Stamp Auction Network Now In "The Cloud"

I just noticed this at SAN now.

Azure refers to the Microsoft Cloud platform.

This could be a smart move for SAN, in getting them out of managing hardware themselves. IIRC the security exposure they had some time back was related to someone having direct access to their system(s). That said, Cloud, and Security are a complex and difficult issue.

As an end-user, I will be watching carefully that I get the same bid-performance from the Azure systems that we previously had. One thing I've always liked about SAN, was their overall performance was pretty good, I've thought. I hope the Azure servers are positioned similarly.

We'll soon know, lots of auctions coming up starting this weekend!

Having your stuff hosted with a major cloud provider doesn't necessarily make it more secure - it still needs to be properly implemented (which I'm sure the SAN guy has thought of). And performance will depend on resource load/allocation purchased from Azure.

Marketing. And I would also assume that SANS went this direction so they are better positioned for a future sale.
Don

SANS management wants to grow but they are "technically challenged" ( as a Corp) as their site is buggy and hard to navigate compared to many commercial sites. I have tried using SANS but have gotten discouraged and jump ship (never made a bid) due to larger dollar bids and a steep learning curve. the multi step process to get registered, waiting to be approved, then wait for right material to come to market within their limited domestic (international scares me) dealer list is a high huddle. Also, concerns around fees take research and time. Uncertainty around which auction houses to register (seeking approval to bid) with and when? Having to supply trade ref and talk about credit checks before bidding is a real put off. Adding to this site operations are hard to figure out, for example making watch list are not clear. I might strike some as "tech challenged" (as a user) but I have no issues sniping on the ebay app so call me average (aka target customer). If there is a good tutorial material source on how to get the most out of SANS for the collector please let me know as I do believe they are a excellent source for material not commonly found on ebay.


I know from this board that ebay is not an ethical Corp so I have to hold my nose as I tap on my phone. I'm hoping I can make 2019 my SANS breakout year and finally say "bye bye" to ebay and their top management and corporate officers full on disregard for duty of care.

Did you try the "Help" button?

The biggest problems with SAN are the archaic design and horrifically confusing menu system and site structure. It's nonintuitive and redundant links abound. There's very little in the way of useful instruction or help on each page.

Based on my interactions with Tom, it's most definitely and example of a site designed and used by a programmmer rather than being formatted for the end user. The interfaces are straight out of 1993.

While this may sound harsh, I say this as someone who uses it regularly and has paid for the premium features. It's a GREAT resource, but it needs a top down design overhaul.

I personally think that SAN's biggest barrier to more widespread adoption and further success is itself.

We must be using different sites.

Rogdcam, I did use/review the online help but I found it of very limited value as I could not find pertinent answers to the various questions I face as a newbie to SANs.

Short of the much-needed overhaul, suggested by revenuecollector, management should consider as a stop gap by posting a 10-minute high-level tutorial video on youtube with some breakouts videos on the more technical details too so in 30 minutes you are exposed to the "power" and "features" of their long-dated system. This would help a potential new user understand the value of their platform with limited invested time (the ultimate currency). There is a reason for a low adoption rate and it's just dumb customers that don't know how to find a help button. If they don't figure out a better way to proceed they will continue to only be able to recruit the highly motivated collectors vs. growing the hobby (stamp "hunting and "investing") which is a stated goal of their in 2019 based on a recent e-mail I received from the company.

This has nothing specifically to do with SAN. It is about real auction house bidding vs ebay or normal retail buying.

I do understand that making the leap from retail buying to buying at auction is a big jump for many people. It was for me. Once I made the leap, however, I've never looked back. Buying at auction is very worthwhile for most serious collectors, but it depends on what you collect and what your goals are. Good luck.

rogdcam, I don't see this link on their mobile site? Its states it is "new" on the classic site so thanks for point these out! I hope they are actually instructive when I watch them this weekend. I feel this is a good example of SANs not giving the mobile the priority is should be getting now that this is the megatrend of site access/usage for the masses. Nobody wants to sit in from of the PC anymore unless getting paid!

txstamp, understood on the policy issue here by auction house but as an "aggregator" SANs should act as a "global gatekeeper" as part of their "value add"

@revenuecollector is spot on re the design. Programmers are typically very bad at software UI. (Speaking as a former programmer, who now manages many of them).

I find it a very useful site, but the user interface is very poorly designed. Not to mention it's not responsive friendly for those trying to use it on smaller screen sizes. Some time/$$ spent with a UX/UI design firm would make it much easier to use for all - both veterans and those unfamiliar with it.

gmot I don't think we should hold out much hope here as Tom Droege at SANS let me know today their current demographic - that has not changed since 1994 he states- is 50-85 and this group "find it easy to use" and "obvious".

I'm not sure a "focus group" study would come back with the same conclusion but to have a study done SANS needs to be open to feedback and change.

Their position of all is well is holding them back from opening new paths to find users of their plaform (ie growing the hobby).

I value it for the opportunities it has afforded me to acquire material from around the World and have used it since the beginning. Given that it is free unless you wish to utilize the premium features I cannot complain especially since it is a business and not an orginization with the stated goal of furthering the hobby. If I was paying for access I would probably look for regular improvements but it works well for me whether on my Ipad or desktop.

Not having vision to put a modern interface in place has nothing to do with being a coder. Anyone with an IQ over 85 would have the vision to understand the need for a modern interface...did anyone in management not have a computer with internet access? Did they not see that their site was not responsive? Did they not see how other sites looked?

This is about vision, not coding.

And I do not buy into the 'demographic' smoke either. The traffic at sites like this one and others like Stamp Smarter CLEARLY have shown a trend toward increased mobile users over the last 10 year. Saying that the demographic did not justify working towards an interface that does not suck is an excuse. I would have fired any manager on the spot who tried to blow that kind of smoke.
Obviously they were not looking at their traffic metrics or they were looking at them and ignoring them.
Don