The “Max Bid” is button allows the system to automatically place bids on your behalf, up to the maximum amount you set, so you don’t have to bid manually.
- The ability to place Max Bids on auctions is available for approved sellers with a paid membership of Hobbyist or higher.
- By entering a Max Bid amount, you are authorizing the system to bid automatically for you up to your entered amount, and understand that if you win the auction, you will be responsible for the final bid amount plus the listed shipping value.
- By placing a Max Bid you agree to follow all Rules.
- All bids are final, and failure to follow through on payment will result in a permanent ban from auctions.
How Automatic Bidding Works
- The system will automatically place a bid for the next bid increment if you are outbid, up to the amount that you entered. Example:
- Auction A has a current high bid of $50
- Seller A enters a Max Bid of $500
- The current high bid automatically adjust to $55. Seller A is the high bidder.
- Seller B enters a regular bid of $60.
- The current high bid automatically adjusts to $65. Seller A is still the high bidder.
- If multiple users place a Max Bid, the bid will automatically adjust to the correct bid amount. Example:
- Auction A has a current high bid of $60.
- Seller A enters a Max Bid of $700.
- The high bid adjusts to $65.
- Seller B enters a Max Bid of $800.
- The high bid adjusts to $705. Seller B is the new high bidder.
- If a user has already placed a Max Bid for the same amount that you are trying to place, you will receive an error message, and have to enter a different Max Bid amount.
Auctions with Reserves
If an auction has a reserve, and your maximum bid amount is higher than the reserve value, it will automatically input the bid for the reserve price.
If the auction has a reserve and your maximum bid amount does not meet the minimum value, it will place the full bid amount, and show the “reserve not met” text on the auction ad.
How to Place a Max Bid
Only approved sellers with paid memberships of Hobbyist+ are able to use the Max Bid system. To use:
- Enter the Max Bid amount like you would a standard bid.
- Click the Max Bid button.
- Read the confirmation message, and confirm the max bid amount.
You will receive a notification (if enabled) informing you that this bid was placed, and you will continue to receive them as the system automatically places bids for you.
Please note:
- Placing a Max Bid does not guarantee you will win the auction.
- You are still responsible for monitoring the auction and entering a new bid if you are outbid.