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Live auctions: how to bid and what pre-bids are | BIDEA

A live auction is a sale where the seller presents an item during a stream and buyers place offers in real time until the timer runs out. The highest offer at close wins. On BIDEA you can also place a pre-bid on a pending auction, and that pre-bid is a real bid.

BIDEA editorial team ·

How an auction unfolds

The seller shows the item, explains its condition and opens the auction. From that moment, signed-in buyers can place offers. Each new offer beats the previous one and the timer shows how long is left. When time runs out, the highest offer wins the item.

Because everything happens live, the information is in front of you: you can see the item before the auction opens, ask in chat and follow the bid history. You need an account to bid, not to watch.

Pre-bids: bidding before it opens

Some items appear as pending auctions before they come up in the Live. On BIDEA you can place a pre-bid on them. A pre-bid is a real bid: if the item opens during the stream and your offer wins, you are charged like any other won purchase.

If the item never opens, there is no charge. That is why it makes sense to pre-bid only an amount you are willing to pay, exactly as you would during the live auction.

Product auctions and Break spots are different

A product auction sells one specific item to the highest bidder. Spots in a card Break work separately: you buy a place in an opening of sealed product, and the assignment format is set by the seller. Check what you are joining before you offer.

Shipping or pickup options are set by each seller for their show and country, and the final price appears before you pay. For operating details, see the help center.

Common questions

Does a pre-bid commit me to pay?

Yes, if the item opens in the Live and your offer wins. If the item never opens, you are not charged.

Can I bid without an account?

No. You can watch public Lives without an account, but bidding and chatting require signing in.

Is a Break spot an auction?

Not necessarily. Break spots are sold separately from product auctions, and their format depends on the seller.

Sources and resources

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