Understanding Auto-Bidding (Max Bid) in Silent Auctions

What is Auto-Bidding?

When placing a bid on a silent auction item, bidders have the option to set a maximum bid - the highest amount they're willing to pay for the item. When a max bid is set, the system will automatically bid on their behalf, only increasing their bid as needed to stay in the lead, up to the maximum amount they specified.

This feature saves bidders from having to constantly monitor an item and manually place new bids every time someone outbids them.

How It Works

Example Scenario

Let's walk through a real-world example:

1. At 7:15 PM, Bidder A places a bid of $50 on an auction item and sets a max bid of $150.

This means Bidder A is telling the system: "I'm willing to pay up to $150 for this item - automatically bid for me if someone outbids me, but only bid as much as necessary."

2. At 7:22 PM, Bidder B places a bid of $75.

3. The system immediately recognizes that Bidder A is willing to go higher than $75. It automatically places a bid of $75 on Bidder A's behalf, keeping them in the lead. Since Bidder A's bid was placed first, they hold priority at the same dollar amount.

4. Bidder B receives a notification (via text and/or email) that they have been outbid, along with the minimum amount needed to take the lead.

5. If Bidder B then bids $125, the system would again automatically bid $125 on Bidder A's behalf - still within their $150 maximum.

6. To win the item, Bidder B (or any other bidder) would need to bid more than $150, which exceeds Bidder A's maximum. At that point, Bidder A would be notified that they've been outbid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can other bidders see my max bid?

No. Max bids are completely private. Other bidders and event organizers only see the current bid amount - never the maximum you've set.

Does the system bid my full maximum right away?

No. The system only bids the minimum amount necessary to keep you in the lead. Your full maximum is only reached if another bidder pushes the price up to that level.

What happens if two bidders set the same max bid?

The bidder who placed their max bid first has priority. For example, if both bidders have a max bid of $200, the earlier bidder will hold the lead at that amount.

Will I be notified if I'm outbid?

Yes. You'll receive a text message and/or email letting you know you've been outbid, along with a link to view the item and place a new bid.

Can I change my max bid after placing it?

You can place a new, higher bid with a new max bid amount at any time. Simply go to the item and submit a new bid, or when you view the item in your guest page, you will see the option to modify the max bid.  Max bid information will also be displayed on your guest page -> guest information pop up as well.

Does auto-bidding work for Buy Now items?

If an item has a Buy Now price and another bidder's max bid meets or exceeds that price, the system may automatically purchase the item on their behalf at the Buy Now price.

Tips for Bidders

Set a max bid you're comfortable with - think of it as the absolute most you'd be willing to pay for the item.

You won't overpay - even if your max bid is well above the competition, you'll only pay the minimum amount needed to win.

Bid early - in the case of a tie, the earlier bid wins.

Watch for notifications - if you're outbid, act quickly to place a higher bid before the auction closes.