There are different types of bidding in auctions. When buying goods or services at an auction, two methods are commonly used: proxy bidding and straight bidding. Understanding the differences between these two types of bidding can affect your results and overall experience at the auction.
Bid Up to This Amount: What is Proxy Bidding (Maximum Bidding)?
The goal of maximum bidding, also known as proxy bidding, is for you to win the auction item at the lowest possible price by placing bids on your behalf at the lowest possible increments up to the maximum amount you set. Simply enter the highest amount you are willing to pay, and the system will bid for you as prompted by other bids. You will be notified by email if your maximum bid is outbid.
You can always increase your Maximum Bid until the item's Online Close, even when you are the leading bidder. On items that are accepting Absentee Bidding, the auction administrators will take your maximum bid to the live event for further bidding.
Note: Bidders are allowed to bid any amount as long as it is higher than the current Minimum Bid, so there are times when the Leading Bid may appear to be "off-increment" but is still a valid bid.
Example: An item's Leading Bid is $25.00, and the bid increment is $5.00. If you choose proxy bidding and enter a Maximum Bid of $50.00, and there is no other maximum bid, you become the high bidder, and the Leading Bid reads $30.00.
Bid This Exact Amount (Straight Bidding):
A Straight Bid will be applied immediately at the exact amount the bidder specifies. It will become the new Leading Bid unless another bidder has an existing higher Proxy Bid. As the auction continues, you will be notified by email if you are outbid.
Example: If the current high bid is $10.00 and you enter a straight bid of $150.00 and there is no existing higher proxy bid, you become the current leading bidder at $150.00.
Running an Auction as Part of Your Next Event?
These templates will help you knock it out of the park:
- Usable Auction Planner
- Auction Item Pricing Calculator
- Ultimate Sponsorship Checklist and Pitch Cheat Sheet
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