Learning To Use the Online Auction

David Collins • December 5, 2024

"How to use the online auction"

Register and Get Approved

The first step is to register on our online auction platform. This involves providing personal and payment information to get approved as a bidder.

Make sure to carefully review the platform's terms of service and bidding rules before registering. Understanding the policies upfront can help avoid any surprises later on.

Research Items and Set Budgets

Before the auction begins, take time to research the items you're interested in. Check past sale prices for similar items to get a sense of the expected bidding range. This will help you set reasonable maximum bids.

It's also important to establish a firm budget for each item. Determine the highest price you're willing to pay and stick to it, even if you get caught up in the excitement of bidding.

Understand Bidding Mechanics

Most online auctions use a proxy bidding system. This means you enter your maximum bid, and the system will automatically bid on your behalf up to that amount, outbidding other participants as needed.

Pay close attention to bid increments, which are the minimum amount by which the current bid must be increased. Increments are usually structured to encourage bidding, so understanding them is key.

Time Your Bids Strategically

Timing your bids can make a big difference in online auctions.. Our online auctions will give you  time to bid by offering a bid extension of 2 to 3 minutes on each lot. This means that lots will not close out until all final bids are placed. 

An alternative is to place your maximum bid early in the auction. This "proxy bidding" approach lets the system incrementally outbid other participants on your behalf.

Use Auction Notifications

Our bidding platform offers a notification feature that can help you stay on top of the bidding. Set alerts for items you're interested in so you're aware of any activity or when the auction is about to end.

Practice and Learn From Experience

The more you participate in online auctions, the more comfortable and confident you'll become. Don't be discouraged by any early losses - each auction is an opportunity to learn and refine your bidding strategy.

With preparation, patience, and a bit of practice, you'll be bidding like a pro in no time!



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Collins & Co. Realtors And Auctioneers provides comprehensive real estate and auction services. Voted Best Real Estate Agency, Auction Firm, and Realtors by The Johnson Press and The Elizabethton Star Readers' Choice Awards, you can trust our experts to help you achieve your goals. Come see the difference our professional team of auctioneers and real estate agents can make! Contact us to get started today.

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