Understanding Bid Histories & Bid Increments

Let's Learn

• Why Do the Increments in the Bid History Seem Off?
• Why is the Bid Increment Only One Dollar ($1)?
• What are the Automated Bid Increments?
• What Does Tie Winner Mean? 

First, make sure you understand our different types of bidding by looking at this help article. 

The bid history displays the bids as they are placed for a particular item.  The bid history includes the bid amount and the timestamp for when the bid was placed (either by the bidder or as a proxy bid placed automatically).  There are some specific scenarios where the displayed bid history may raise some questions:

Why Do the Increments in the Bid History Seem Off?

If you look at the bid history, it may appear as though the increments aren’t being followed, but it’s likely due to the bidder’s maximum bid.

For example:

1. The current bid on an item is $35 and the bid increment is $5. I must bid at least $40
2. I choose to bid higher and enter a maximum bid of $52 dollars
3. I become the lead bidder at $40
4. Another bidder comes in and must bid at least $45
5. She bids $50
6. I become the lead bidder at $52 because my maximum bid is higher and was placed first

Why is the Bid Increment Only One Dollar ($1)?

When a bidder places a maximum bid and is the leading bidder, they can still increase their maximum bid by any amount.  In this case, the next minimum bid will appear as one dollar ($1) more than the current leading bid.

If I’ve just bid on an item and am logged in, I will see an option to increase my bid by $1. I can increase my bid by any whole dollar amount. This is only because I am the lead bidder.

For example: 

1. I am the lead bidder at $52 and will see the option to bid $53 or higher
2. Another bidder will see they must bid at least $57 to outbid me and meet the $5 bid increment

Since they’re leading, they can increase their current maximum bid by at least $1.

What Does Tie Winner Mean? 

When two bidders place a proxy bid for the same amount or when a straight bidder matches another bidder’s proxy bid, the bidder who placed the bid first will become the Tie Winner.

For example: 

1. The current bid on an item is $35 and the bid increment is $5. I must bid at least $40
2. I choose to bid higher and enter a maximum bid of $52 dollars
3. I become the lead bidder at $40
4. Another bid comes in and must bid at least $45
5. She bids also bids $52
6. I become the Tie Winner at $52 because my maximum bid is higher and was placed first