value being driven on the day.

With BidHarvest, you don’t just run live auctions – you run them better. Our platform gives you the freedom to host sales anywhere, with broadcast-quality video, responsive bidder interfaces, and a powerful back-office system that keeps everything connected. The result? A faster, more flexible way to auction live, online or hybrid.

What is Live Bidding?

Live bidding allows people to participate in an auction as it happens. An auctioneer or clerk controls the sale in real time while bidders place offers through an online interface, watching a live stream of the auction. It replicates the in-room bidding experience digitally – whether the event is run from a rostrum, warehouse, yard, or even an office.

Unlike timed auctions, live bidding gives you an immediate, competitive atmosphere that works especially well for high-value or trade-sensitive stock. And with BidHarvest, that experience is delivered smoothly and professionally from start to finish.

Key BidHarvest Live Features at a Glance

• Real-Time Video and Audio Streaming
  Stream your sale with crisp audio and broadcast-quality video. BidHarvest is built on reliable infrastructure for ultra-low latency, even in high-traffic scenarios.
• Instant Bid Capture and Confirmation
  All bids are handled in real time, with immediate confirmation to the bidder and real-time feedback to the auctioneer. No delays, no confusion.
• Auctioneer-Controlled Dashboard
  Your auctioneer or clerk can see everything: live bidding activity, bidder names and locations, underbidders, starting prices, reserves, and more.
• Hybrid-Ready
  Run online-only or hybrid events effortlessly. BidHarvest supports a full in-room and online hybrid setup, with real-time syncing of both channels.
• Multicam and Production Options
  Add multiple camera angles or screens for larger events. Switch between views or stream from multiple locations – perfect for high-end auctions or televised sales.
• Live Bid Logs and Post-Sale Audit Trails
  Every bid is recorded and timestamped. Admin teams can download bid logs, bidder activity reports, and reconciliation data as soon as the sale ends.

Fully Customisable Bidding Environment

Every live sale can be tailored to suit your event and audience:

• Set bidding increments per lot or category
• Display lot progress, asking prices, and current high bids
• Brand your live sale page with auctioneer logos and messages
• Enable optional buyer’s premium, VAT display, and reserve alerts
• Add PDF catalogues, condition reports, and multimedia attachments to lots
• Accept absentee and commission bids in advance and handle them seamlessly live

Bidder Experience: Designed for Engagement

Bidders benefit from a streamlined experience built for all devices. Key features include:

• Mobile, tablet, and desktop-friendly bidding interface
• Live lot progression and automatic updates
• Audio-only fallback for lower bandwidth
• Instant alerts when outbid
• Countdown timers and visual indicators for when lots go live

You can even allow bidders to “watch” lots and receive alerts when their watched item is about to be sold, improving engagement and return visits.

Why Auctioneers Love BidHarvest for Live Sales

Running live sales with BidHarvest means less stress and more control. Your team gets:

• A dedicated admin panel for catalogue editing and auction prep
• Easy tools to run the sale without a production crew
• Full integration with invoicing, payments, and vendor settlements
• Post-sale reports and buyer communications ready immediately
• Built-in compliance features like anti-sniping, bid logs, and audit trails

Conclusion: The Future of Live Auctions is Here

Live auctions aren’t going away – they’re evolving. With BidHarvest, you’re equipped to offer an exciting real-time experience while maintaining operational efficiency and control. Whether hosting from a rostrum, warehouse, or studio, you can deliver high-quality sales to a remote audience and grow your buyer base globally.

You bring the gavel. We handle the rest.