TopBid Program Description

Important Points

• Multi-user Network-based System
• Multi Tasking
  Every Workstation is full function. All of the workstations can be used for any function at any time. This means you can be clerking on one workstation, cashiering on another and registering buyers on another all at one time.
• Supports wireless clerking.
• Efficiency and Speed.
  Bruce County Software programs are always compiled to machine code. This makes the TopBid program extremely efficient and fast. Also since the programmer has complete control, the compiled program can be tailored to the exact needs of the auctioneer. With TopBid« you can switch from one screen to another instantly. There is no need to wade through cumbersome menus. Reports are displayed instantly on the screen and if desired printed by one key stroke.

• Security of Data.
  As soon as you input information into TopBid, that information is used to update all relevant invoices and files and is then stored on your hard drive. Once stored on your hard drive, turning off your computer, inadvertently or by power failure will not cause a loss of data.

• Hotkeys
  Clerks will love the way TopBid switches from one function to another using a single key stroke. Hotkeys are certain function keys on your keyboard which when pressed instruct TopBid to bypass the main menu by going directly from one screen to another. For example if you are in the clerking screen you can go directly to invoicing with one key stroke. This feature is available on every workstation.

• Every Workstation is full function.
  TopBid software provides full functions on every workstation including remote workstations. Some auction programs only allow clerking on one workstation at a time. With TopBid you can clerk, register, cash out bidders or edit on any workstation.
• Proven Track Record
  TopBid has been on the market since 1990 and is used in many parts of Canada and USA. It is a Canadian designed program to accommodate either Canadian or US tax systems. For Canadian auctioneers TopBid looks after the GST and PST and for American auctioneers TopBid« handles State and Federal taxes where applicable
• User Friendly Screens.
  All entry screens are well designed using industry standard format for data entry. Your clerks may already be familiar with many of the keyboard keys used by TopBid because they are similar to those used by many commercial programs. Postal codes, telephone numbers, drivers licences and tax exemption licences are all checked for proper content. When entered TopBid automatically places hyphens or spaces where needed. For the most part TopBid is controlled by your keyboard function keys. Many screens use the same function keys to perform the same task such as printing or editing. This makes it easy to remember which key does what. All screens have an instruction window to tell the user the functions available on that screen.
• Buyer Registration.
  TopBid provides several registration modes
  • Automatic Issuance of buyer numbers.
    The computer issues the next buyer number.
  • Individual Workstation Register.
    Each workstation has its own range of buyer numbers to issue.
  • Turbo mode.
    Registration is fully automatic. Buyers can be given a bidder number manually need.
    Buyer information need only be entered if a purchase is made.
  • Permanent buyer numbers
    Permanent buyers are bidders who regularly come to your sales and have been given permanent numbers.
    They need not register to start bidding.
  The above can be selected in several combinations. The buyer information screen is logically arranged to make registration easy.
• Registering Customers from Previous Auctions
  Customers from previous auctions can be retrieved quickly from the main customer list. People are amazed at the speed customer searches (searching for previously registered buyers) can be made. TopBid can retrieve a previously entered buyer among 1500 in less than a quarter of a second. You need to enter customer information only once because it is stored in a permanent list for quick retrieval. To register a customer in a subsequent sale you need only enter their name or telephone number. If needed you can edit or make changes to update buyer information simply and without leaving your registration screen. If changes to a buyer just registered are required, that's easy too. If the buyer has a reseller licence it can be entered on this screen.
• Permanent Customer List.
  When a customer registers with TopBid a permanent record is created. Besides its use in subsequent auctions this information can be used for mailing lists and mailing labels. TopBid also keeps an attendance record for every customer so that stale customers can be removed from your customer base. Other Information such as reseller numbers which determine the way TopBid handles sales tax for these buyers is also retained in this file
• Consignor Registration.
  Registering consignors is also simple with TopBid. Each consignor registered, as with bidders becomes part of the permanent customer list, so future registrations either as a bidder or consignor is easy.
• Permanent Consignors.
  Consignors who have ongoing consignments can be given a permanent number, so they will register automatically when an item belonging to their consignment is sold. A list of all permanent consignors is maintained by TopBid.
• Consignor Commission.
  Consignor commissions can be selected individually as per the following types.
  • Straight Percentage
  • Flat Rate (Fixed rate for total consignment)
  • Variable Rate (Rate depends on value of item)
  • Sliding Scale (Rate depends on gross proceeds)
  • Individual Item (Each item has its own schedule)
• Taxes on Consignors Goods.
  Taxes on individual consignors goods can be controlled. For example most jurisdictions do not charge tax on food. In this case time is saved by designating the consignors goods as non-taxable.
• Consignor Cheques.
  Of coarse TopBid will print cheques for any or all consignors.
• Clerking.
  
