Are paper bidder cards still worth using, or should auctions go digital?

Both approaches work, and many auction companies use a mix. Paper bidder cards with large, bold numbers are easy for the auctioneer and ringmen to read from across a room, they never run out of battery, and older buyers are comfortable with them.

Digital registration speeds up check-in, captures accurate contact information, and can connect directly to clerking and checkout, which reduces errors at the cashier's table. It also makes it easier to email buyers about future sales, as long as you follow applicable privacy and marketing rules.

A common setup is to register bidders digitally and still hand out a printed card for bidding on the floor. Whatever you choose, make the numbers large and high contrast, and keep a paper backup plan ready in case the internet or power fails during the sale.