Based on feedback provided by our auctioneers and other recent events, we upgraded Ignite early this morning to introduce new functions and changes.
1. Faster image gallery uploads
2. Grid-style gallery organizer
3. Property Information Package Tracker module improvements
4. Removal of Scribd iPaper
Based on feedback from our customers, the default image gallery layout in the Ignite auction detail templates now displays thumbnails in a grid display with five across at a fixed width. This change will affect all sites using the default templates and is intended to improve the look and flow of the page. While the change will, unfortunately, add additional vertical length to image gallery pages, the majority of the feedback we received from auctioneers indicated that the uniformity of a grid-style display was more important to them and their customers than the excessive amount of vertical scrolling now needed to view large galleries.
For select sites with limited horizontal width, there may be slight anomalies in the display on select browsers. Please use the Ignite support ticket system (Ignite login required) to report these incidents on your site as needed.
Grid display on an AuctionServices.com Auction Detail Page
This change was brought about by feedback from auctioneers, so please keep the feedback coming (whether it be positive or negative) and know that we are listening!
Based on customer feedback and research, we found two areas where our new IBEAM pricing structure is not as competitive with other systems as it should be. We are revisiting the pricing structure so that it will be of more value at all levels across the board and we can still properly support what is needed for this system. We received good feedback and we are listening.
As a footnote from the time we started IBEAM system which was many many years ago our pricing has always been way below every other competitive system out there. This pricing change is not an increase in profit for us but a reinvestment to make the system even better for you!
Over the years lists, sends, requirements and support for an effective email management systems has grown tremendously. Better detailed reporting, faster sends, scheduling, templates, auto replies, bandwidth, better more powerful servers etc. etc. etc. IBEAM has been a real value and I promise it will continue to be.
Please bear with us as we work out some details on our end a little more. Nothing will change until you know well in advance and we hear your valuable feedback so please keep it coming. Thank you!
Two areas of concern are marked with red arrows:
In June 2008, we launched an upgraded version of our iBEAM software. We received great feedback from our customers. The new product had greater functionality and great new features. We provided this upgraded software at no extra charge to our customers.
The new software was so popular, that after a few months we started to notice some issues. Customers were reporting slow sending and delays. After a thorough investigation, we determined the source of the problem. The number of lists and subscribers in the system, coupled with the volume of emails being sent was overwhelming the email queue at peak times. This acted like a logjam.
As we looked further, we found that a third of iBEAM users have small lists under 500 total subscribers. Another third have lists totaling fewer than 10,000 subscribers. The top third are the heaviest users with total subscribers over 10,000 and some over 100,000.
In order to provide the best service for users at all levels, we decided to move users with larger lists to dedicated servers. Because server space and bandwidth come at a premium, I have made the tough decision to create tiered pricing for iBEAM based on usage. Click here to review the new pricing tiers. We researched the market and feel this new pricing is comparable to, and in some cases better than pricing offered by competitors. We urge you to research this for yourself.
New pricing will go into effect November 1, 2009, based on total subscribers in your list(s) at that time. To determine the package level for your IBEAM account, simply log in at http://ibeam.auctionservices.com/ and look at the “Total active subscribers” number under the Quick Stats section of your main administration dashboard. If you have questions or concerns, please give us a call (540) 206-3311.
Best regards,
Richard Romanus
President & CEO,
AuctionServices.com, Inc.
Last night we rolled out the new optimization for Ignite. I could not believe how fast auction lists now come up!!! We have been working on this optimization since before the NAA Conference & Show in July. However, it could only be rolled out after we changed templates and a few other items, which we accomplished over the weekend.
If you’re using Ignite you will be extremely pleased with the speed that your auctions and as a result your website loads up now. Bench-marked calendar loading averaged less than 3 seconds.
