The days of standing out in the rain, snow and heat are distant memories for those who attend auctions at Gehling Auction Co., LLC of Preston, Minn.
“Technology” was the main reason a new building was necessary, states owner Ron Gehling, who operates the business with his wife Lana and son Matt.
“Technology has changed it all,” says Ron, as people no longer have to deal with the outside elements since “you can control the environment you’re in” now.
Construction on the new building began in the spring of 2016. On July 5, 2016 the framing of the building was blown over in a severe thunderstorm and work began once again.
Many local contractors worked to complete the project as quickly as possible so the Gehlings could get up and running in their new space.
In October 2016, employees were in their offices but much of the interior of the building had yet to be completed.
The first auction in the Gehling Auction Company’s new building was held on October 22, 2016.
The new auction building is very large, with over 8,000 square feet of space, including the auction area, restrooms, business office and employee offices.
The auction area seats 600 people comfortably and has many new highlights, including all LED lighting, a very high tech sound system, a projector with picture slideshows, big screen televisions, indoor and outdoor speakers, and four cameras.
Having four cameras allows everyone in the business office to see everything that is going on in the auction area, which is very helpful.
Photo by Barb Jeffers
Technology has also changed the way auctions are done and how bids are taken as well. There are live online auctions and timed auctions, states Matt.
A timed auction has no auctioneer – you look at a picture and place your bid, whereas a live webcast is “more of a feel like being there,” explains Matt, as there is video and sound.
At the auction, the screen shows who has the bid currently – whether on the floor or an internet bid. When an internet bid comes in, a light flashes on the screen and (through an IP address) it states what city the bidder is from.
Gehling Auction Co. holds a timed online auction every month, so people can bring in their items ahead of time, have photos taken, and have those items included in the next timed online auction.
During the time this article was being written, the online timed auction included items such as oil lamps, die cast vintage toys, tools, and a shiatsu massager, so you really never know what you will find when you look.
For more online bidding information, visit gehlinglive.com. You can even download the app to watch the auction items you’re interested in and place bids from your phone.
During a cold snap in December 2016 when the temperature outside was ten below zero, the customers “loved it”, as they could be inside where it was warm, states Ron.
Gehling Auction Co., LLC offers real estate auctions, farm equipment auctions, specialty auctions, fertilizer equipment auctions, business liquidations, construction equipment auctions, and estate auctions.
The business is located at 27741 State Hwy. 16, Preston, Minn. For more information phone (507) 765-2131 or visit gehlingauction.com.