Been Outbid?

Sometimes, you'll be outbid the moment you enter your bid. Why? Because bidders place maximum bids--that is, the most they're willing to pay for an item. Every bidder has proxy, doing the bidding for them--keeping their bid price as low as possible, and only increasing the bid if bumped up by a competing bidder. As a result, another bidder's proxy may instantly meet and outbid your maximum bid--his or her maximum was a little higher!

A proxy will continue to edge out competing bids until someone places a bid that beats the high bidder's maximum bid--and this amount is never disclosed. Once you exceed another bidder's maximum bid, congratulations! Now you're the high bidder, and your proxy will keep your bid as low as possible.

When you place a high bid, the Auctions site tells you immediately. We'll also send e-mail to you and to the former high bidder confirming your position as the new high bidder. Should you be displaced as the high bidder, we'll notify you immediately by e-mail.