Help:
About bidding
How to bid
If you’re not sure how to place a bid or how bidding works, take a look at:
- how to bid on items you’re interested in
- tips on bidding to help you bid successfully
- bidding rules.
Auto-bidding
Auto-bidding applies to all auctions. Simply specify the maximum amount you are willing to pay and the auto-bidder automatically places bids on your behalf up to your limit.
Safe bidding
View our checklists on what to do before you bid.
Remember to check:
- Item details and specifications – Has the seller provided adequate information?
- Payment and delivery options – Are these your preferred options? Are there additional costs?
- Seller’s feedback – Are you confident you’d like to buy from this seller? Are they a Verified Trader?
View the bidding history
All active Auctions display a bidding history of members who are bidding and the amount they bid.
Assess the right time for placing a bid
Track the bids being placed and who’s placing them to help you decide whether you want to bid for a particular item.
Monitor bidders
View the profile of the bidder – check their feedback rating and whether they are a Verified Trader.
View bid withdrawals and cancellation history
When a bidder withdraws their bid or the seller cancels a bid, these actions display within the bidding history so that all bidders can view changes to the bidding history.
Watch for shill bidding
Trading Post® prohibits sellers from using other usernames or asking other Trading Post® members (whether they be family or friends) to place bids to artificially drive up the price of an Auction.
Shill bidding is unfair to buyers. If you suspect shill bidding is taking place on an Auction, please report it.
