sensibledevelopment

Performance and the real time nature are key to this system. It provides information in real time to the user. The page updates automatically without the need for the user to reload or refresh the page. Bidding is performed by the user through the web site itself. No other software is required.

Key Features

• Real time interface - no need to refresh the page
• Scalable solution able to withstand rapid bidding patterns
• Prices updates every 3 seconds
  
• The user knows quickly that another bid has entered the system
• Auto bidding - the system bids to a maximum value on behalf of the user
• Quick Purchase ('Buy now') feature
• 'My Bids' section
• Marketplace always 'live' auction
  
• Detailed descriptions and photo libraries
  
• Back end adminstration
• Upload lots in bulk, along with images
  

Dynamic Interface

As bids are placed in the system, the user interface is updated dynamically. The latest bids and current bids are updated every three seconds in real time on the web page.

Whilst the page updates are made, bidding can continue without any disruption to the web page performance. This allows the user to place bids in response, and in rapid succession if required, in response to the changing market. In other words, the user has the ability to respond very quickly to the changing nature of the auction.

Auto bidding

The user may, if they wish, place an ‘auto bid’ which sets a maximum amount they wish to bid to. The website will then automatically bid on the user’s behalf up to that maximum bid, making sure they stay ahead of the market in their absence.

It also gives the users the ability to set their maximum desired purchase price and then sit back and wait to see if they were able to buy the lot at that price or less, if the market determines.

Performance

The website is able to deal with high volumes of activity on the site, without hindering the experience of the user. An example of this was a recent auction with over 500 lots. As the auction drew to a climax, the system received 4,000 bids over the final three hours of the auction. This represented an average of 1 bid every 2.7 seconds.

At times over this period, many simultaneous bids were being placed, the system being able to determine which one was placed first. Other recent auctions have also seen performance at similar levels.

Features

For more information view the Full Feature List.