When the Bidding Stops: AuctionZip uShip Deal Addresses Online Auction Buyers’ Big Frustration

AUSTIN and BOSTON – July 9, 2013 – For years, auction houses have opened their doors to online buyers. Yet few have adequately addressed the “Now what?” question virtual buyers invariably ask when faced with shipping after winning an item.

A partnership between online auction marketplace AuctionZip and uShip, the online shipping marketplace, is making the post-auction experience more e-commerce friendly for Internet-based buyers by placing uShip’s Shipping Price Estimator^tm directly within Lot Detail pages on the Artfact network of Web properties, including Artfact.com, Auctionzip.com and Invaluable.com.

Customers now see approximate shipping costs based on comparable item, weight and distance moves on uShip, and then within a few clicks, can connect with thousands of feedback-rated service providers in uShip’s network to get their item moved, whether it’s decorative arts, antiques or collectibles.

uShip’s marketplace connects people with transport companies that competitively bid to win business. Carriers use uShip to maximize their loads and fill extra truck space at deeply discounted rates, helping customers save an average of 50 percent over traditional rates.

“We heard from our customers that they wanted a way to determine shipping costs and get their items moved after winning. Our partnership with uShip gives them an easy and affordable way to do that,” said Josh Hale, vice president of product & marketing, AuctionZip.

“uShip’s Shipping Price Estimator can serve as a pricing barometer specifically for AuctionZip customers who may not be aware of the cost to transport auction items. It offers a reliable source for that information and gives them access to trusted service providers who understand what it takes to move larger-than-parcel deliveries,” said Philip Strohl, vice president, business development at uShip.

About the Artfact Network

Artfact is the world leader in developing SaaS and ecommerce applications for the auction industry. Comprised of Auctionzip.com, Artfact.com, Invaluable.com and RFC Systems, Artfact is the world’s largest live auction marketplace, reaching over 30 million unique bidders a year, and serving more than 25,000 individual auction houses globally. Through Artfact’s web properties, more than 3 million visitors per month arrive at the virtual doorsteps of auctioneers with unprecedented access to search and buy from over 160,000 auctions each year with a combined value of over $25 billion. For additional information, visit www.artfact.com.

About uShip

uShip.com is the world’s largest and most trusted online freight exchange serving the freight, household goods and vehicle shipping markets among other verticals. Consumers and businesses can compare and book upfront quotes, name their own price or receive auction-style bids from thousands of customer-reviewed Transportation Service Providers, ranging from independent owner-operators to the largest freight carriers and brokers.  Launched in 2004, Austin, Texas-based uShip operates globally with localized sites in 19 countries and regions on six continents, including North America, Europe, South America, India, Africa and Australia.  http://www.uship.com

uShip is also featured on A&E’s “Shipping Wars,” a real-life series that follows a handful of independent truckers who competitively bid to transport oversized, bulky loads found on uShip.com.  “Shipping Wars” is currently in Season 4 and airs Tuesday 10/9c only on A&E.

Media Contacts:

Dean Jutilla

uShip

dean@uship.com

650.814.3854

Josh Hale

Artfact

jhale@Artfact.com

617.746.9883

Over 16 Documents Autographed by U.S. Presidents Are Among Items to be Auctioned by Direct Auction Galleries in Chicago

CHICAGO (June 21, 2013)—Over 16 documents signed by United States presidents ranging from John Quincy Adams to Harry S Truman are among items being auctioned Tuesday, July 2, 2013, from 3 pm-10 pm by Direct Auction Galleries, 7232 N. Western Ave. in Chicago, Illinois. An inspection takes place the day prior from 3:30-7:30 pm. Absentee bids are accepted. A 15% buyer’s premium applies to all sales, plus sales tax (except as exempted).

 For a complete listing, photos, and other details visit www.directauction.com, call 773-465-3300.

          

 The documents include: John Quincy Adams Autographed Letter (Written in His Own Hand); James Monroe Autographed Letter (Written in His Own Hand); Grover Cleveland Autographed Letter (Written in His Own Hand); John Tyler Autographed Presidential Pardon; Autographed Documents by James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, Teddy Roosevelt, James Monroe, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Ulysses S. Grant, Martin Van Buren, James Buchanan, Calvin Coolidge, Chester A. Arthur, William McKinley, and Woodrow Wilson.

Many of the documents come with authentication by Dr. Richard Saffro, author of "Sanders Price Guide to Autographs."

Other estate and consignment items in this auction include: Many Antique Furniture Pcs.; Mahogany & Oak Furniture Pcs.; Carved Furniture; Oriental Rugs; Ornate Lighting Fixtures, Mirrors & Sconces; Pottery & Porcelain; Figurines; Glassware; China Sets; '50s/'60s/'70s Modern Furniture & Smalls, Victorian, Art Deco & Vintage Items & Furniture; many Gold Rings w/Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires, etc.; Gold & Diamond Necklaces & Bracelets; Gold U.S. & Foreign Coins; Morgan Dollars & Other Silver Coins; and Much More!

