Auction questions
What is an Auction?
Our auctions are not your typical eBay affair. We offer genuine auction experiences, conducted both in-person live and online. Explore lots, place bids, and engage in the excitement of live or online-only auctions.
How to Register for an Auction?
Creating your account grants you bidding access across all auctions within the Hibid network. Some auctions may require additional registration, so make sure to complete the process to enable bidding.
Finding Terms and Conditions?
Easily locate the Terms and Conditions on the main auction event page and individual lot pages. It's essential to familiarize yourself with these details for a seamless auction experience.
How Does an Auction End?
Auctions close differently, with some having set closing times and others following staggered closings. Soft Close, dynamic or extended bidding may also come into play, extending the auction if there's active bidding.
Have I Won an Auction?
Winning bidders receive an email invoice notifying them of their success. Keep an eye on your inbox for this confirmation.
Payment Process?
Refer to the auction's Terms and Conditions for payment details. Each auction may have specific instructions, so be sure to check the guidelines.
Contacting an Auction Company?
Utilize the 'Contact Auctioneer' form on the auction event and lot pages to reach out to the hosting auctioneer. You can also find contact details on the main auction page.
Searching for Items?
Navigate with ease using our search bar. Refine your search by category or explore all lots matching your keyword. Save your searches for future reference under 'Saved Search' in your account.
Printing Auction Documentation?
On some auction you can download PDF files of the auction's brochure and packet from the auction event page and lot pages.
Bidding questions
Are there fees for bidding on an auction?
No, there are no charges for placing bids. Fees are only applicable if you emerge as the winning bidder. Some auctions may have a buyer's premium charge, which is clearly outlined in the auction's terms and conditions.
How can I see the status of the items I've placed a bid on?
Navigate to 'bids' at the top of every bidding page to view a list of items you've bid on. Each item displays the time remaining in the auction, the current bid, your maximum bid, and the auction status.
Can I raise my maximum bid (even if no one has outbid me)?
Absolutely! You can increase your maximum bid at any time before the auction concludes. If you choose to raise your bid while still being the highest bidder, it won't affect the current bid – no need to worry about bidding against yourself.
How can I make sure I'm seeing the most up-to-date bids?
Ensure you're viewing the latest bids by refreshing regularly. Use the browser refresh button for the most recent updates. 30 min before the auction is set to close be sure to be in the view catalog section to see the countdown and bids in real time. If you stay in your watch list the bids will not refresh automatically.
Why can't I place a bid?
To place a bid, you must be registered and approved for the auction. Check out the steps on how to register for an auction if you haven't already.
How do I remove a bid?
Once a bid is placed, it cannot be canceled under any circumstances. Please bid carefully and thoughtfully.
Terminology
Absolute Auction: An auction where the highest bidder wins the auction, regardless of the price of the bid. There is no reserve price.
Bid Increment: The minimum dollar amount that the current bid increases in price after each new bid.
Buyer's Premium: An additional charge to cover administrative expenses. This is a percentage of the purchase price, which is specified in the auction terms and is in addition to any taxes owed.
Soft Close/Extended/Dynamic Bidding: Auctions may extend the bidding time on any lot that gets a bid within a certain amount of time of its scheduled closing time. The auction will remain open for those lots until no bids are placed in the allotted amount of time. All lots not receiving a bid in the final minutes will close at the normal time. The auctioneer will determine the number of minutes necessary to activate dynamic bidding ahead of time.
Internet or Online Only Auction: A timed auction where bids can only be placed over the Internet by bidders. No live bidding is taking place at a physical location.
Live Auction: An auction that takes place at a designated place and time, where bidders can browse the auction lots and place their bids in person.
Lot: A group of items or a single item that are sold together at auction. Lots are determined before the auction and only the auctioneer can divide a lot. Each lot in an auction is numbered.
Maximum Bid: the highest amount a bidder is willing to pay for an item. When placing a bid, participants have the option to specify their maximum bid, which is the highest amount they are willing to commit to purchasing the item. The online auction system then automatically places incremental bids on behalf of the bidder, keeping their offer competitive up to their specified maximum bid. For example, if an item has a current bid of $50 and a bidder places a maximum bid of $100, the system will place incremental bids on behalf of the bidder as needed, up to the maximum amount of $100. If other participants place bids, the system will automatically increase the bidder's offer, ensuring that they remain the highest bidder, up to their maximum bid. This feature allows bidders to participate in the auction without having to constantly monitor and manually adjust their bids, making the process more convenient and efficient.
Reserve Price: The lowest price the seller is willing to sell the item. If the reserve price is not met at the auction, the item will not be sold.
Simulcast: Live and online interactive bidding at the same time.
Staggered Closing: Auctions that begin to close and progress at a certain rate of lots instead of at one specific time. For example, an auction will close five lots every five minutes beginning at a certain time. This will be listed in the terms of the auction.