#Auction Management Software

[eprocurementsoftwaresolutions]

Get in Command of Your Bidding Process with BusinessBid's Auction Software

BusinessBid.com provides effective and easy-to-use auction management software that can streamline and optimize the manner in which businesses approach procurement and bidding. From reverse auctions, sealed bids, to real-time competitive bidding, BusinessBid facilitates easy hosting of professional, open, and effective auctions all in one platform.

With its simple, intuitive interface and adaptable customisation, the platform is designed to serve procurement teams, suppliers, and decision-makers. You can follow bids in real time, comply with regulations, and make informed decisions—without the cumbersome overhead of manual systems. And with around-the-clock support and cloud-based deployment, you have security, scalability, and reassurance.

Trusted by businesses across industries, BusinessBid.com is more than technology—it's your business partner in smarter sourcing and smoother auction management.

[juniperallen]

Auction Management Software: Transforming the Auction Industry

The auction industry has witnessed a paradigm shift with the advent of auction management software. These platforms streamline the complexities of organizing and conducting auctions, providing businesses, auctioneers, and organizations with the tools they need to manage events effectively. By digitizing auction processes, this software saves time, reduces costs, and enhances the experience for both organizers and participants.

What is Auction Management Software?

a comprehensive solution designed to handle various aspects of auction operations, from item cataloging and bidder registration to real-time bidding and payment processing. It enables auction houses, charities, and even independent sellers to conduct both live and online auctions with greater efficiency.

This software serves as a centralized platform where users can manage inventory, track bids, communicate with bidders, and generate detailed reports. Many solutions also integrate with live auction features, making it easy to host hybrid events that cater to both in-person and online audiences.

Key Features

Catalog ManagementThe software allows users to create detailed item catalogs with descriptions, images, and reserve prices, ensuring transparency and attracting potential bidders.

Bid TrackingReal-time bid tracking features enable organizers to monitor activity and ensure seamless updates for participants, fostering an engaging auction environment.

Bidder ManagementFrom registration to payment processing, the software simplifies the bidder journey, offering tools for pre-approval, notifications, and invoicing.

Customizable InterfacesAuction platforms often provide branding options, allowing organizations to design interfaces that reflect their identity and resonate with their audience.

Analytics and ReportingDetailed insights into auction performance, bidder behavior, and revenue generation help organizers refine their strategies for future events.

Secure Payment SystemsIntegrated payment gateways ensure smooth, secure transactions for both bidders and organizers, reducing the risk of errors or fraud.

Benefits 

Efficiency in OperationsBy automating repetitive tasks like catalog creation, bidder registration, and payment processing, the software saves time and reduces administrative burdens.

Broader ReachWith online and hybrid capabilities, auction management software connects bidders from around the globe, boosting participation and revenue potential.

Improved TransparencyReal-time updates and detailed reporting ensure all participants have access to accurate information, fostering trust in the process.

Enhanced User ExperienceFeatures like mobile compatibility, live bidding, and instant notifications make it easy for participants to engage with auctions from anywhere.

Cost-Effective SolutionsBy eliminating the need for physical venues and reducing logistical costs, auction management software provides a budget-friendly alternative to traditional auctions.

Applications of Auction Management Software

Art and Collectibles AuctionsAuction houses use these platforms to showcase high-value items and attract collectors from around the world.

Charity FundraisersNonprofits leverage auction software to organize virtual or hybrid events, maximizing donor participation and contributions.

Estate SalesFor estate auctions, the software streamlines the cataloging and selling of items, ensuring a smooth process for all parties involved.

Real Estate AuctionsAuction platforms are increasingly being used in the property market, offering transparency and efficiency for buyers and sellers alike.

Auction Management Software and Bidsquare Cloud

A leading example of innovation in the auction software platform space is Bidsquare Cloud, a cutting-edge auction management solution designed for auction houses, nonprofits, and businesses. It offers a robust suite of tools for managing all aspects of auctions, including live streaming, bidder management, and payment processing.

Bidsquare Cloud emphasizes scalability and customization, making it ideal for organizations of all sizes. Its hybrid auction capabilities allow users to seamlessly host events that combine in-person and online participation. Additionally, its advanced analytics and reporting features empower users to gain valuable insights and enhance future auction performance. By simplifying auction operations and delivering a superior experience for both organizers and bidders, Bidsquare Cloud exemplifies the potential of an advanced auction software platform to transform the industry.

FAQs

1. What types of auctions can auction management software handle?

It can be used for various auctions, including art, collectibles, real estate, charity events, estate sales, and even industrial equipment auctions.

2. What makes Bidsquare Cloud stand out?

Bidsquare Cloud offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including live auction capabilities, advanced analytics, and hybrid event support, making it a versatile and innovative choice for auction organizers.

3. How can auction management software improve the participant experience?

Features like mobile compatibility, real-time notifications, and user-friendly interfaces ensure participants can easily engage with the auction from anywhere.

[iridikron]

i need to charge my ipad again

[procurengine3]

Understanding Supplier Management Software

In today’s competitive business environment, effective supplier management is crucial for organizations seeking to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency. Supplier management software plays a pivotal role in achieving these objectives. This article explores the key features, benefits, and types of procurement software available, including procurement management software, e-procurement software, and more.

What is Supplier Management Software?

Supplier management software is designed to help businesses manage their relationships with suppliers. It encompasses a variety of functionalities that support the entire supplier lifecycle, from onboarding to performance evaluation. By utilizing this software, organizations can effectively monitor supplier performance, ensure compliance, and optimize procurement strategies.

In conclusion, supplier management software is an essential tool for organizations looking to optimize their procurement processes. By leveraging the capabilities of procurement management software, e-procurement software, and other related tools, businesses can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and mitigate risks associated with supplier relationships. As the market evolves, investing in the right procurement software will be key to maintaining a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced business environment.

