What are max bids?

Our maximum bid (max bid) feature is designed to save you the hassle of manually bidding in live or timed auctions. With max bids, you set the highest amount you're willing to pay for a lot, and we handle the bidding for you.

How It Works:

1. Register & Get Approved: To use a max bid, you must be registered and approved by the auctioneer.
2. Set Your Max Bid: Enter your maximum price in the ‘Your max bid’ box on the lot page, then click 'Place bid.' More details on how to edit your max bid can be found here.
3. Confirm: Review the details and click 'Confirm' to ensure your bid is placed. If you have placed a bid off increment, an alternative bid amount will be recommended. 
4. Automated Bidding: Our system will automatically place bids for you at the next available increment to keep you in the lead, but only up to your maximum bid.
5. Reserve Prices: If a lot has a reserve price, bids may jump to meet the reserve and ensure the lot is eligible for sale.
6. Exceeding Your Max Bid: If bidding surpasses your max bid, you may lose the lot. We'll notify you via email so you can choose to increase your max bid.

You can track all your max bids by visiting ‘My Saleroom’ at the top of the page and clicking ‘Current bids.’

Max Bids in Live vs. Timed Auctions:

Live Auctions:

• Placing a max bid before a live auction lets you gauge your position before the auction starts.
• If the auctioneer chooses to display current bids, you'll see the current bid price on the lot page.
• If you change your mind, you can remove your bid up until the lot goes live. Instructions on how to cancel your max bid can be found here. 

Timed Auctions:

• For timed auctions, your max bid works automatically until the auction ends.
• You can reduce your max bid, but only down to the current bid on the lot. If for any reason you'd like to remove it completely, this will be at the discretion of the auctioneer you have bid with. This is because placing a bid in a timed auction is a contractual agreement, you're obligated to buy the item if you win and meet the reserve.