How Covid-19 Has Changed The Face Of Auctions | William George

HEAD ONLINE

The closure of retail stores left consumers with no option but to head online for their shopping requirements, and all the signs indicate that a shift away from online is unlikely to happen, certainly not back to the pre-lockdown levels. Stores may be cautiously now beginning to re-open, but

research shows that there isn’t about to be a rush back through those doors. Only 9% of shoppers surveyed* said they expect to return to shops as soon as they re-open and nearly half of global consumers don’t plan to resume shopping in brick-and-mortar stores for ‘some time’ or a ‘long time’ once they’re able to.

THE AUCTION WORLD

In the auction world, live auctions being banned led to a huge surge in the amount of interest in timed auctions and converted many into the numerous benefits of both buying and selling in this way.

FOR SELLERS

For sellers, the vast audience size for online sales means they will reach way more potential buyers than with live auctions and the sales process is swift and simple. Buyers can choose where, when and how they browse and bid, making the process more relaxed and flexible.

THE UK’S LEADING ONLINE AUCTION HOUSE

As the UK’s leading online auction house, William George were able to seamlessly move to remote working. We have seen more new visitors to our website than ever since the restrictions began and many of our sellers are experiencing revenues that far exceed their expectations.

THE INCREASE IN NUMBERS (figures are against average pre-lockdown)

ONLINE HAMMER 284%

NUMBER OF AUCTIONS 127%

NUMBER OF LOTS CONSIGNED 137%

NUMBER OF VENDORS 145%

TRAFFIC TO OUR WEBSITE 310%

NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES 580%

CHAT CONVERSATIONS 650%

EMBRACE THE NEW WAY

Previous reservations some live auction devotees had about trying the online method of both buying and selling have been proven to be unfounded and these converts are likely to continue to use online, at least as a part of the mix if not all, into the future. In order to thrive, many traditional auction houses are now having to embrace a new way of operating. For many, they will already have offered a proportion of their sales online but some, especially the smaller houses, will now be

evolving to having to build an online business. It remains to be seen exactly how the auction landscape will develop going forward, but online should continue to lead the way.

To find out more about buying and selling with William George, visit wgandco.com.