"We have been exploring options to open up our bidding platform through the internet for some time now, but technical challenges have hampered us in the past. Through the portal, wine collectors and dealers can now bid online as if they were on the auction floor, opening new frontiers for our wines," says Louis Strydom, chairman of the Guild, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Live online bidding has revolutionised the auction world in recent years making it possible for both collectors and dealers to buy at auctions worldwide via the Internet. This portal is one of Europe's leading sites for live art and antiques auctions with a growing interest in wine. Users can search catalogues and place their bids over the internet in real-time, with live audio and video feeds recreating the auction room atmosphere - all from the comfort of their laptop or computer. In 2011, the site hosted over 4000 catalogues and 1800 live auctions.
"Between 2010 and 2011, we have seen a 40% increase in site visits, coupled with a 33% increase in registered bidders, a clear indication that online bidding is on the increase," says Angelika Elstner, ATG's representative in South Africa.
Prospective buyers who are unable to attend the auction, can either register in advance and take advantage of the Guild's telephonic and proxy bidding facilities, or register free of charge with www.the-saleroom.com to bid online on the day. Online registration opens two weeks prior to the auction, once the catalogue has been posted on the site.