If you’re not using Ignite you can look at any of our state sites and or portals to see the speed.
http://auctionservices.com/auction-portals.php
Google Partnership:
On a different note we have not formally announced this yet but we have partnered with Google for email management via their Apps. We have moved two auctioneers so far in a beta mode. They are extremely pleased and we are as well…
The short of it all is that Zimbra, our current email client, and three servers are not doing it for us and the 2,800+ email accounts that we manage. Google has all the horsepower plus many great features included. All email that our auctioneers currently have in the Zimbra system will be ported over for them after we have setup their email accounts. They email addresses will still be youremailaccount@yourdomain.
This is a huge advantage for our clients and will streamline email plus scan junk mail much better as well since we have the power of the Google backbone…
We will do this transition in batches not to have anything fall through the cracks. Please stay tuned for more information…
Respectfully,
Richard A. Romanus Sr.
President & CEO
AuctionServices.com, Inc.
Roanoke, VA 24018
Office: 540-206-3311
New Feature!
Last night, while you were sleeping, the Ignite elves were busy rolling out a new feature for your Ignite dashboard. We are very pleased to announce the integration of printing and mailing services to the Ignite Suite.
Our first preferred provider, XpressDocs, has worked with us to integrate their services into the Ignite platform, making it easy for you to list your auction in Ignite, and then use those same images and text to create agency-quality direct marketing materials in minutes! You can design postcards in several sizes, rack cards, flyers, brochures and more, using professional templates, or upload your own designs. Orders placed by 4pm central time are printed and shipped the same day.
XpressDocs also offers all-in-one flexible direct mail options, including: demographic business and consumer lists, street lists, mail to your own lists, free CASS list and more.
Click here to download a flyer with pricing examples.
? Unparalleled print quality and design
? Dozens of auction and real estate templates
? Upload your own files
? Overnight turnaround time
? Demographic lists
Come by the AuctionServices.com booth at the NAA convention in Overland Park, KS, next week where we’ll be happy to answer your questions about XpressDocs printing and mailing services. If your company has a service you would like to talk to us about integrating with Ignite, drop an email to HIDDEN EMAIL.
With the last upgrade to Ignite, you now see a new button on your dashboard - Property Information Packages. This new tool lets you track who downloads your documents! When this feature is turned on in your auction detail template, viewers will be required to fill in a short form with their contact information prior to viewing or downloading any documents you have uploaded to your documents area.
You are able to login to your Ignite account, go to the Property Information Packages tool and view a list of everyone who has downloaded documents, their name, email, location, what they downloaded and when. You can also download a spreadsheet that will contain their full contact information.
This tracking is currently only available for our website hosting customers. If you would like this feature “turned on” in your auction detail template, email support@auctionservices.com or call (540) 206-3311 and request it today.
Here is a screen shot of what the report looks like once people start filling out the PIP forms:
Regards,
AuctionServices.com Development Team
Sign up now for our free webinar set for this Friday, June 12 at 1:30pm (et). We’ll be going over new features of Ignite, including:
Sign up here:
http://auctionservices.com/response_forms/ignitetraining.php
You have voiced your opinions and we’ve heard you loud and clear! Please keep those suggestions coming by filing tickets under the “wish list” tag.
Thanks! AuctionServices.com TeamThis morning’s IGNITE upgrade went great! The new programming code and database changes are now in place. Please log in at your earliest convenience and continue to provide feedback and suggestions using the “File a Support Request/Ticket” button at the bottom of the IGNITE screens.
We are continuing to re-index auctions in the database to make sure they are displayed properly and improve the performance of our powerful new search engine software. During this re-indexing process, you may find that some auctions disappear from your website. This should not affect company websites, but if it does and you find an auction that is not appearing properly, please file a ticket with the company information and a description of the auction. Also, please try republishing the auction to determine if that fixes the problem.
Thank you for your patience while we continue to improve the Ignite platform to better suit your needs. Here is a list of some of the issues that were addressed in this upgrade:
Please keep in mind that this entire system was built based on what auctioneers told us they wanted and needed, so please continue to keep the feedback coming! Use the “File a Support Request/Ticket” feature at the bottom (you’ll need to log into the ticket system with your IGNITE account) to let us know what you’d like to see next!