[paybee]

Paybee: Elevating Personal Fundraising with Online Auctions

In the realm of personal fundraising, leveraging the power of online auctions can significantly boost your efforts. Platforms like Paybee provide an invaluable toolkit for organizing and executing successful fundraising campaigns. If you need information about personal fundraising platforms, you should select the ones that best suit your needs. Focus on various options before moving ahead.

In this blog, we'll focus on different types of online auctions and how they align with personal fundraising objectives, with Paybee as a guiding example. Here are some of the types of online auctions you should know:

Types of Online Auctions

When it comes to hosting an online fundraising auction, there are several types to consider. The two primary formats are silent auctions and virtual auctions, each offering unique advantages for personal fundraising endeavors.

Silent Auctions

Silent auctions represent the traditional approach to fundraising auctions. In this format, items up for bidding are displayed alongside bid sheets, allowing guests to privately submit their offers. What sets silent auctions apart is the discreet nature of bidding; participants can't view the current highest offer, fostering an element of intrigue and competition.

For personal fundraising initiatives, silent auctions hold particular appeal. They seamlessly integrate into events, allowing guests to engage in competitive bidding without disrupting the flow of activities. Whether it's a charity gala or a community fundraiser, silent auctions provide a familiar and effective avenue for generating donations.

Virtual Auctions

In contrast, virtual auctions offer a dynamic and interactive bidding experience facilitated through online platforms like Paybee. Participants can engage in real-time bidding from the comfort of their laptops or mobile devices, fostering a sense of immediacy and inclusivity.

Virtual auctions are ideally suited for personal fundraising efforts that prioritize accessibility and broad outreach. By leveraging online auction sites, organizers can reach a wider audience beyond geographical constraints, maximizing the potential for fundraising success. Moreover, the intuitive interfaces of platforms like Paybee ensure a seamless bidding experience for both organizers and participants.

The Paybee Advantage

Amidst the myriad of fundraising platforms, Paybee stands out as a versatile solution tailored to the needs of personal fundraisers. With Paybee, organizers gain access to a comprehensive suite of features designed to streamline the auction process and maximize donor engagement.

Physical and Virtual Options

Paybee caters to the diverse needs of personal fundraisers by offering both physical and virtual auction options. Whether you're hosting an in-person event or conducting a digital fundraiser, Paybee provides the tools to execute seamless auctions and drive donations.

Secure and Flexible Payment Solutions

Security is paramount in fundraising, and Paybee prioritizes the protection of financial transactions. Through encrypted payment gateways and robust data security measures, donors can contribute with confidence, knowing their sensitive information is safeguarded.

Intuitive User Experience

Navigating the world of online auctions can be daunting, but Paybee simplifies the process with its user-friendly interface. From setting up auction items to monitoring bidding activity in real-time, organizers can manage every aspect of their fundraising campaign with ease.

Personalized Support

Behind the scenes, the Paybee team is committed to empowering personal fundraisers with dedicated support and guidance. Whether you're a seasoned organizer or embarking on your first fundraising venture, Paybee offers personalized assistance every step of the way.

Conclusion

In the realm of personal fundraising, online auctions represent a powerful tool for generating donations and rallying support. By embracing platforms like Paybee, organizers can harness the potential of both silent and virtual auctions to achieve their fundraising goals.

Footnotes

Whether it's raising funds for medical expenses, educational pursuits, or community initiatives, Paybee provides the resources and expertise to elevate your fundraising efforts to new heights.

To know more about the best online fundraising platforms and how they help you, you should explore a series of options.

[tmsfretron]

E Reverse Auction

An E-Reverse Auction is an online procurement method in which multiple suppliers compete to offer the lowest bid for a particular product or service. Unlike traditional auctions where prices increase, in a reverse auction, they decrease as suppliers underbid each other. Buyers specify their requirements, and suppliers submit progressively lower-priced offers, fostering competition. This digital platform enhances transparency, encourages cost savings, and streamlines the procurement process. E-reverse auctions are commonly used in industries like e-commerce, manufacturing, and government procurement to efficiently select suppliers based on both price and quality criteria.

[brittanyearnestauthor]

How to Write Trades and Cultures More Effectively

When developing characters, it's crucial to consider both small and major aspects of their identities. Even if certain details don’t make it into the final story, understanding everything about your character helps define their goals, personality, and role within the plot.

Among these elements, two critical aspects are trade and culture—both shape how a character interacts with their world and influences their decisions. In this post, I’ll explore why trades and backgrounds matter, how they impact character development, and ways to integrate them into storytelling.

What Are Trades?

Trades refer to a character’s occupation, skills, or specialized knowledge—whether they’re in a formal profession or have learned a craft through experience.

Why Trades Matter in Character Development

A character’s trade plays a major role in shaping their skills, mindset, experiences, and worldview. It influences:

- How they approach problems

- Their daily interactions

- Their values and priorities

For example:

- A doctor sees life through healing and responsibility. They might be compassionate, skilled at managing people, and prioritize others' well-being—or, if motivated by money, they could take advantage of patients instead.

- A soldier fights for what they believe in. They often display discipline, resilience, and loyalty but may also struggle with past traumas no one else understands.

These elements help define character motivation and strengthen storytelling, showing why a character makes certain choices and how they evolve over time.

How Backgrounds Shape Character Perspectives

A character’s upbringing, culture, education, and personal experiences shape their personality and beliefs. This influences their decision-making, relationships, and moral outlook.

Key Factors That Shape Backgrounds:

- Wealth – Characters raised in financial stability may value status and image, while those from poverty may prioritize resourcefulness and survival.

- Family Dynamics – A character raised in a loving home may express warmth, while one from a chaotic household may struggle with relationships or seek independence.

- Hardships – Facing difficulties can make a character more compassionate or more guarded, depending on how they respond to challenges.

- Privilege – Some characters may be unaware of societal struggles, assuming others have the same opportunities they do. Others challenge privilege, striving for fairness.

