How proxy (maximum) bidding works

When you place a bid you enter your maximum — the most you're willing to pay. The system then bids on your behalf, one increment at a time, only as high as it needs to keep you in front. This is proxy bidding, and it works just like the big auction sites.

You often pay less than your maximum

Your maximum is a ceiling, not the price. If you set a maximum of $100 on a lot sitting at $30, you don't jump to $100 — you become the high bidder at the next step above the last bid. You only climb toward your $100 as other people bid against you, and you stop the moment you're back in front.

Your maximum is private. Nobody else — not other bidders, not the public — can see it. The bid history shows bidders by alias and never shows anyone's maximum.

Raising your own maximum

If you're already the high bidder, you can raise your maximum at any time. That costs nothing and doesn't move the price — you're not competing against yourself. It just gives your proxy more room before someone can overtake you.

How ties are decided

When two maximums meet, the outcome is always decided the same, predictable way:

1. The higher maximum wins. If you bid a higher maximum than the current leader, you take the lead — priced at their maximum plus one increment, but never above your own maximum.
2. The lower maximum loses, and the leader stays in front at your maximum plus one increment (capped at their maximum).
3. Equal maximums — the earlier bid wins. If you enter exactly the same maximum as the current leader, they keep the lot, because their bid came first. To take it, you have to bid a higher maximum.

Because of rule 3, matching someone's maximum won't win it. If you really want the lot, set your ceiling a genuine step higher.

Reserves

Some lots have a hidden reserve — a minimum the seller will accept. You'll see Reserve not yet met or Reserve met on the lot, but never the number. If a lot closes below its reserve it doesn't sell, and nothing is owed. If you're the high bidder but the reserve isn't met yet, the confirmation tells you so.