How Do Multiple Rings Work in BidWrangler?

In BidWrangler, each ring is a separate auction, with its own bidder registration and its own paddle numbers. A bidder can register in more than one ring, and can hold a live paddle number in each ring at the same time. If you want a single paddle number, one invoice, and combined reports across the rings, link the ring auctions into one linked auction group.

Some auction companies split a large sale into two or more rings. This lets more than one auctioneer sell at the same time. The sale finishes faster, and bidders do not wait through the full catalog in a single line.

One ring might be for simulcast only, while another is for live-only clerking-on-the-fly in an uncatalogued sale. Set the auction type separately for each ring.

By default, BidWrangler treats each ring as its own auction. A bidder must register separately in each ring to get a paddle number for that ring, so you want to link all rings/auctions under one linked auction group.

To have one paddle number and one invoice for each bidder, add the separate auctions to the same linked auction group. A linked auction group also combines the reports across the rings. You still catalog items into each ring separately, and BidWrangler treats the paddle numbers, invoices, and reports as one auction.

CAUTION: Link the ring auctions before you assign live paddle numbers or hand out bidder cards. When you link the rings, BidWrangler reassigns paddle numbers across the group, and a card already in a bidder's hand can change. Avoid these issues by linked all sales prior to publishing.

For the full setup, read How do I link multiple auctions together for invoicing? (Using Linked Auction Groups). If your sale also includes online bidders during the live event, read How to Run a Simulcast Auction in BidWrangler: Setup, Registration, Clerking, and Invoicing for the full setup and clerking walkthrough, including the section on paddle number ranges for a multi-ring sale.

Do bidders need to register separately for each ring?
No, but only if you link the rings/auctions into one linked auction group. Without linking, a bidder must register in each ring to get a paddle number for that ring.

Can one bidder use the same paddle number in two rings?
Only if you link the ring auctions into one linked auction group. Without linking, BidWrangler issues a separate paddle number for each ring.

Do I get one invoice for a bidder who buys in more than one ring?
Only when the rings belong to the same linked auction group. Separate rings produce separate invoices for the same bidder.

Can a ring run as a simulcast auction with online bidders?
Yes. Each ring can run as a live auction, a timed auction that becomes live (timed-to-live), or a simulcast auction with bids from online bidders. Set the auction type separately for each ring.

When should I link my rings instead of keeping them separate?
Link your rings when you want one paddle number, one invoice, and combined reports for each bidder across the sale. Keep them separate when you want each ring's registration and invoicing kept apart, for example for different consignors or different sale terms.

What happens if I link the rings after I hand out bidder cards?
When you link the rings and there are existing registrations, BidWrangler reassigns paddle numbers across the group. A card already in a bidder's hand can change, so link the rings before you hand out any cards.

You should link all auctions within one linked auction group before publishing when possible.

Can I still catalog items into separate rings after I link them?
Yes. Linking does not change how you catalog items. You still catalog into each ring separately, and BidWrangler treats the paddle numbers, invoices, and reports as one auction.

• How do I link multiple auctions together for invoicing? (Using Linked Auction Groups)

• How to Run a Simulcast Auction in BidWrangler: Setup, Registration, Clerking, and Invoicing

Contact helpdesk@bidwrangler.com if you have questions about running multiple rings in your next sale.