“These documents will be special additions for collectors and archivists just before this year’s Independence Day celebration,” says John R. Modica who operates the auction house with his cousin, John S. Modica.

Direct Auction Galleries is a Chicago auction house founded in 1962 that specializes in estate liquidations and consignments of fine antiques, jewelry, coins, and collectibles. 

AuctionZip Launches Beta of Its New “Timed Auction” Service

AuctionZip’s “Timed Auctions” Offer Significant Time and Cost Savings to Auctioneers and Buyers

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, AuctionZip, an Artfact company and part of the world’s largest online auction marketplace, announced the launch of a beta test for its new Timed Auction service as a complement to its Live! Auction product. Auctioneers may now post a Timed Auction that will run online for a defined period of time, allowing bidders to register and place maximum bids on items, which will be executed with confidence. Bidders are notified throughout each phase of the Timed Auction, so they have an opportunity to raise their bid amount and stay updated on their lot preferences. The closing of a Timed Auction is determined by a defined end time with extended bidding if there are additional bids in the last five minutes. When time is up, the highest online bidder wins.

“I am thrilled about the new Timed Auctions offering from AuctionZip”

AuctionZip’s Timed Auctions service saves auctioneers significant time and money compared to marketing and conducting a live auction. It creates a powerful new revenue stream and empowers auctioneers to maximize results for their consignors. As the go-to destination for more than 25,000 professional auctioneers and 13 million auction buyers, AuctionZip continues to be a proactive industry leader through new product development for both auctioneers and bidders. The beta test is currently open to all auctioneers and buyers. To view AuctionZip’s Timed Auctions beta service, visit www.auctionzip.com and select the “View Timed Auctions” beta link in the top left corner of the homepage.

“After considerable market analysis and auctioneer feedback, we are thrilled to launch the beta test of our new ‘Timed Auction’ service. We unveiled a beta of our ‘Timed Auction’ service on both Artfact and Invaluable in March of this year and we’re very excited to expand this service to our AuctionZip bidders and auctioneers,” said Rob Weisberg, CEO, Artfact, LLC. “This new feature provides our auctioneer partners with all of the benefits of a live auction, yet with considerable cost savings. It also offers significant business benefits to auctioneers selling time-sensitive and seasonal items. We look forward to collecting valuable feedback on our beta test to deliver a powerful and robust ‘Timed Auction’ service to our customers worldwide.”

“I am thrilled about the new Timed Auctions offering from AuctionZip,” said Jennings Gilmore, owner of the Columbia Auction Company based in Columbia, Mississippi. “This new feature fulfills a real need that I have for my business. I often have wonderful items for auction that I want to expose to a global audience, but not a large enough catalog to merit a live auction. AuctionZip Timed Auctions will give me the opportunity to sell my items in a timely manner rather than having to wait until I have enough volume to do a live auction. I plan on leveraging AuctionZip’s Timed Auctions frequently.”

About AuctionZip

As part of the Artfact network, AuctionZip is the world’s largest online auction marketplace. The company and its web properties are go-to destinations for more than 25,000 professional auctioneers and 13 million auction buyers. AuctionZip Live! is the nation’s largest online bidding destination. Every week the company lists thousands of new items at auction, and live auctions around the world. For more information, visit: www.auctionzip.com.

About Artfact

The industry leader since 1989, Artfact.com provides marketing and e-commerce services to the $40 billion live auctions market. As part of the Artfact network of web properties (Artfact.com, AuctionZip.com and Invaluable.com), Artfact.com supplies over 25,000 auctioneers worldwide with solutions including auction listings, online bidding, websites and auction management, employing the SaaS delivery method. Artfact’s database includes more than 57 million complete auction results totaling more than $204 billion in value, including information on more than 500,000 international artists. As the largest global marketplace for fine and decorative arts, antiques, collectibles and estate auctions, the Artfact network reaches over 2.5 million unique users monthly. Based in Boston and with offices in Pennsylvania and the United Kingdom, Artfact currently has partnerships with top appraisal associations worldwide.

Contacts

Artfact Media Relations
Darcy Sly, 617-213-0145
pr@artfact.com

AuctionZip Valentine's Day Photo Contest!

We’re well on our way into winter, and love is in the air. Pink, red, and white decorations are hanging, and this can only mean one thing: Valentine’s Day is approaching.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be dedicated exclusively to those in romantic relationships. Valentine’s Day is a time when you can express your love to anyone, such as a family member or close friend… and the only thing that is just as important as spreading your love is sharing it at auctions!

Now, it’s time for the Valentine’s Day photo contest!

•     Take pictures of you and your loved ones at auction.
•     Post them on our Facebook wall or Tweet them @auctionzip
•     That’s it!

The contest starts on Thursday, February 7th and ends on Sunday, February 17th. We’re giving you some extra time after Valentine’s Day in case you’re attending auctions over the weekend. Three lucky winners will receive an AuctionZip swag bag. Start showing us the love!