  • Using Clerking Sheets.
    Clerking can be done using the traditional paper sheets. Sales entries can be entered on any workstation or any number of workstations simultaneously. In this mode sheet numbers can be entered for future reference. TopBid will keep a running total for each sheet.
  • On Line Clerking.
    Remote workstations or wireless workstations are used for "on line clerking". Each item is clerked in as sold. This is by far the best way to clerk an auction. The main advantage being the item is instantly posted to the buyers invoice resulting in faster cash outs and reduced chance of purchasers leaving with out-standing accounts.
  • Wireless Clerking.
    This type of clerking uses a remote workstation connected to your network via a wireless LAN. In this case the clerk and auctioneer can be located on a moving vehicle such as a topper. All the advantages of on line clerking apply as well.
• Logging Printer.
  When remote clerking, since there is no paper trail, it is essential to provide a means of recording each transaction in case of power failure etc. A logging printer provides a paper record by printing a single line for each transaction. Each printed line contains buyer number, consignor number, item description, cost and current invoice totals for the buyer..Registrations and cash outs are also recorded. The chance of having to resort to the log is extremely small but if needed it's there.
• Sales Tax on Items.
  Tax on individual items can be set using a simple Y/N
• Searching Sales File
  To find and edit previously entered items TopBid provides no less than six different ways of searching.
  • Consignor Number.
  • Bidder Number.
  • Deleted Items.
  • Clerking Sheet.
  • Item Cost.
  • Item Description.
• Finding items with TopBid is easy.
• Cashing out Bidders
  Clerks find cashing out easy with TopBid. When a buyer is selected for cashing out, all information related to that buyer is displayed along with items purchased and totals. Any item can be modified or deleted at this time. Buyer totals are instantly updated. Payments are simple to enter whether payment is by cash, cheque or credit card. Changes or refunds are easily made. A customer can cash out as often as they wish receiving a new invoice each time. TopBid« will even let your clerk know the change due. If you are dealing with foreign currency then TopBid will show the conversion and even tell you what the proper change should be. If you change customers tax status, totals are automatically recalculated. Cashing customers out has never been easier.
• Three different Invoice Styles.
  Your customers will be pleased with the way TopBid prints their invoices. To conserve paper TopBid« uses three different format for your customers invoices. Invoices are formatted so that purchases up to 50 items can be printed on a single page reducing printing time and paper usage. TopBid supports standard type printers including most ink jet and laser as well as sale slip (similar to those used in supermarkets)

• Consignor Reports
  After the sale is over TopBid prints all your consignor reports as well as each consignors check.
• Sale Summary.
  A complete summary display showing all debits and credits including the exact sales tax remittance can be printed.
• Cash Balance
  To balance your cash a complete cash balance display can be printed if required.
• Check List and Credit card List
  TopBid even prints a check list and credit card list to simplify your bank deposit. You will be impressed with the incredible speed your paper work is completed. Instead of taking four to twelve hours, TopBid will have you off to the bank with your cheque list and deposit in less than a hour.
  TopBid will pay for itself after five or six sales in time and money alone.

• Reports
  TopBid can display and print instantly many well formatted reports and listings
  providing all the information you need for accounting and audit tracking.
  • Consignor Invoices
  • Consignor Item List
  • Consignor Summary
  • Consignor Listing
  • Sale Summary
  • Sale Cash Balance
  • Consignor Totals Listing
  • Cheque Listing
  • Customer Staleness
  • Customer Attendance Statistics
  • Credit Card Voucher Listing
  • Sale Buyer Listing
  • Reserved Customer Listing
  • Regular Customer Listing
  • Unpaid Account's Listing
  • Clerking Sheet Totals Listing
  • Customers With Reseller Number.
  • Buyer Purchases Summary
  • Buyer Invoicing Summary
• Mailing Labels
  TopBid can print mailing labels for any of the above listings. Customers can be grouped according to type or interest so that selective mailing lists can be produced.
• Cheque Printing
  When you are ready TopBid will print your consignors cheques on standard cheque forms available everywhere.
• Flagging System
  Pick and choose only specific items you wish when printing mailing labels or consignor cheques.
• Optional Modules
  In addition to standard features described above any of the options listed below can be added at any time.
  With TopBid you need only purchase the software you need. For example most auctions are regular non-catalog,
  not requiring the Catalog Option.
  • Cataloging
  • Absentee Bid
  • Catalog Export
  • Bar Code Input
  • Extended Mailing System
  • Driver Licence Swipe
  • File Transfer