For our School Surplus online Auctions, We’re using Online Auctions (OLA) as our platform and we’re very happy with the site so far.  But there are some differences from eBay that our bidders need to learn. First is, they extend – so at the end of the auction someone can place a bid and the auction time extends by a minute so you will have a chance to counter.

Second, the email options are extremely flexible and you may not be set to be notified if you are outbid. When you’re logged in, please go to “My Account” and check your mail preferences. We also suggest you refresh your page often if you are monitoring the end of the auction.

And we highly recommend you use “proxy” bidding. Look at that item, decide how much you are willing to pay, and bid that amount. The system will only bid the amount needed to keep your bid on top. Here’s how it works: Say an item has no bids and a start price of $99. You decide you’ll pay up to $250. Place that as your bid. The system will list you as high bidder at $99. Now, someone else comes along and sets a bid of $124. The system will bid for you an you will be high bidder at $125. If no one else comes along an bids, you win with a bid at $125.

If you have any problems, please contact us @ [email protected], or call OLA directly. We’ve found them to be extremely helpful and very quick to respond. So call Frank – 800-900-2828 – if he’s busy, leave a message and he’ll get back to you.

Thank you for your business!