A home selling at auction by Kaufman Realty & Auctions A home selling at auction by Kaufman Realty & Auctions

How to Bid at Auctions

Auctions can often be fast-paced and intense. Don’t let that stop you from joining in the fun. Whether you’re bidding for land, your next home, firearms or tools, here’s your step-by-step guide to bidding online and in person.

How to bid online

Bid online from the comfort of your home. Here’s how:

Step one

Step 1: Create an Account or Log In

Navigate to our auction listings and create an account. Look for the “sign up/log in” link in the navigation bar of any webpage.

Step two

Step 2: Find an Auction on our Website 

To bid on an auction, find the auction you would like to bid on. Then click “BID NOW” or “LEARN MORE” to see additional details.

Step three

Step 3: Bid in Two Ways  

Find the lot you want to bid on. Then click “Prebid Now.” If the auction is live, it will say “Bid Now” instead.

Step four

Step 4: Confirm Your Bid 

Enter the amount that you’d like to bid for the item. Then click “set bid.” This only confirms your bid before it’s placed.

Step five

Step 5: Place Your Bid 

Once your bid is placed, you are legally bound to purchase that item. This is a contract that cannot be retracted.

Step six

Step 6: Collect Your Items  

If you win an online auction, a member of Kaufman Realty will contact you to walk you through the next steps.

How to bid in person

An in-person auction can be a fun event. If this is your first experience, here’s how to bid:

Step one

Step 1: Register to Bid 

At the auction, you can register for a bidding number with a valid form of ID and method of payment.

Step two

Step 2: The Auction Starts 

The auctioneer will announce the lot number and start the bidding. The bidding will increase in increments.

Step three

Step 3: Place Your Bid 

To place your bid, simply raise your bidding number or discreetly nod your head while looking at a bid assistant.

Step four

Step 4: Collect Your Items

Congratulations! Collect the items you’ve won at the registration table after the auction has ended.

Learn More About Auctions

  • Why Auction?

    Read our simple guide for how to bid in person or online.

  • Auction Dictionary

    Don’t be intimidated by the lingo. We’ll help you learn it.

  • Auction FAQs

    Get answers to all of your questions about auctions.

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