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Buying > Buyer’s Information > Bidder’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Bidder’s FAQ

Why must I register to bid?

We require that you register in order to create an account and a with a user’s name. We also ask that if you are going to want to bid on items, you put a working credit card on file. Having a valid verifiable credit card ensures the integrity of the buying process and reduces the chances for fraud. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover card. (See our Fraud Protection program below).

How does Proxy Bidding Work?

Here's how it works:

You place your bid entering the maximum amount you'd be willing to pay for the item. [This amount is kept confidential from all other bidders and even the seller until the end of the auction].
When the system compares your maximum bid to the previous bid and it is more - it will only use as much of your bid as is necessary to maintain your high bid position. The system will keep bidding up to your maximum amount until you win. If your maximum bid meets the seller’s reserve price, then the system will pin the price at that reserve, and the bidding price will continue until the time has elapsed.
If another bidder has a higher maximum, you'll be outbid. However, if no other bidder has a higher maximum, you win the item. Often you will pay significantly less than the entire amount of your maximum bid. We recommend that you check in on your auction either by bookmarking the page or by through your homepage’s items you have bid on (which will show up in a yellow highlighted band).

Is there different bid increments based on the value of the item?

Yes. The following chart summarizes the bid increments.

Dollar Amount ($) of Vehicle	Auction's Bid Increment
0 - $4,999	$25
$4,999 - $19,999	$50
$20,000 & UP*	$100

*Note: To buyers & sellers, items with a value of $20,000 or more must pay for and use our easy Escrow service.

How will I know if I am outbid and can I re-bid?

You are notified by our system when you are outbid on an item. You can enter a new higher maximum bid with our proxy bidding system. (see above). You are also given an email notice if you lose an auction you have bid on. Please see our Bidder’s Checklist and tips for key advice as to how to win auctions and get the item you want.

How does the Purchase It Now! Option work?

The Purchase It Now option gives every bidder the opportunity to pay the price the seller is asking for and end the auction process early. For many buyer-bidders, it is a method to ensure they get the item they want with no risk that they will lose the item in an open auction. Just click on this option, and select the Buy It Now button and you can complete the transaction quickly and get your item.

How does the Fraud Protection Program cover me?

Our fraud protection program covers Online-Auto-Auction transactions for those buyers and sellers who did not use the low cost Escrow service. In addition, the fraud protection program applies only if you paid for the item without using a credit card and have exhausted all other means of attempting to resolve the dispute. If those conditions apply and you pay for an item and never receive it, we will reimburse you between $300 and $500 depending on the value of the item, less a $25 deductible. (However, certain restrictions and conditions apply under our Fraud Protection Program). In addition, if you receive an item and it was materially misrepresented, (and the seller refused to compensate you with either the proper item or an equivalent item), then our NetSafety program will help resolve this problem in a quick and efficient manner. [See our NetSafety program details].

What happens if I want to or have to retract a bid?

Remember that bidding is a binding contract for you as the buyer to bid on an item. Generally speaking for that reason retracting a bid is simply not allowed. However there may certain circumstances where it is unavoidably necessary to retract a bid:

You mistakenly enter the wrong bid amount. For instance, you bid $9,999 instead of $999

If this occurs, follow the procedures for retracting your bid first and then re-enter the proper bid amount thereafter. If you do not place the proper subsequent bid, the retraction will be negated and you will be suspended from this site.
The item you have bid on has changed significantly and you cannot reach the seller for an explanation. [You simply cannot bid on this item due to the changes].

-In this instance only Non-Flash Auctions-may be retracted with our bid retraction form. This action will trigger an email to the seller and if they dispute the retraction before the acution ends, then Online-Auto-Auctions will be notified and a ruling will be issued either in favor or against the retraction. NOTE: Retracting your last bid does not retract any other bid
-Flash Auctions – Given the time frames involved with these type of auctions, neither the item’s desciption should change, nor should there be a retraction. If a buyer notes that an item’s description changes and no longer wants the item, then a no-bid form should be filed. This will remove the buyer’s bid, but will be monitored for illegal bid activities (shielding).

If you do have these limited circumstances wherein it is necessary to retract a bid, please use our
bid retraction form.

Note: There is no equivalent for bid retraction in Purchase It Now listings. Once you've confirmed your purchase, you are obligated to pay the seller.