How Location Influences Backgrounds

A character’s surroundings shape expectations, skills, and behaviors:

- City Life – Fast-paced and demanding, often leading to characters who value efficiency and precision.

- Rural or Tribal Life – Strong emphasis on self-sufficiency, community, and survival skills.

- Nomadic or Remote Living – Adaptability, resourcefulness, and deep connection with nature.

Understanding regional influences ensures characters feel authentic and rooted in their environment.

Examples of Careers & Trades

Here’s a diverse mix of occupations and trades to consider for your characters:

Skilled Trades & Hands-On Careers

- Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber, Mechanic, Blacksmith, Welder, Tailor

Medical & Science-Related Professions

- Doctor, Nurse, Pharmacist, Biologist, Psychologist, Chemist, Researcher

Military & Law Enforcement

- Soldier, Police Officer, Spy, FBI Agent, Bodyguard, Detective

Creative & Artistic Careers

- Writer, Painter, Actor, Musician, Graphic Designer, Photographer, Film Director

Business & Technology

- Entrepreneur, Software Developer, Engineer, Accountant, Analyst, Marketing Expert

Education & Mentorship

- Teacher, Professor, Tutor, Historian, Librarian, Public Speaker

Survival & Adventure-Based Trades

- Explorer, Sailor, Ranger, Astronaut, Survivalist, Guide

Unconventional Careers

- Hacker, Fortune Teller, Stunt Performer, Cryptologist, Auctioneer, Game Developer

How Trades & Backgrounds Impact Character Growth

Each profession requires specific skills, emotions, and beliefs, making characters unique within their role. This shapes:

- Problem-solving abilities

- Resilience and adaptability

- Patience, empathy, and integrity

A well-developed character evolves naturally, with their trade and background seamlessly fitting into their personal growth.

How to Effectively Integrate Trades & Backgrounds into Your Story

1. Research Thoroughly – Every culture and profession has unique nuances. Realism enhances authenticity and respect for diverse experiences.

2. Build Around the Character Arc – Design a character’s skills, motivations, and weaknesses to align with their growth and trade.

3. Consider Cultural Influence – A profession may be viewed differently across cultures, requiring accurate representation.

4. Avoid Stereotypes – Even characters within the same trade or culture should have individual personalities and experiences.

5. Expand Beyond Their Career – A character’s interests, hobbies, and struggles should extend beyond their occupation, making them multidimensional.

Conclusion

Thoughtfully integrating trades and backgrounds adds realism, depth, and emotional weight to storytelling. By crafting characters with unique experiences and skill sets, writers create immersive worlds that resonate with audiences.

Developing these elements will help shape memorable characters who feel rooted in their world—characters who stand out and keep readers engaged.

Happy writing!

[linkyu]

tell me about your defense contract pleage

Oh boy!

To be fair, it's nothing grandiose, like, it wasn't about "a new missile blueprint" or whatever, but, just thinking about what it could have become? yeesh.

So, let's go.

For context, this is taking place in the early 2010s, where I was working as a dev and manager for a company that mostly did space stuff, but they had some defence and security contracts too.

One day we got a new contract though, which was... a weird one. It was state-auctioned, meaning that this was basically a homeland contract, but the main sponsor was Philip Morris. Yeah. The American cigarette company.

Why? Because the contract was essentially a crackdown on "illegal cigarette sales", but it was sold as a more general "war on drugs" contract.

For those unaware (because chances are, like me, you are a non-smoker), cigarette contraband is very much a thing. At the time, ~15% of cigarettes were sold illegally here (read: they were smuggled in and sold on the street).

And Phillip Morris wanted to stop that. After all, they're only a small company worth uhhh... oh JFC. Just a paltry 150 billion dollars. They need those extra dollars, you understand?

Anyway. So they sponsored a contract to the state, promising that "the technology used for this can be used to stop drug deals too". Also that "the state would benefit from the cigarettes part as well because smaller black market means more official sales means a higher tax revenue" (that has actually been proven true during the 2020 quarantine).

Anyway, here was the plan:

Phase 1 was to train a neural network and plug it in directly to the city's video-surveillance system, in order to detect illegal transactions as soon as they occur. Big brother who?

Phase 2 was to then track the people involved in said transaction throughout the city, based on their appearance and gait. You ever seen the Plainsight sheep counting video? Imagine something like this but with people. That data would then be relayed to police officers in the area.

So yeah, an automated CCTV-based tracking system. Because that's not setting a scary precedent.

So what do you do when you're in that position? Let me tell you. If you're thrust unknowingly, or against your will, into a project like this,

Note. The following is not a legal advice. In fact it's not even good advice. Do not attempt any of this unless you know you can't get caught, or that even if you are caught, the consequences are acceptable. Above all else, always have a backup plan if and when it backfires. Also don't do anything that can get you sued. Be reasonable.

Let me introduce you to the world of Corporate Sabotage! It's a funny form of striking, very effective in office environments.

Here's what I did:

First of all was the training data. We had extensive footage, but it needed to be marked manually for the training. Basically, just cropping the clips around the "transaction" and drawing some boxes on top of the "criminals". I was in charge of several batches of those. It helped that I was fast at it since I had video editing experience already. Well, let's just say that a good deal of those markings were... not very accurate.

Also, did you know that some video encodings are very slow to process by OpenCV, to the point of sometimes crashing? I'm sure the software is better at it nowadays though. So I did that to another portion of the data.

Unfortunately the training model itself was handled by a different company, so I couldn't do more about this.

Or could I?

I was the main person communicating with them, after all.

Enter: Miscommunication Master

In short (because this is already way too long), I became the most rigid person in the project. Like insisting on sharing the training data only on our own secure shared drive, which they didn't have access to yet. Or tracking down every single bug in the program and making weekly reports on those, which bogged down progress. Or asking for things to be done but without pointing at anyone in particular, so that no one actually did the thing. You know, classic manager incompetence. Except I couldn't be faulted, because after all, I was just "really serious about the security aspect of this project. And you don't want the state to learn that we've mishandled the data security of the project, do you, Jeff?"

