Custom Auction Platform
SOFTWARE: WordPress, Laravel
SERVICES: Auction Platform
WEBSITE: witherells.com
01. The Challenge
Witherell’s Auction owner, Brian Witherell (think Antiques Roadshow,) approached our team to build a replacement for their aging auction software. He wanted to start with a spinoff online auction house for timed auctions only that would feature lower price point lot items with administrative automation tools to lower the operational costs. Annex Auctions would be the foundation of this new auction software progression by adding automated invoice and settlements creation along with a wide array of hybrid tools in an easy to use user friendly layout. From client management to task based timelines, this would help keep track of auction deadlines and tasks by user.
02. The Solution
We built the new platform with the Laravel framework to both modernize and minimize friction points their old software had with UI/UX. We added CRM and task management tools and morphed the many menus and routes into one project based hybrid view which made it easier to navigate and build their auctions. Automated tools for invoicing and consignor settlements were added along with lot item onboarding receipts and contract builder to compress those tasks into mostly one-click actions.
Lotting, starting prices, and ending times were also combined into one tab in the project view to make it easier to see the big picture when building auctions. Items also had two views for preflight checks along with full view for editing and writing lot descriptions. All combined this improved the overall workflow and made it more intuitive for the admin users.
I am proud of what we’ve built with the Digital Studio NW team.– BRIAN WITHERELL
03. The Result
Once the beta testing was complete their team built and had their first timed auction on Annex Auctions. Our client, Brian, stated he was happy with the easy to use interface and the flexibility it gave he and his team to do many tasks from their iPads in the field with a client to their desktops in the gallery. At the time of this writing, they’ve had 7 successful auctions and are pleased with the results.
We are currently adding more features to the platform and will continue to support both Annex Auctions and Witherell’s going forward.
All in all a successful project!
