ROCKINGHAM — An auction of properties foreclosed by the county generated “overwhelming” interest Tuesday, crashing the servers and causing a postponement.
Iron Horse Auction Company, which facilitated the auction, rented server space from a third party.
“The auction platform was unable to handle the flurry of bidding activity that occurred at one time,” according to a press release. “While we are grateful to have such a large turnout and participation from the public, we were not confident that everyone would have been able to bid as they intended.”
Bidding started online April 23 and on-site bidding at Cole Auditorium began around 11 a.m. Tuesday, according to spokesman Scotty Baldwin. The servers started lagging around 12:15 p.m and before the hour was up, officials with Iron Horse decided to postpone.
Baldwin said the decision was made to protect the bidders — more than 50 bidders on-site and more than 150 registered online — and “to allow our software partners time to address the technological deficiencies.”
Mark Baysek with Iron Horse said there were around 140 properties up for bid.
Baldwin added that bidders were able to bid on multiple properties at one time.
“I think it’s fair to say we have had larger auctions using this same format that have been successful,” Baysek said.
Baysek said they have not yet had time to analyze the date to figure out how many bidders it took to crash the servers.
He added that the third-party company was working to try to figure out what caused the crash and how to fix it and prevent it from happening again.
“Once we are able to confirm details, we will resume bidding and publish the new ending date and time for the auction,” Baldwin said.
More information will be added to ironhorseauction.com as it becomes available.
Those with questions or concerns about their bids are encouraged to contact Iron Horse at 800-997-2248.