A thousand little jabs like this, to slow down and delay the project.

At the end of it, after a full year on this project, we had.... a neural network full of false positives and a semi-working visualizer.

They said the project needed to be wrapped up in the next three months.

I said "damn, good luck with that! By the way my contract is up next month and I'm not renewing."

Last I heard, that city still doesn't have anything installed on their CCTV.

tl;dr: I used corporate sabotage to prevent automated surveillance to be implemented in a city--

hey hold on

wait

what

HEY ACTUALLY I DID SOME EXTRA RESEARCH TO SEE IF PHILLIP MORRIS TRIED THIS SHIT WITH ANOTHER COMPANY SINCE THEN AND WHAT THE FUCK

HUH??????

well what the fuck was all that even about then if they already own most of the black market???

[archoneddzs15]

Sega Mega Drive - Tetris

Title: Tetris / テトリス

Developer/Publisher: Sega / Sanritsu Denki Co. Ltd. (SIMS Co. Ltd.) / Tengen / Atari Games / Mirrorsoft / Andromeda Software

Release Year: 1989

Catalogue No.: G-4007

Genre: Puzzle

Sega produced a Mega Drive conversion of their hit arcade version in anticipation of being able to win the rights to the home versions from Nintendo in court. The game had been manufactured and was ready to ship, but Sega did not end up winning the legal battle, and they were unable to be sold. The cartridges were left to rot in a warehouse and, ultimately, were presumably destroyed. A handful of copies have, however, found their way into the open market.

More than a decade and a half later, the Mega Drive conversion finally saw official release in 2006 as a bonus in Sega Ages 2500 Series Volume 28 - Tetris Collection.

The Mega Drive version of Tetris is one of the rarest and most sought-after games and the game is honored as such in the 2008 Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition. Less than 10 copies are known to exist. There are, however, numerous bootlegs of Chinese origin floating around.

In August 2010, there was a prototype of the original Mega Drive Tetris for Auction on Yahoo Auctions Japan.  The auction went for very little money, in fact only 10,615 yen, which, to put it in perspective, is only a few thousand yen more than a normal retail game for the PS3 or Xbox 360. The winner is indeed a very fortunate chap.

Now, while it can't be said for sure that this proto is 100% legit, although I have no reason to doubt that it is, it can be said that this prototype does indeed carry the code for the official Japanese Tetris cartridge, NOT the hacked Chinese pirate that can be found all over the net and on every Mega Drive Tetris cartridge out there. Just take a look at the screenshots below that I personally took from a Chinese pirate Tetris cartridge and this Prototype.

This is the real title screen as seen on the prototype and official cartridge.

And here is the title screen found on the Chinese fake version, or one of multiple Chinese fake versions of it.

Both of those screenshots were taken from real Mega Drive hardware. Notice how the Chinese fake covers the Sega logo with the copyright information. Not only that, but they've also completely rewritten it as well. Another point about the Chinese fake is that the Sega logo before the title screen appears as a load of blocks, thanks to the pirates scrabbling the graphics code.

So why is the official Mega Drive Tetris so rare? The game was in development alongside the Sega System 16 arcade version and was completed and produced in full. Just before the game was due to be shipped out to retailers, a problem arose with the Tetris license, giving Nintendo exclusive rights to the game. Sega had no choice but to destroy all copies of the Mega Drive Tetris. However, 1 box of games did manage to survive. It's said that there are only 10 official Mega Drive cartridges in existence, making it one of the most sought-after and most expensive games for the system.

Despite the Mega Drive version's legal complications and subsequent cancelled release, bootleg versions of the game quickly found their way onto the unlicensed market, with reports of its availability first appearing in November 1989. Notably, a bootleg copy of Tetris is seen being played in the Jackie Chan action film Police Story 3: Supercop, which began filming around late 1991, demonstrating just how much traction this version had gained in the unlicensed market since then.

Below you can see images of the real official Mega Drive Tetris. This game doesn't belong to me, so please don't ask about it.

And here is the crappy Chinese fake that can be found pretty much anywhere.

In 2019 with the release of the Mega Drive Mini, the hardware itself came with two bonus games. One a Mega Drive reprogrammed port of Taito's Darius, and a whole new Mega Drive version of Tetris.

The Mega Drive Mini version of Tetris is a more faithful port of the System 16 version of Tetris to the Sega Mega Drive. Unlike the 1989 Mega Drive port, this port was actually licensed.

[mariacallous]

This summer, a Vancouver car mechanic named Max got a perplexing ping on his phone: Betty White was in Ukraine and needed his help. This was surprising because she had died on a Canadian highway back in January.

When Max last saw Betty White, his nickname for his Tesla Model Y Performance, they were both in rough shape after getting sideswiped on the highway. Max’s rotator cuff was torn in several places. The small SUV had bounced off multiple concrete barriers at high speed and was bashed in on all four corners, its wheels ripped to pieces. Coolant appeared to be leaking into the battery chamber. From his own work on EVs in the garage, Max knew that Betty was done for. “No auto shop would put a repair person at risk with that kind of damage,” says Max, whose last name isn’t being used out of doxing concerns. A damaged EV battery can become dangerous due to the risk of shocks, fire, and toxic fumes. His insurer agreed, and Betty was written off and sent to a salvage yard.

Months after he had last seen the car, Max’s Tesla app was now telling him that Betty needed a software update. It showed the car with an extra 200 kilometers on the odometer, fully charged, and parked in Uman, a town in Ukraine’s Cherkasy Oblast, midway between Kyiv and the front line with Russia’s invasion force. Minutes after that first ping, the app showed the car in service mode, suggesting Betty was undergoing repairs. “I thought it must be a mistake,” Max says.

There was no mistake. WIRED tracked Betty down to a Ukrainian auto auction website, looking good as new, maybe even better, with newly tinted windows and rearview mirrors wrapped in black. Betty 2.0 was being sold by “Mikhailo,” who wrote that the car had suffered “a small blow” in Canada and been repaired with original Tesla parts. The price, $55,000, was roughly the same as a new Model Y Performance costs in the US.

