WORK FROM HOME (WFH) TOOLKIT
FOR AUCTIONEERS
Resources & Tools for Auction Houses Working Remotely
As auction houses across the world adopt WFH policies, collaborative technology* has allowed businesses to continue operating efficiently while adapting quickly to local guidelines. Below are some tools and tips that can help your team remain connected and productive in a WFH environment.
Cyber attacks have been on the rise since the COVID-19 outbreak. Be aware of potential phishing attempts, and never click on emails from unrecognized senders. See below for additional best practices.
Communication Tools
Maintain real-time communication with your team via Slack, an instant messaging platform suited for remote work. You can use Slack to send direct messages to individuals and create group conversations, ensuring real-time communication with your team.
For virtual meetings, Zoom is a popular video conferencing tool that allows you to connect from your computer, tablet or mobile device. Skype and Google Hangouts are also options. For maintaining relationships with consignors and customers, Facetime is simple and easy to use.
Tips:
- If your auction accepts bids through multiple platforms, consider using Zoom to clerk your sale. (Just make sure to do a test-run before auction time to iron out any potential kinks.)
- Offer customers the option to schedule virtual previews via Facetime.
- During your auction, providing a live video feed of your auctioneer is a great way to engage bidders online.
As auction houses across the world adopt WFH policies, collaborative technology* has allowed businesses to continue operating efficiently while adapting quickly to local guidelines. Below are some tools and tips that can help your team remain connected and productive in a WFH environment.
Cyber attacks have been on the rise since the COVID-19 outbreak. Be aware of potential phishing attempts, and never click on emails from unrecognized senders. See below for additional best practices.
Communication Tools
Maintain real-time communication with your team via Slack, an instant messaging platform suited for remote work. You can use Slack to send direct messages to individuals and create group conversations, ensuring real-time communication with your team.
For virtual meetings, Zoom is a popular video conferencing tool that allows you to connect from your computer, tablet or mobile device. Skype and Google Hangouts are also options. For maintaining relationships with consignors and customers, Facetime is simple and easy to use.
Tips:
• If your auction accepts bids through multiple platforms, consider using Zoom to clerk your sale. (Just make sure to do a test-run before auction time to iron out any potential kinks.)
• Offer customers the option to schedule virtual previews via Facetime.
• During your auction, providing a live video feed of your auctioneer is a great way to engage bidders online.
Document Sharing & Collaboration Tools
Google Drive, DropBox and WeTransfer allow you to store and share digital image files and documents. All offer free plan options, too.
The free Google Drive suite includes Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Slides, which allow you to create and edit word processing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, respectively. Files can easily be shared with others for collaborative editing.
Tips:
- Move to contactless consignor agreements. Create a template in Google Docs and upload it to HelloSign where you can request consignor signatures.
- Google Slides is a useful tool for creating, editing and sharing marketing materials, including digital catalogs and auction results.
Document Sharing & Collaboration Tools
Google Drive, DropBox and WeTransfer allow you to store and share digital image files and documents. All offer free plan options, too.
The free Google Drive suite includes Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Slides, which allow you to create and edit word processing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, respectively. Files can easily be shared with others for collaborative editing.
Tips:
- Move to contactless consignor agreements. Create a template in Google Docs and upload it to HelloSign where you can request consignor signatures.
- Google Slides is a useful tool for creating, editing and sharing marketing materials, including digital catalogs and auction results.
Calendar Management & Scheduling
For booking appointments, Calendly and Acuity Scheduling are popular solutions that allow invitees to select meeting times based on your real-time schedule availability.
Group organizing tools like SignUpGenius and SignUp.com make it easy to coordinate events.
Tips:
- If your local guidelines permit, coordinate in-person previews and pick-ups using SignUpGenius to ensure safe social distancing.
- Allow consignors and clients to book virtual appointments using your Calendly link. Consider adding the link to your email signature and website for immediate access.
Calendar Management & Scheduling
For booking appointments, Calendly and Acuity Scheduling are popular solutions that allow invitees to select meeting times based on your real-time schedule availability.
Group organizing tools like SignUpGenius and SignUp.com make it easy to coordinate events.
Tips:
• If your local guidelines permit, coordinate in-person previews and pick-ups using SignUpGenius to ensure safe social distancing.
• Allow consignors and clients to book virtual appointments using your Calendly link. Consider adding the link to your email signature and website for immediate access.
Marketing Tools
Manage your social media presence with marketing management platforms such as Hootsuite, SEMrush or CoSchedule. Simplify your social media strategy by managing all your company’s social networks in a single workspace, scheduling social posts in advance and tracking performance.
Tip:
- Use EZTexting to keep bidders up-to-date on important matters like online-only auction transitions, important date changes, and revised shipping policies.
Marketing Tools
Manage your social media presence with marketing management platforms such as Hootsuite, SEMrush or CoSchedule. Simplify your social media strategy by managing all your company’s social networks in a single workspace, scheduling social posts in advance and tracking performance.
Tip:
• Use EZTexting to keep bidders up-to-date on important matters like online-only auction transitions, important date changes, and revised shipping policies.
Project Management Tools
Manage your tasks with team management tools such as Trello, Asana or Monday.com. To help you organize and prioritize team tasks in an easy way, you will be able to create project boards, create and assign tasks to team members, and keep track of progress.
Project Management Tools
Manage your tasks with team management tools such as Trello, Asana or Monday.com. To help you organize and prioritize team tasks in an easy way, you will be able to create project boards, create and assign tasks to team members, and keep track of progress.
Cybersecurity Best practices
Cybersecurity Best practices
- Protect your data. Never share sensitive information that could accidentally be leaked.
- Avoid pop-ups and emails from unrecognized senders. Never click on attachments or links from unknown sources.
- Adopt strong passwords and authentication
- Use secure wi-fi connection
- Enable firewall protection
- Regularly backup your files