Overview
Automatic Bidding is one of the most powerful features available on AOS.
It allows you to participate confidently without having to manually monitor the auction every second.
Instead of repeatedly placing new bids, you simply define the maximum amount you are willing to pay, and the Platform manages the bidding process on your behalf.
How It Works
When you activate Automatic Bidding, you enter your maximum bid.
This amount remains completely confidential.
The Platform will only place bids when necessary and only by the minimum increment required to keep you in the leading position.
Your maximum amount is never disclosed to other participants.
An Example
Imagine the current highest bid is €20,000.
You activate Automatic Bidding with a maximum of €30,000.
If another buyer bids €21,000, the Platform will automatically respond with the next valid bid on your behalf.
This process continues automatically until:
- no higher bids are received;
- your maximum amount is reached; or
- the auction closes.
What Happens If Someone Exceeds Your Maximum?
If another buyer places a bid higher than your maximum limit, you will immediately be notified that you have been outbid.
At that point, you may choose to:
- increase your maximum bid;
- place a manual bid;
- activate a new Automatic Bid;
- or stop participating.
The decision is entirely yours.
Priority Between Automatic Bids
If two buyers have Automatic Bidding enabled, the Platform compares their confidential maximum amounts.
The buyer with the higher maximum remains in the leading position.
If both buyers have exactly the same maximum amount, priority is given to the buyer who activated that maximum first.
Your Maximum Is Always Private
Your confidential maximum bid is never displayed to:
- other buyers;
- the Organizer;
- or the public.
Only the current leading bid is visible during the auction.
This ensures a fair and transparent bidding process.
Can I Change My Maximum?
Yes.
While the auction is still open, you may increase your Automatic Bid limit at any time.
You cannot reduce your maximum below bids that have already been placed.
Advantages of Automatic Bidding
Automatic Bidding allows you to:
- avoid constantly monitoring the auction;
- react instantly to competing bids;
- maintain your position automatically;
- participate even if you are temporarily away from your device;
- bid strategically while keeping your maximum confidential.
It is particularly useful during the final stages of competitive auctions.
Best Practices
Before activating Automatic Bidding:
- decide the maximum amount you are genuinely willing to pay;
- remember that your maximum represents a legally binding commitment if you become the winning bidder;
- avoid increasing your limit impulsively during competitive bidding.
Automatic Bidding is designed to help you bid more efficiently—not to encourage you to spend beyond your planned budget.