Join #auctionchat Every Tuesday at 7pm EST and Win a Gift Card and Swag Bag!

Our #auctionchat has been off to a great start. Not only has it been fun to chat live with fellow auction lovers it’s also been a great way to learn more about our auctioneers and bidders. Each week our audience grows and we discover more topics that are important to the industry. Future topics are advertising, social media, and how the markets have shifted in the past few years.

For our newbies...
An #auctionchat is a Twitter chat arranged in advance with questions coming from @AuctionZip.  You retweet the questions, give answer and interact with and meet other collectors.

There are several ways you can participate in #auctionchat. You can follow the #auctionchat tag during the chat on Tweetchat.com where you simply log in with your Twitter user name and then type in the #auctionchat tag. You can also use TweetDeck and create a column for #auctionchat and participate in real time.

If you love auctions, collectibles, antiques and anything related to buying unique items then #auctionchat is for you. Everyone is welcome to participate!

By participating in #auctionchat on Tuesdays at 7pm EST, you have the chance to win a $50 gift card and AuctionZip swag bag.

Here is how you can win!
Leave a comment on this blog with what is your favorite auction category.  Comments must be made by 7pm ET Tuesday.

Follow @AuctionZip (link to it) and Tweet about next Tuesday’s #auctionchat that includes a link to this post.  For example: “I’m joining @AuctionZip for their #auctionchat” on Tuesday at 7pm ET”. This tweet must be made by 7pm ET Tuesday.

Answer at least one question during Tuesday’s #auctionchat, which starts at 7 pm ET.

One winner will be chosen at random at the end of the #auctionchat.

Join us every Tuesday at 7pm EST and get into the auction action at #auctionchat!

Gateway Gallery Auction LLC Sale Featuring Head Vases and NASCAR Toys

BOSTON, January 23, 2013 – On February 2nd, 2013 at 10am Eastern Standard Time, Gateway Gallery Auction LLC will host their Head Vases and NASCAR Toy auction. The sale will take place in Chambersburg, PA at 643 Kriner Road as well as online at Auctionzip.com. During the one day sale Gateway Gallery Auction will offer over 148 quality head vase lots, many in pristine condition, with different size and color variations. The head vases will be in the main gallery and available online at Auctionzip.com. Previews, photos of items and advance bidding for this sale are available now on AuctionZip Live!.


At the same time, Gateway Gallery Auction will also run a toy auction in their back gallery. If you collect NASCAR or modern toys you do not want to miss this sale. The collection is from the William Drake Estate and the toys will only be offered at the live sale.


Advance and live bidding for this auction is available through AuctionZip Live!, which offers online bidding at auctions around the world. AuctionZip Live! bidders benefit from an enhanced, easy-to-use bidding console, the largest auction database and a powerful search engine that allows them to search for items by keyword, auction house or artist name. AuctionZip’s Secure Bid™ feature allows bidders to place a maximum bid in advance, so they can participate in the auction even if they can’t attend online or in person.


About AuctionZip.com
AuctionZip is the world’s largest online auction marketplace where more than 25,000 professional auctioneers and 13 million bidders come together each year to promote and find everything at auction, including collectibles, art, antiques, real estate, equipment and estate merchandise. AuctionZip.com is owned by Artfact, the leading live auction software, tools and services provider.

First #auctionchat Next Tuesday, Join to Win a Gift Card and Swag Bag!

AuctionZippers we know you are passionate about auctions and AuctionZip so join us on Tuesday, January 15th from 7-8pm ET for our first #auctionchat tweet chat event. We will discuss collectibles, antiques and everything auction related.

For those of you who are not familiar with Twitter chats and want to participate- an #auctionchat is a Twitter chat arranged in advance with questions coming from @AuctionZip. You retweet the questions, give answer and interact with and meet other collectors.


There are several ways you can participate in #auctionchat. You can follow the #auctionchat tag during the chat on Tweetchat.com where you simply log in with your Twitter user name and then type in the #auctionchat tag. You can also use TweetDeck and create a column for #auctionchat and participate in real time.


If you love auctions, collectibles, antiques and anything related to buying unique items then #auctionchat is for you. Everyone is welcome to participate!


As part of our first #auctionchat on January 15th, you have the chance to win a $50 gift card and AuctionZip swag bag.


Here is how you can win!
Leave a comment on this blog with what is your favorite auction category. Comments must be made by 7pm ET Tuesday January 15th.

Follow @AuctionZip (link to it) and Tweet about next Tuesday’s #auctionchat that includes a link to this post. For example: “I’m joining @AuctionZip for their first #auctionchat” on Tuesday at 7pm ET”. This tweet must be made by 7pm ET Tuesday January 15th.
Answer at least one question during Tuesday’s #auctionchat, which starts at 7 pm ET.


One winner will be chosen at random at the end of the #auctionchat.