Betty White’s intercontinental resurrection was impressive but not unusual. For a long time, cars written off in North America have found their way to Eastern European repair shops willing to take on damage that US and Canadian mechanics won’t touch. In 2021, the most recent data available, Ukraine was a top-three destination for used US passenger vehicles sent overseas, close behind Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates. And Ukraine’s wreck importers and repairers are particularly known for their ingenuity. Some have made fixing EVs written off across the Atlantic into a specialty, helping to drive a surge in the number of electric vehicles on the country’s roads, even as the war with Russia rages.

Though few automakers sell new EVs in Ukraine, the share of newly registered vehicles that are fully electric, 9 percent, is about the same as in the US and nearly double that of neighboring Poland and the Czech Republic. Most of Ukraine’s refurbished EVs come from North America, and many arrive with major damage.

There’s a ready supply of crashed North American EVs in part because electrics are becoming more common, and also because in recent years, relatively new EVs with low mileage have been written off at a higher rate than their gas-powered equivalents, according to data from insurers. US and Canadian repair shops and insurers see them as more dangerous and difficult to fix. Scrapyards find it hard to make money from their parts and instead ship them abroad.

Ivan Malakhovsky is not afraid to work on cases like Betty White. His five-year-old repair business in Dnipro, in eastern Ukraine, fixes about 100 Teslas a month, roughly a fifth of them from overseas, and employs a staff that varies between six to 10 people. He’s currently away from home, serving with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but he manages his workers, and sometimes makes software-mediated repairs, remotely. “We have problems in our lives and can fix them, whether a battery or a full-scale invasion,” says Malakhovsky. “Electric cars, electric car batteries—it’s no problem.”

An electric vehicle battery is made up of thousands of individual cells, which store and release energy. Sometimes, Malakhovsky says, he and his coworkers will break up large EV batteries damaged beyond repair and repurpose the cells to power electric scooters or even drones for the war effort. He says the vast majority of Teslas on Ukrainian roads were once involved in wrecks in North America.

The war has even boosted Ukraine’s EV resurrection business at times, by driving up gas prices and making electrics more attractive to drivers. Ukraine has a public charging network of some 11,000 chargers, according to Volodymyr Ivanov, the head of communications at Nissan Motor Ukraine—that’s more than the state of New York, and double the number in neighboring Poland. Since 2018, Ukraine’s government has removed most taxes and customs duties on used EV imports. In the US, electric vehicles tend to be expensive, and the average EV driver is still a high-income male homeowner. North American wrecks, Ukraine’s EV incentives, and its relatively low electricity prices have created a different picture. “There is a joke here that all poor people are driving electric cars, and all the rich people are driving petrol cars,” says Malakhovsky. “Tesla is a common-people, popular car because it’s very cheap in maintenance.”

That’s a relatively recent development, says Hans Eric Melin, head of Circular Energy Storage, a UK-based consultancy that tracks the international flows of used EVs and batteries. He began watching the Ukraine market in particular a few years ago, after he noticed more ads for Nissan Leafs on auction sites listed in Ukrainian than in English. At the time, the Leaf, a pioneer among EVs, was essentially the only one that had been around long enough to develop a healthy used market. Over time, Ukraine’s electric fleet grew to encompass the full range of EVs sold around the world, including Teslas, as more cars hit the roads and aged or got into crashes.

Melin had suspected Ukraine’s EV boom would end with the war. “I was completely wrong,” he says. By this summer, Ukraine’s EV fleet had doubled since July 2021, to 64,312, according to data compiled by the Automotive Market Research Institute, a Ukrainian research and advocacy group.

Roman Tyschenko, a 25-year-old IT worker who lives in Kyiv, decided last September that he was sick of his Jeep’s $400-a-month gas bill. Friends had purchased used, damaged electric cars on an online auction website called Copart, a US-based public auto reseller with 200 locations around the world. He logged on and spent $24,000 on a gray 2021 Tesla Model Y that had taken a solid blow to its passenger side in Dallas, Texas. Its bumper was almost fully detached; its hood was tented; some of its airbags had deployed.

That Texan Model Y was likely declared totaled by an insurer. From there, it probably moved to a salvage auction in the US, where licensed exporters, salvage shops, and repairers tried to figure out how much value they could squeeze out of the wreck. The winner, or perhaps the insurer itself, listed the car on Copart, which made it available to anyone around the world who wanted a smashed-up Tesla and was willing to pay for shipping.

If Tyschenko hadn’t brought the Texan Tesla to Ukraine himself, it had a good chance of being shipped there anyway by someone who professionally flips cars to countries like Ukraine. These exporters look for wrecks potentially worth more than their scrap value, but little enough that an expensive US repair and resale wouldn’t make sense. Some ship vehicles directly to Ukrainian repairers and pay for the fix, while others import damaged cars and relist them for sale to Ukrainian buyers who can figure it out for themselves.

It takes a damaged North American car between one and five months to reach a nearby port. Before the war, wrecked cars headed to Ukraine’s Port of Odessa on the Black Sea. Since Russia invaded in 2022, they come through Klaipėda in Lithuania on the Baltic Sea, or Koper in Slovenia on the Adriatic, and are brought to Ukraine by truck. A shop like Malakhovsky’s can fix a Tesla in somewhere between one week and one year, depending on the damage.

Tyschenko arranged for his Model Y to be shipped to a local repair shop in Kyiv, where it arrived in February 2023, five months after he hit the Buy button online. The technician sent him videos of the EV’s ongoing revamp every few weeks, and Tyschenko stopped by to visit a handful of times. By May, he had paid the technician some $25,000 for his work and was driving the Model Y around Kyiv.

