How to Automate Bidder Notifications in the PrestaShop Auction Module

Managing an online auction can be challenging, especially when keeping bidders informed about their bids, auction status, and results. In PrestaShop, store owners can use the PrestaShop Auction Module to create auctions, but manually updating bidders can be time-consuming.

To enhance the bidding experience, automation is the key. By automating bidder notifications, you can keep users engaged, encourage higher bids, and ensure smooth auction management.

In this blog, we will explore how to set up automated notifications in the PrestaShop Auction Module and how to combine it with the PrestaShop auction add-to-cart option for a better user experience.

Why Automate Bidder Notifications in the PrestaShop Auction Module?
1. Real-Time Updates for Bidders
✔ Bidders get instant alerts about new bids, outbids, and auction results.
✔ Keeps them engaged and encourages higher bidding.

2. Saves Time for Store Owners
✔ No need to manually inform every bidder.
✔ Automated emails or SMS streamline communication.

3. Increases Sales and Participation
✔ Instant alerts increase competition, leading to higher final prices.
✔ More engagement means more returning customers.

4. Improves Customer Experience
✔ Bidders feel valued and informed throughout the process.
✔ Encourages trust and reliability in your auction system.

How to Set Up Automated Notifications in the PrestaShop Auction Module
Step 1: Install & Configure the PrestaShop Auction Module
Log into PrestaShop Admin Panel.

Navigate to Modules → Module Manager.

Search for "PrestaShop Auction Module" and install it.

Open the module settings and enable bidder notifications.

Step 2: Enable Email Notifications for Bidders
Go to Auction Settings in the PrestaShop Auction Module.

Locate the "Email Notifications" section.

Enable the following alerts:
✔ New Bid Alert – Notifies the highest bidder when a new bid is placed.
✔ Outbid Notification – Alerts a bidder when they are outbid.
✔ Auction Winner Notification – Informs the winner after auction ends.
✔ Auction Ending Soon Reminder – Reminds bidders when the auction is about to close.

Click Save Settings.

Step 3: Customize the Notification Messages
Go to Email Templates in the module settings.

Modify the email content for each notification type:
✔ New Bid Alert – “A new bid has been placed. Keep an eye on your item!”
✔ Outbid Notification – “You’ve been outbid! Place a higher bid before the auction ends.”
✔ Auction Winner Notification – “Congratulations! You won the auction.”

Add personalization tags like:

{customer_name} – Displays bidder’s name.

{product_name} – Shows the auctioned item.

{bid_amount} – Displays the last bid amount.

Click Save & Activate Notifications.

Step 4: Enable SMS Alerts (Optional)
For a faster response rate, you can enable SMS notifications using a third-party SMS gateway like Twilio.

Install an SMS module for PrestaShop.

Connect it with your Twilio or Nexmo account.

Enable SMS alerts for:
✔ Outbid notifications
✔ Auction win confirmation
✔ Auction reminders

Click Save Settings.

Using the PrestaShop Auction Add-to-Cart Option for Instant Purchases
Some auctions allow users to buy the product directly instead of bidding. The PrestaShop auction add-to-cart option lets store owners offer both:

✔ Auction bidding option
✔ Buy Now (Add to Cart) option

How to Enable Add-to-Cart Option in Auctions
Go to Auction Module Settings.

Enable the "Add to Cart for Auctioned Items" option.

Set a fixed price for direct purchase.

Click Save & Apply Settings.

Now, bidders who don’t want to wait for the auction to end can buy the product instantly.

Best Practices for Automated Bidder Notifications
1. Keep Notifications Short & Clear
✔ Ensure that emails and SMS messages are concise.
✔ Highlight the important details (bid amount, time left, auction status).

2. Send Timely Updates
✔ Avoid sending too many notifications (it can annoy users).
✔ Use critical alerts only when needed (outbids, auction ending soon, winning bid).

3. Use Personalized Messages
✔ Include the bidder’s name for a better user experience.
✔ Make notifications feel exclusive and important.

4. Allow Users to Opt-In/Out of Alerts
✔ Give customers the choice to enable or disable notifications in their profile settings.
✔ Helps in avoiding spam complaints.

5. Combine Email & SMS for Maximum Engagement
✔ SMS alerts for urgent updates (outbids, auction ending soon).
✔ Email alerts for detailed information (winning bid, invoice, product details).

Common Issues & Solutions in Bidder Notifications
1. Emails Going to Spam
✔ Use a verified sender email address.
✔ Add SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to prevent spam filtering.

2. Bidders Not Receiving Notifications
✔ Check if email notifications are enabled in module settings.
✔ Ensure that users have opted in for notifications.

3. SMS Alerts Not Working
✔ Verify SMS gateway API settings.
✔ Check if the phone number format is correct.

Conclusion
Automating bidder notifications in the PrestaShop Auction Module improves user experience, boosts engagement, and increases auction participation. By setting up automated email & SMS alerts, you can keep bidders informed and motivated to place higher bids.

✔ Enable email notifications for new bids, outbids, and auction results.
✔ Use SMS alerts for real-time updates.
✔ Customize notification messages for better engagement.
✔ Enable the PrestaShop auction add-to-cart option for instant purchases.

By following these steps, you can create a smooth and automated auction system in PrestaShop!