How to Prepare Auction Listings and Photos for HiBid / AuctionFlex 360
Prepare aListEngine listings and photos for AuctionFlex 360, match the fields, and review the catalog before publishing to HiBid.
In this article
To move a catalog into HiBid through AuctionFlex 360, review the listings in aListEngine, download the HiBid / AF360 export, and import the spreadsheet file, called a CSV, and the photos into AuctionFlex 360. You still decide when the auction is ready for bidders.
Lot numbers connect each catalog row with its photos.
1. Finish the catalog review
Check each lot number, title, description, and photo group. Put condition details and included items in the description that bidders will read.
Finish the listing review before exporting.
Use simple lot numbers and keep them consistent. The number in the catalog must match the beginning of each photo filename. Lot 101 may have 101_1.jpg and 101_2.jpg.
For the sample lamp, a clear title is “Brass-tone table lamp with cream fabric shade.” Add a test result only after someone performs that test.
2. Download the export
Open Export, choose HiBid / AF360, and leave Include images on when you need the photos. Select the image quality and create the export.
Choose HiBid / AF360 and the image quality before downloading.
Open the downloaded ZIP file to get the spreadsheet and photos inside. Keep those files together.
Before importing, check these items:
| Item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Lot Number | Correct number for the item |
| Lead | Reviewed title |
| Description | Complete description and condition |
| Consignor | Correct seller |
| Quantity | Correct selling unit |
| Starting Bid / Reserve | Set later; both leave aListEngine blank |
For a pair of chairs sold together, Quantity 1 can mean one selling unit. The description should still say that the lot contains a pair.
3. Import the spreadsheet into AuctionFlex 360
AuctionFlex 360 has more than one import screen, depending on the account view.
- From Lots, choose Import Lots → Choose File.
- From a workspace, choose Import, select the auction, upload the file, and choose Next.
Match Lot Number with the lot-number field, Lead with the title field, and Description with the description field. Then check the remaining fields, especially consignor.
AuctionFlex provides current instructions in its mass-import guide and workspace import guide.
Try two or three lots in an unpublished auction before importing a full sale. Include one lot with several photos so you can confirm the matching.
4. Import the photos
Import the lots first. Then use Lot Images in AuctionFlex 360 to add the photos from the downloaded folder.
Photo names connect them to the right lot. Lot 101 photos should begin with 101_. If you change lot numbers after export, create a new export so the catalog and photo names agree.
5. Check the catalog before publishing
- Every intended lot is present once.
- Each lot has the correct lead image and detail photos.
- Titles and descriptions are complete and readable.
- Consignors, quantities, estimates, bids, and reserves are correct.
- Pickup, shipping, tax, terms, and auction dates are correct.
- For Canadian sales, the auction currency is set correctly.
Starting bids and reserves are blank in the aListEngine export. Set them in AuctionFlex 360 and check any auction defaults before publishing.
Common questions
Does aListEngine publish directly to HiBid?
No. It prepares files for your team to import. Publishing remains under your control.
Why did photos attach to the wrong lot?
Compare the lot number with the start of each photo filename. Also check the photo groups before export.
Is this for desktop Auction Flex?
These steps cover AuctionFlex 360. Desktop Auction Flex uses a different process.
Prepare, import, and check
aListEngine for auctioneers helps organize photos, review descriptions, and prepare the download. After import, always check the version bidders will see.