Two months later, the battery died and Tyschenko spent another $4,000 to replace it—a demonstration of the risks of electric vehicle rescues. Still, he’s happy with how things worked out, and now pays just $10 to $100 a month to refuel his car, depending on whether he charges at home or at public stations.

Finding parts to repair Teslas and other EVs can be a challenge. On Facebook and Telegram, groups like “Renault Zoe Club Ukraine” host thousands of EV owners who barter with each other for spare parts. Oleksandr Perepelitsa, a 25-year-old electric vehicle repairer in Kyiv, says that when he first began his work three years ago, he and his business partners would buy two wrecked Teslas from overseas to create a single working vehicle to sell to local Ukranians. “Even that was profitable for us,” he says. Now, business connections can send Tesla parts from the US or Europe, or repairers buy cheaper Chinese reproductions.

The success of Ukraine’s EV resurrection industry is the flip side of the failure of insurers and manufacturers in North America to figure out what to do when a shiny new EV becomes roadkill.

US insurers are more willing to write off vehicles of all kinds that in the past may have been fixed. New vehicle repairs have gotten more expensive, in part due to vehicles getting more complex and computerized, as well as a shortage of vehicle technicians. In the past decade, the damaged cars up for auction “are better and less damaged,” Copart CEO Jeff Liaw told investors on an earnings call this year.

Industry-wide data is hard to come by, but numerous sources suggest that EVs are more likely to be written off than gas-powered cars, and can be declared unfixable after even minor crashes. A Reuters analysis this year found that a “large portion” of damaged EVs sold for scrap were low-mileage, nearly-new vehicles. While one in 10 new cars sold in the US and Canada this year are forecasted to be electric, the infrastructure and expertise needed to assess and fix damaged EVs can be patchy. “In an ideal world, electric vehicles are as easy to repair as internal combustion engine vehicles,” says Mark Fry, research manager at Thatcham Research, which crunches auto market data for insurers and other clients. It recently found British EVs get written off at disproportionately high rates.

The main reason EV repairs are so tricky comes down to a lack of agreement on how to handle EV batteries after a crash. Worldwide, there is no industry standard for measuring battery health. Vehicle manufacturers sometimes refuse to sanction battery repairs because of liability concerns. “If you repair the battery, what's it going to be like after another two, three years and another 50,000 miles?” Fry says. It’s easier to let nearly new vehicles be declared dead than to find out.

The North American scrap industry is also somewhat leery of EVs, says Megan Slattery, a researcher at UC Davis who studies what happens to damaged EV batteries. Scrap businesses generally make money by taking cars apart to extract the most valuable widgets to resell. But dismantling a battery takes dedicated workers, equipment, and—most important of all—space, due to the fire risks of storing lithium-ion cells. Many mom-and-pop dismantlers don’t have any of that.

Plus, EVs tend to have simpler drivetrains, with more plastic and large, prefabricated body components that can’t be easily pulled apart. In some electric vehicles, the battery is built directly into the car’s structure, making it especially difficult to dismantle or repair. All of that means that exporters looking to sell to eager buyers abroad have less competition when bidding on totaled cars.

In the US, there’s increasing pressure to keep broken EVs from heading overseas. Regulators are concerned about safety, hoping to better track broken batteries through shipping channels as fears rise of fires sparked by used EVs, including on cargo ships. Another is to avoid dumping e-waste on countries without the means to recycle or repurpose, and instead keep the valuable minerals inside batteries local. Battery recycling startups have received vast amounts of private and public investment—both in Western Europe and the US, with funds from the Inflation Reduction Act���with a promise to help shore up raw material supply chains. But so far, they have received only a trickle of used batteries.

Policies that wind up choking off the export of EV wrecks would in some ways be a shame, Slattery says. More stringent European Union export rules for used cars and EV batteries in particular are one reason why the supply of Teslas to Eastern Europe is so dependent on North American wrecks. Without them, the electric revolution would be much less advanced in places like Ukraine, where US and Canadian write-offs have helped support the emergence of charger networks, trained repair specialists, and a wide familiarity and acceptance that electric propulsion is not just green but also practical.

In North America, there's a widespread belief that “people don't want electric vehicles and that it's just laws and regulations that push us to buy them,” says Melin, the used EV analyst. “There are other markets that want to have electrics.” It’s a testament to a system that is working, Melin adds, that used EVs end up in places like Ukraine, where new models are difficult to come by.

For Max in Vancouver, Betty White’s reappearance overseas did cause some headaches. The car was still logged into his Google, Netflix, and Spotify accounts, potentially allowing the new owners to access his personal data. When he asked Tesla support, he was advised to change his passwords, Max says. (Tesla did not respond to WIRED’s questions.)

But looking back on the crash, and now driving a new Model Y—named Black Betty—Max says his old car’s resurrection is the best possible outcome. “I’m happy to see that Betty White has lived to see another day,” he says.

[auctionsoftware]

Different types Features of Reverse Auction Software

The best reverse auction software comes equipped with a range of features that enhance the bidding process. Let's explore some of these features:

1. Supplier Database Management

A robust reverse auction software allows you to maintain a comprehensive supplier database. This feature enables you to prequalify suppliers, store their information, and easily invite them to participate in upcoming auctions. It also allows you to track supplier performance and make informed decisions based on historical data.

2. Real-Time Bidding Process

With the best reverse auction software, the bidding process becomes real-time and transparent. Suppliers can submit their bids online, and buyers can monitor the progress in real-time. This eliminates the need for manual tracking and enables buyers to make informed decisions quickly.

3. Customization Options

Reverse auction software often provides customization options to suit your specific business requirements. You can configure the software to align with your procurement processes, pricing rules, and evaluation criteria. This flexibility ensures that the software caters to your unique bidding strategy.

4. Bid Evaluation Tools

To evaluate bids effectively, reverse auction software offers advanced bid evaluation tools. These tools allow buyers to analyze bids based on various factors such as price, quality, delivery time, and supplier reliability. By leveraging these tools, buyers can make data-driven decisions and select the best supplier for the business.

