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Max Bidding

Understanding and managing your max bids

HiBid allows you to place a Max Bid, which is the highest amount you’re willing to pay for a lot. The system will automatically bid on your behalf up to that amount—only increasing your bid as others bid to keep you in the lead.

What is a Max Bid?

A Max Bid is a bidding tool that lets you stay competitive without having to monitor the auction.

  • HiBid will automatically increase your bid incrementally when other bidders place competing bids

  • Your Max Bid remains confidential from other bidders

How to Place a Max Bid:

  1. Find the lot you’re interested in

  2. Click to place a bid

  3. On the confirmation screen, you will be able to place a maximum bid amount

  4. Press Confirm Bid

If another bidder has already placed a Max Bid that’s higher, you may be outbid immediately.

How to Edit or Lower a Max Bid:

Once placed, Max Bids cannot be lowered or removed. If you would like to reduce a max bid, you will need to contact the auctioneer who is conducting the auction for help. You can only increase your Max Bid if you want to raise your limit:

  1. Return to the lot

  2. Enter a higher amount

  3. Click Place Bid

  4. HiBid will update your Max Bid if the new amount is higher than your current Max Bid.

Tips for Using Max Bids:

  • Use round numbers that reflect your maximum willingness to pay

  • Consider bidding early with a Max Bid so you don’t miss out

  • You’ll receive email notifications if you're outbid or if you win

Common Questions:

Q: Will I always pay my full Max Bid?
No. You only pay the minimum needed to win the auction—up to your Max Bid.

Q: Can other bidders see my Max Bid?
Max Bids are not visible to other bidders.

Q: Why was I outbid instantly?
Another bidder may have placed a higher Max Bid before you. Your bid triggered theirs to increase automatically.

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