How Proxy Bidding Works

Proxy bidding lets you set the maximum amount you’re willing to pay. The system then bids for you automatically, only raising your bid as much as needed to stay in the lead.

Example:

You set a max bid of $100.

The current bid is $50 with a $5 increment.

The system bids $55 for you.

If someone bids $60, the system raises you to $65.

This continues until your max is reached or the auction ends.

Multiple Proxy Bids

• The highest proxy bid wins.
• The current bid becomes the second-highest proxy bid plus the increment.
• The new minimum bid is that amount plus the increment.

Tie Rules

• If a proxy bid and a regular bid are the same, the proxy bid wins.
• If two proxy bids are the same, the earliest one wins.

Reserve Prices

• If your proxy bid is higher than the reserve price (and the reserve isn’t met yet), the current bid will jump to the reserve.

  Example:

  Current bid: $10

  Increment: $1

  Reserve: $20

  Your proxy: $40

  → Current bid becomes $20.

Small Increases

If you see a bid increase smaller than the increment, it means someone’s proxy bid was just outbid by a higher bid.

For tie-breaking and timing rules, see How Winners Are Determined.