Kelly and other bidders still will travel to inspect expensive purchases. But online technology eventually will allow buyers to inspect serial numbers and repair records online. And once bidders have traveled to inspect merchandise, they won't have to make return visits to bid in person. In the past, buyers have used fax machines to send maximum bid limits. With the proxy, you're out of the game.
Online bidding is a relatively simple process.
Dovebid outfitted Kelly's PC with a sound card and proprietary software. The computer screen displays the information that on-site bidders are viewing. Auction houses hope to lure new bidders to the process by offering such online services as financing, escrow services and insurance. A recent Dovebid auction conducted for Raytheon drew bidders from as far away as Germany. It's a very easy way to deal.