Interview with Jayraj Balasundaram, General Manager at Pioneer Auctions

Tell us about the history and origins of Pioneer Auctions?

Since its inception back in 2008, Pioneer Auctions has been a leader within its industry, living up to its name and introducing many firsts. We were amongst the first auction houses in the UAE to allow customers to bid in real-time, through our cutting-edge live-streaming services. Pioneer Auctions has now evolved to offer its client base a seamless ‘click of a button’ auction experience that is available 24/7 through our website and recently launched mobile application, supplemented by our weekly car auction sessions.

What products/services does Pioneer Auctions offer (online and offline)?

Our esteemed clientele includes leading public and private entities across various sectors in the UAE, in addition to end-users who want to get the best deals in the market when it comes to buying their favourite cars. Our auction categories are very diverse and they include everything from automobiles, car plate numbers, building & construction materials all the way to marine equipment, and many other items.

What are Pioneer Auctions’ key selling propositions?

We provide buyers and sellers with the best market prices through our car auctions. Pioneer Auctions offers consumers three key channels for bidding: 1) Our physical live auction hall which is located in Umm Ramool, Dubai, 2) Our digital-based auction hall sessions which are live streamed through our website, and 3) Our ‘full auction services platform’ which is made available through our website and mobile application channels. As an industry-leader, we take pride in setting ourselves from the crowd by offering three key selling points:

1. Hassle-free Car Examination: Every car displayed for auctioning has gone through rigorous testing (readily available report cards); from comprehensive car inspection, vehicle passing all the way to registering the car with the relevant Roads & Transport Authority (RTA)
2. Synergized Live Auctions: We are one of the few car auction houses in the region to conduct live hall auctions, but we do it as on-site and across our digital platforms; website and mobile application. We also conduct live car bidding sessions every week for our guests and clients
3. End-to-End Services & Offers: We provide end-to-end services and special offers for both buyers and sellers of our auctioned cars, in addition to other products sold on our website

Tell us more about the new app you recently launched (how is it different from your online platform and other mobile apps)?

Pioneer Auctions’ newly-launched car auction app will provide buyers and sellers with a more accessible, synergized and interactive bidding experience. Our company has very lately reinforced its online auction platform by developing a state-of-the-art mobile application that is powered by an advanced AucTech Technology. Pioneer Auctions’ new mobile app will enable buyers and sellers to experience an easier and faster bidding process, which can be conducted directly through a mobile device on a 24/7 basis. All car bidding transactions on our online platform will be safeguarded by a secure payment gateway to provide consumers with confidence and peace of mind. Users can download Pioneer Auctions’ new mobile app via Apple’s iOS or Andriod’s GooglePlay store, or visit www.pioneerauctions.ae.

What are the industry prospects of ‘online car trading’ in the UAE/Middle East?

The car industry is big business for audiences across all sectors in the UAE (traders, showrooms, delivery companies and end-users). Specifically, within our industry, competitors have moved all of their auctioning services online, however, the experience of bidding which a lot of these competitors provide is of a hassle and requires extensive time and effort. Pioneer Auctions differentiates itself by offering buyers and sellers a very seamless and efficient ‘click-of-a-button’ car bidding experience that is fully integrated into our website. Similarly, we have taken this to the next level by launching the mobile app version of Pioneer Auctions in November of this year.