Conclusion

Mastering reverse auction bidding strategy requires a combination of best practices and the right tools. By following the best practices outlined in this article and using the best reverse auction software available in the market, you can streamline your bidding process, achieve cost savings, and enhance supplier relationships. Embrace the power of reverse auctioning and take your procurement process to the next level.

[eprocurementsoftwaresolutions]

Discover the ease of smart and streamlined purchasing with BusinessBid’s eProcurement solution!

Take charge of your procurement process with BusinessBid.com, the top e-procurement solution designed specifically for businesses in the Middle East. Our cloud-based platform makes purchasing a breeze, offering everything from supplier management to automated RFQs and real-time analytics. It’s all about simplifying your operations, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency. Whether you’re a growing business or a large corporation, BusinessBid provides the smart, scalable tools you need for quicker, more transparent, and strategic sourcing.

[juniperallen]

Enhancing Auction Operations with Bidsquare Cloud: A Comprehensive Look at Auction Management Software

Auction management software is rapidly transforming the landscape for auction houses, private collectors, and businesses managing large volumes of assets. A solution like Bidsquare Cloud exemplifies how digital tools can streamline auction operations, allowing auctioneers to focus on building engagement and maximizing sales rather than managing complex logistics. 

Key Features of Auction Management Software

Modern auction management platforms provide robust tools that manage everything from catalog creation to post-sale reports. Bidsquare Cloud, for instance, offers an integrated approach that includes catalog management, auction setup, bidding processes, and post-auction analytics. This software automates key elements, such as organizing auction lots, processing payments, and managing bidder registrations, ensuring a smooth, consistent workflow across all auction phases.

One standout feature of Bidsquare Cloud is its customizable catalog builder. With this tool, auction houses can upload detailed images, descriptions, and metadata for each item, enhancing the buying experience and making it easier for bidders to search for and evaluate items of interest. The platform also enables auction houses to set up live and timed auctions, allowing for a mix of event formats that cater to various buyer preferences and maximize engagement.

Enhanced Analytics and Reporting

The data-driven insights offered by platforms like Bidsquare Cloud provide auction houses with a clearer view of their performance, helping them make informed decisions for future sales. The software includes tools for tracking key performance metrics, such as bid counts, sale rates, and buyer demographics. Access to this data allows auction houses to identify trends and adapt their strategies, tailoring future auctions to meet buyer demand more effectively.

For instance, Bidsquare Cloud’s reporting capabilities enable auction houses to analyze which categories or items generate the most interest, optimize starting prices, and assess the effectiveness of marketing efforts. This information helps auctioneers refine their approach, whether they focus on promoting rare art, antique furniture, or modern collectibles, enhancing their return on investment with each auction event.

Benefits for Buyers and Sellers Alike

Auction management software enhances the experience for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, platforms like Bidsquare Cloud make auctions more accessible, user-friendly, and secure. Buyers have access to comprehensive item information, seamless bidding, and a straightforward payment process. For sellers, the platform provides a consolidated hub for managing auctions, reducing administrative overhead, and allowing them to focus on sourcing and marketing their inventory.

Additionally, Bidsquare Cloud’s system supports direct consignor access, allowing sellers to track the progress of their items in real-time. This feature provides transparency, fostering trust between auction houses and consignors and enhancing the overall experience for all stakeholders involved in the auction process.

Conclusion

Auction management software, like Bidsquare Cloud is indispensable for modern auction houses, offering a centralized platform for managing auctions with efficiency, security, and enhanced data capabilities. With streamlined catalog management, bidding processes, and post-sale analytics, auction management software and online bidding tools help auctioneers create a seamless experience that attracts more bidders and maximizes sales outcomes. This solution aligns well with the needs of auction houses looking to expand their reach, increase operational efficiency, and elevate the auction experience for buyers and sellers alike.

By embracing the advanced capabilities of platforms like Bidsquare Cloud and its online bidding software, auction houses are not only improving their operations but also paving the way for a more connected, accessible, and profitable auction industry.

[boredtechnologist]

Electronic Art's "MULE" for the Atari 400/800/1200 computer

Released in 1983 by Electronic Arts for the Atari 400/800, "M.U.L.E." is a seminal video game that combines elements of strategy, resource management, and economic simulation in a multiplayer format. Designed by Dan Bunten (later Danielle Bunten Berry) of Ozark Softscape, "M.U.L.E." is recognized not only for its innovative gameplay but also for fostering social interaction and strategic thinking among players. It remains a beloved classic for its pioneering approach to multiplayer gaming and its enduring game design principles.

Historical Context

The early 1980s marked a vibrant period for the home computer market, with the Atari 400/800 series emerging as significant platforms due to their advanced graphic and sound capabilities relative to competitors. This era witnessed the rise of software companies eager to explore these new technologies, among them Electronic Arts, which was founded with the vision of supporting software developers as artists. "M.U.L.E." was among the first titles released under this new banner, exemplifying the company's commitment to innovative and thoughtful game design.

Gameplay and Design

"M.U.L.E." allows up to four players to colonize a distant planet, competing and cooperating to manage the allocation of resources such as food, energy, smithore (used to make MULEs—Multiple Use Labor Elements), and crystite. The gameplay involves strategic placement of MULEs on various plots of land to harvest resources, which are then used to sustain the colony and can be bought or sold in a dynamic marketplace that simulates supply and demand economics.

One of the most innovative aspects of "M.U.L.E." is its emphasis on economic principles, making it one of the first games to incorporate complex economic algorithms that impact player decisions. It also promotes social interaction through its auction system, where players negotiate and trade resources, requiring real-time decision-making that enhances the game’s dynamic feel.

Technological Innovations

"M.U.L.E." was technologically significant for several reasons. Firstly, its graphic design was highly effective yet simple, with clear, colorful representations of the game world that made complex information accessible and engaging. The user interface was ahead of its time, providing players with easy navigation and management of in-game actions, which was crucial for a game with such depth.

