What the Current Bid represents:
- The Current Bid is not necessarily the highest bidder’s maximum bid. A bidder’s maximum stays hidden as others bid against it.
- When a bid is placed below the top bidder’s maximum, the Current Bid rises to match that lower bid.
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When a bid exceeds the current leader’s maximum, the new bidder takes the lead and the Current Bid becomes the previous leader’s maximum plus one bid increment (without exceeding the new bidder’s maximum).
- Bid increments vary by price range. In the example below (step 4), the increment is $25 based on the $500 Current Bid. Higher-value items may have larger increments.
- If two bidders have the same maximum bid, the bidder who placed it first remains in the lead.
Example:
- Bidder A sets a max of $500.
- Bidder B bids $225 → Current Bid displays $225. A still leads.
- B raises to $300 → Current Bid displays $300. A still leads (max $500).
- B bids $600 → B takes the lead, Current Bid displays $525 (Bidder A's maximum of $500 + the $25 increment for that range).
- Bidder C also bids $600 → B remains in the lead because they placed their bid first. Current Bid displays $600.
The minimum bid that can be placed on an item is also based on the applicable bid increment.
Notifications:
Throughout this process, you’ll always know where you stand:
- The site clearly shows whether you are the highest bidder.
- You’ll receive email alerts if you are outbid or when bid activity occurs.
- You will also receive SMS alerts if you are signed up. To enable SMS alerts, go to your Account Settings.
Each auction consists of two different phases:
Open Bidding
During Open Bidding, you place bids against other buyers using the bidding process described above. This phase usually lasts several days or weeks.
Extended Bidding
If at least two bidders participated during Open Bidding, the auction moves into Extended Bidding – a private session limited to those original bidders.
How extended bidding works:
- Extended Bidding begins immediately after Open Bidding ends.
- It starts with a 15-minute timer. Each new bid resets the timer to 15 minutes for that specific item.
- For example: If Open Bidding ends at 6:00 pm, Extended Bidding is set to close at 6:15 pm. If a bid comes in at 6:03 pm, the closing time shifts to 6:18 pm.
- The process continues until no new bids are placed within 15 minutes. At that point, the highest bidder wins the item.
Notifications:
- All eligible bidders are updated during Extended Bidding with real-time email alerts.
SMS alerts are also available if you are signed up. You can enable SMS alerts through your Account Settings.