Paperwork, what paperwork? New SAIA portal a positive for auction industry and clients
SAIA
The South African auction industry and consumers will this year reap the benefits of a new online platform launched by the SA Institute of Auctioneers (SAIA).
And a core function is to provide prospective clients of accredited auction houses with peace of mind in the form of electronic Privy Seals that validate every aspect of their businesses’ legal compliance and affirms that they adhere to a strict code of conduct.
SAIA Public Relations Director Joff van Reenen says the new Communication and Database portal on www.auctioneering.co.za also solves a problem created by what used to be an onerous membership renewal process that resulted in more than one auction house’s membership lapsing while they raced to complete the paperwork and ensure they were legally compliant in every respect.
“But the new portal has been taken the extra mile to simplify processes in an effort to prevent membership lapses that not only erode client confidence in the industry, but affect auctioneers’ bottom line as well.
“When members log into the new Communication and Database portal they’ll now find all their membership information pre-loaded. Renewal documentation is completed on the portal and submitted with a simple mouse click, while provision has also been made for the quick upload of supporting documents. It couldn’t be easier!”
The stream-lined process will make compliance simpler for auction houses to maintain their membership and thereby ensure consumers’ rights are protected by the industry oversight body’s rigorous complaints and disciplinary procedures.
The portal also offers an exciting new communication tool that provides instant access to newsletters and industry alerts.
The portal’s development has been spear-headed by SAIA Administration Executive Sonja Styger, who says the stream-lined and print-free membership renewal process will delight industry players.
Styger explains that the new process involves just a few simple steps:
• Members must log into their portals, check and update information;
• All sections must be completed and carefully checked, because incomplete or inaccurate information could delay invoicing, the issuing of certificates and members’ Privy Seals;
• All necessary supporting documents should be uploaded; and
• Members must ensure that the information is saved and submitted for capturing.
“The SAIA administration and finance department then generate invoices and Privy Seals will afterwards be sent to members as well as uploaded onto the portal for quick and easy access,” says Styger.
“The portal will also be a one-stop, convenient repository of all regulatory documents members might need, and which they can access at their leisure all year round.”
Van Reenen says another exciting new element of the portal is the unique database of information for each registered member of SAIA that entitles them to a Privy Seal.
The digital Privy Seal is significant because it is an electronic seal of authenticity or validity. Digital Accreditation seals and certificates confirm the authenticity of qualifications, professional status, corporate roles and more.
“Privy Seals are embedded in email signatures, social media profiles, websites and digital signatures. These will enable SAIA-accredited auctioneers to protect the integrity of their qualifications, designations, standards and license, and reassure the public that they are dealing with a company that has all bona fides in place.
“The Privy Seal effectively opens a Certificate of Verification that offers details about the member company and assures clients of their membership status with SAIA.”
SAIA Chairperson John Cowing says another crucial portal component is members’ enhanced, one-click access to information, industry news and SAIA notices.
“We’ve provided this channel to encourage SAIA members to make greater use of the valuable resources available on the association’s website and app. Our traffic statistics have been showing steady growth in 2017, both from the market and within the industry, but we have no doubt those numbers will rise substantially with the new functionalities that have just been launched to assist our members,” Cowing concludes.
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