How Data Analysis Is Shaping the Future of Auction Strategies at Grafe Auction

Photo of Grafe Auction's office with data analysis icon overlay.

At Grafe Auction, we don’t just run auctions—we analyze them. Our team recently dove deep into our sales performance data, uncovering powerful trends and insights that are helping us deliver even more value to our clients. Whether you're a business owner, asset manager, or simply curious about how data is reshaping the auction industry, here's a transparent look into what we’ve learned.

Sales Follow Strong Seasonal Patterns

One of the biggest takeaways from our analysis was just how seasonal our sales are. Using time series decomposition techniques, we identified the months of June and October as standout performers, delivering an average of over $360,000–$420,000 more than trend expectations. On the flip side, February, August, and December tend to lag behind.

What this means for clients: If you're planning to sell assets at auction, timing matters. We recommend leveraging peak months to capitalize on higher buyer engagement and stronger sales momentum.

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More Events = More Sales (But Quality Matters)

There’s a clear and direct relationship between the number of auctions we conduct and overall sales. As we’ve increased our monthly event volume over the years, we’ve seen consistent gains in revenue. However, the data also revealed that not all events contribute equally—highlighting the importance of auction quality, not just quantity.

What this means for clients: A well-promoted, high-quality auction can yield stronger results than simply increasing volume. Our focus remains on curating strategic, targeted events that connect the right buyers to the right assets.

Forecasting the Future of Sales

We tested multiple forecasting models—from classic statistical methods to modern machine learning approaches—and found that models like Generalized Linear Models (GLM), SARIMA, and Prophet consistently delivered the most accurate results. These models allow us to forecast future sales trends with greater confidence, helping both our team and our clients make smarter planning decisions.

What this means for clients: We're using the best forecasting tools available to help you plan the when, what, and how of your asset liquidation strategies.

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Sales Spikes and What’s Behind Them

Our analysis revealed record-breaking sales months, particularly in late 2024 and early 2025. These spikes were tied to large, high-value auctions—proof that standout events can significantly move the needle.

What this means for clients: Partnering with Grafe for large-scale liquidations means you’re tapping into a proven system that drives exceptional results.

Key Takeaways

  • Peak sales months: June and October
  • Slow periods: February, August, and December
  • Data-driven forecasting is now core to our planning
  • More events help, but quality always wins
  • Record-breaking months are driven by standout auctions

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At Grafe Auction, we combine decades of experience with modern data science to continuously improve our approach. We believe in transparency, precision, and delivering results that exceed expectations. Want to see how data can elevate your auction strategy?

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Jamie Larson
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