Definition
In short: A simulcast auction runs live in-person and online simultaneously, letting remote bidders compete alongside the room in real time.
A simulcast auction is an auction conducted simultaneously in-person and online, allowing both floor bidders and remote bidders to compete on the same lots in real time. The auctioneer calls the sale live while a platform streams audio/video and accepts online bids alongside floor bids. Simulcast combines the energy of a live auction with the reach of online bidding.
How It Works
During a simulcast auction, the auctioneer runs the sale from the floor as usual while a clerk or ringman monitors incoming online bids on a screen. Online bidders see a live video stream of the auctioneer and can place bids with a click. The auctioneer acknowledges online bids just like floor bids — "I have $500 on the floor, $550 online" — keeping both audiences engaged. Platforms like HiBid, Proxibid, and LiveAuctioneers provide the simulcast infrastructure. The format typically requires a stable internet connection, a camera setup, and a dedicated person to relay online bids. Simulcast sales regularly see 30-50% of winning bids come from online participants.
Related Terms
See also: Online Auction, Timed Auction, Auction Platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does simulcast bidding work?
In simulcast bidding, the auctioneer calls the sale live from the auction floor while a platform streams the event to online bidders.
Online bidders see the current bid and can place bids in real time through the platform interface. The auctioneer or a clerk monitors online bids and incorporates them into the live calling. The process is seamless for floor bidders — they simply hear the auctioneer announce online bids alongside room bids. The item sells to whoever places the highest bid, regardless of whether they are in the room or online.
What equipment do I need for simulcast auctions?
At minimum, you need: a reliable high-speed internet connection (wired, not WiFi), a camera with good audio capture pointed at the auctioneer, a computer running the simulcast platform, and a screen or tablet for the clerk to monitor incoming online bids.
Many auctioneers add a second camera to show lots as they come up. A dedicated internet connection separate from public WiFi prevents bandwidth issues. Budget $500-2,000 for a basic simulcast setup.
What percentage of bids typically come from online in simulcast sales?\nIt varies by category and region, but many auctioneers report 40-60% of winning bids originating from online participants once simulcast is established — with higher percentages for specialty categories like coins, art, and collectibles.
Most auctioneers add a second camera to show individual lots as they come up. A dedicated internet line separate from public WiFi prevents bandwidth drops. Platforms like HiBid, Proxibid, and LiveAuctioneers provide the streaming infrastructure — see auction platform for a comparison of platform features. Budget $500–2,000 for a reliable basic setup.
According to Technavio (2025), the global online auction market is projected to grow by USD 3.98 billion from 2025 to 2029, making auction terminology literacy increasingly important for new market participants.
For a full breakdown of how online auction platforms compare in features and fees, see our glossary.
Sources
- Technavio, "Online Auction Market Growth Analysis." technavio.com