Secondly, the game made excellent use of the Atari 400/800's capabilities, particularly in handling multiple players in a turn-based setting without sacrificing pace or engagement. This was a remarkable achievement that set a precedent for future multiplayer games.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

"M.U.L.E." is beloved by those who played it for several reasons. It was one of the first games to effectively blend competitive and cooperative gameplay, creating a unique social experience in video gaming. The game's ability to forge a communal spirit among players, coupled with the intellectual challenge of managing economic variables, made it not only fun but a mentally stimulating experience.

The game's influence extends beyond just gameplay; it is cited as an inspiration by numerous game developers who appreciated its balanced game mechanics and economic simulation aspects. "M.U.L.E." laid the groundwork for many future simulations and strategy games, and its principles can be seen in modern titles that incorporate complex economic systems and multiplayer components.

Conclusion

"M.U.L.E." remains a landmark in video game history, notable for its innovative approach to gameplay, technology, and social gaming dynamics. It stands out not only as a product of its time but also as a forward-thinking creation that predicted and shaped future developments in the gaming industry. For many, "M.U.L.E." was more than just a game; it was a compelling social and strategic experience that has endured in memory and influence, continuing to inspire game designers and players alike with its timeless design and gameplay.

[elitemindz85]

Why E‑Procurement Outperforms Traditional ERP in Modern Procurement | Elite Mindz

In today’s fast‑paced business landscape, effective E-Procurement Software is critical. Elite Mindz explores why cloud-based e‑Procurement solutions outshine traditional ERP modules in our blog “Why E‑Procurement Outperforms Traditional ERP in Modern Procurement.”

 Discover how a specialized E‑Procurement System delivers superior supplier management, automated requisition and approval workflows, and real-time bidding (RFQs, reverse auctions). Learn how our procurement automation tools enforce compliance with seamless audit trails, provide detailed spend analytics, and empower teams with enhanced spend control. With rapid deployment, simple ERP integration, and measurable ROI in just months, our procurement solutionis designed for modern enterprises and SMBs alike.

Visit: https://elitemindz.co/blog/eprocurement-outperforms-traditional-erp

[paybee]

Maximizing Impact: How Online Auctions Drive Charitable Giving

Online auctions have emerged as a powerful tool for maximizing the impact of charitable donations. These digital trades offer a unique opportunity to engage donors, raise funds, and support various philanthropic causes. Unlike a traditional auction, an online charity auction platform allows organizations to reach a wider audience and generate more revenue for their causes. This blog explores how online auctions maximize impact and drive charitable giving.

The Rise of Online Auctions

Live auction websites have witnessed a growing popularity in recent years, primarily because they can connect with a global audience. While effective in their own right, traditional charity galas and silent auctions are often limited by geographical constraints and attendance restrictions. Online auctions break down these barriers, allowing people from across the globe to participate and contribute to charitable causes they are passionate about.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The accessibility and inclusivity of online auctions stand out as one of their key advantages. Anyone with an internet connection can participate, ensuring that charitable giving is not limited to a select few. This democratization of philanthropy allows a diverse range of individuals to engage in charitable acts, regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic status.

Increased Engagement

Online auctions create a dynamic and interactive fundraising experience. Donors can browse a wide array of items, experiences, or services up for bid, fostering a sense of excitement and competition. The gamification aspect of online auctions can significantly boost donor engagement, leading to higher participation and, ultimately, greater charitable contributions.

Global Reach and Impact

The internet has bridged geographical gaps, allowing online auctions to reach a global audience. This global reach attracts more donors and enables nonprofit organizations to support international causes effectively. Donors from different corners of the world can come together to support disaster relief efforts, medical research, education, and more, making a significant impact on a global scale.

Transparency and Accountability

Online auctions often provide a higher degree of transparency and accountability. Detailed descriptions of auction items, their market values, and bidding histories are readily available, ensuring donors clearly understand where their contributions are going. This transparency creates trust and confidence among donors, encouraging more significant contributions.

Empowering Nonprofits

Online auctions empower nonprofit organizations in several ways:

Cost-Efficient Fundraising:

Hosting an online auction incurs fewer expenses than traditional fundraising events. Thus, nonprofits can allocate more funds directly to their programs and initiatives, maximizing the impact of every dollar raised.

Data Insights:

Online auctions generate valuable data on donor behavior and preferences. Nonprofits can use this information to refine their fundraising strategies, tailoring their approaches to meet their donors' specific needs and interests.

Year-Round Fundraising:

Online auctions are not limited to specific events or seasons. Nonprofits can host them year-round, providing a consistent income stream to support their ongoing operations and projects.

Engaging Donors in a Meaningful Way

Online auctions go beyond raising funds and promote community and shared purpose among donors. Donors can connect over shared interests and causes, strengthening their commitment to the charitable organization. Moreover, the online format allows for storytelling and multimedia content, enabling nonprofits to effectively convey their mission and impact.

Tips for Hosting a Successful Online Auction

To maximize the impact of online auctions, nonprofit organizations should consider the following tips:

Compelling Item Selection:

Curate a diverse and appealing selection of auction items to cater to various donor interests.

Effective Promotion:

Invest in marketing and promotion to expand your reach and create enthusiasm surrounding the auction.

User-Friendly Platform:

Choose a user-friendly online charity auction platform that allows donors to browse, bid, and track their favorite items.

Transparency:

Provide detailed information about the organization, the cause, and how the funds raised will be utilized.

Engagement Strategies:

Implement engagement strategies, such as live updates, countdowns, and real-time interaction with donors during the auction.

Thanking Donors:

Show gratitude to donors by sending personalized thank-you notes and sharing the impact of their contributions.

Final Thoughts

As online auctions continue to innovate, they will become even more powerful drivers of charitable giving. The ability to turn local causes into global movements is truly game-changing. So, the next time you see an online auction supporting a cause you believe in, remember the immense impact your participation can have on those in need.