The short version
How bidding works
Most of our sales are timed online auctions. You bid on the lots you want, the clock runs out, highest bid wins. Here's the rest of it, without the jargon.
The basics
Six things to know
Timed auctions
Each lot has an open date and a closing time. Bid any time while it's open. When the clock runs out, the highest bid wins the lot.
Max bids
Set the most you're willing to pay and we bid for you — only as much as needed to stay in front, never past your limit. Nobody sees your maximum.
Soft close
A bid in the final moments extends that lot's clock, so nobody can steal a lot with a last-second snipe. The countdown on the page always shows the real closing time.
Registration
Most sales just need a free account. A few ask you to register for the sale first — you'll see it on the sale page, and approval is usually quick.
Live sessions
Some sales end with a live auctioneer calling lots one at a time, often with video. You bid online in real time against the room.
Dutch sales
The reverse of a normal auction: the price starts high and drops on a schedule. The first bidder to accept the current price wins — wait for a better price and someone may beat you to it.
On the lot page
What you'll see when you bid
Every lot page shows the current bid, the next ask, the estimate, and a live countdown. Bids update in real time — no refreshing.
Next asks
Bidding moves in set increments. The lot page shows the next valid amounts, so you always know what a bid will cost.
Reserve status
Some lots have a minimum price. The page tells you whether the reserve has been met, or if the lot has no reserve at all.
Bid history
See every bid on the lot as it happens. Bidder identities stay anonymous.
Fees up front
If a buyer's premium applies, the lot page shows it before you bid — no surprises on the invoice.
Ready to bid?
An account is free and takes about a minute.