Composable auction engine built on Next.js with Supabase Realtime WebSocket channels for sub-200ms bid propagation. PostgreSQL serves as the single source of truth with ACID-compliant bid writes, row-level security for multi-tenant isolation, and append-only audit logs. Edge Functions handle bid validation at the network edge, while vertical-specific modules (timer logic, anti-sniping, eligibility gates) are configured per auction type without code changes.
How do you achieve sub-200ms bid latency in production?
We use Supabase Realtime WebSocket channels with PostgreSQL change data capture. Bids get validated at the edge via Supabase Edge Functions, written with ACID guarantees, and broadcast to all subscribers through persistent WebSocket connections. That tight coupling between database writes and real-time broadcast is what eliminates the sync layer where most architectures bleed latency.
Can one platform handle different auction formats like livestock timers and art anti-sniping?
Yes. We build a composable auction engine with a shared core — bids, lots, users, audit logs — and vertical-specific modules on top. Timer behavior, eligibility gates, anti-sniping rules, and payment flows are all configured per auction type through the admin panel. Auction houses switch formats without touching code.
How many concurrent bidders can the platform handle?
We've sustained 10,000+ concurrent WebSocket connections on a single Supabase project without infrastructure intervention. The architecture scales horizontally through Supabase's managed connection pooling and WebSocket clustering. For events where we're expecting a bigger spike — major charity galas, real estate portfolio sales — we provision dedicated infrastructure ahead of time rather than hoping autoscaling catches up.
What happens if a WebSocket connection drops mid-auction?
The client automatically reconnects and resyncs bid state from PostgreSQL. Because the database is the source of truth — not the WebSocket stream — no bids are lost during a disconnection. The UI shows a connection status indicator and queues any bid attempts during the brief reconnection window. Autobid agents keep executing server-side regardless of what's happening with the client connection.
How do you handle bid disputes and audit compliance?
Every bid event gets written to an append-only audit log in PostgreSQL with timestamps, bidder identity, IP address, and bid amount. Row-level security prevents modification after write. That log is legally defensible and exportable for regulatory review. For high-value verticals like real estate, we wire in KYC/AML verification gates — bidders can't participate until they've cleared identity checks.
What's the typical timeline and investment for an enterprise auction platform?
The core platform with one vertical goes live in 8-12 weeks. Additional verticals take 4-6 weeks each. Investment ranges from $75,000 for a single-vertical platform to $250,000+ for multi-vertical enterprise systems with AI features, mobile apps, and integrations. We deliver in phases, so you're running real auctions before the full scope is complete — no waiting 6 months to see if it works.
Can auction houses white-label the platform for their own branding?
Absolutely. The Next.js frontend supports multi-tenant theming with custom domains, logos, color schemes, and email templates per auction house. Each tenant's data is isolated through PostgreSQL row-level security policies. That's what makes the platform-of-platforms model work — multiple auction houses running independently on shared infrastructure, with none of them aware the others exist.
Schedule Discovery Session
We map your platform architecture, surface non-obvious risks, and give you a realistic scope — free, no commitment.
Schedule Discovery Call
Let's build
something together.
Whether it's a migration, a new build, or an SEO challenge — the Social Animal team would love to hear from you.