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How auctions work on Garage

How auctions run on Garage, from setting a reserve to what happens when bidding ends.

For sellers

Creating an auction works just like creating a regular listing, with one extra field:

  • Reserve price: the lowest amount you’ll accept. If bidding doesn’t reach it, the item doesn’t sell automatically.

  • Minimum bid: we set this automatically at about 25% of your reserve price, so bidding can start below the reserve.

Every auction runs for 30 days. The length can’t be changed.

Managing your auction

  • Editing: you can add photos or update the description anytime. Your reserve price can’t be changed once the first bid is placed.

  • Deleting: you can delete the listing unless a sale is in progress, which also removes all its bids. If a sale is in progress, contact us for help.

  • Tracking bids: see every bid and the full bid history on your dashboard, and answer buyer questions through Garage chat.

When the auction ends

  • Reserve met: the highest bidder wins.

  • Reserve not met: you have 48 hours to accept the top max bid or send a counteroffer to all bidders, priced between the top max bid and your reserve. Bidders then have 24 hours to accept, and the first to accept buys the item.

  • No bids or no sale: relaunch the auction for another 30 days, or switch it to Buy Now from your dashboard. You can always reach out to us if you're unsure and need advice.

For bidders

Every bid is a max bid: enter the most you’re willing to pay, and we’ll bid for you automatically up to that amount. See How max bids work.

  • Get verified: you’ll need a verified phone number and card to bid. Your card isn’t charged when you bid.

  • Below the reserve: if the auction ends below the reserve, the seller can still accept your max bid. If they do, you’ve bought the item at that price.

  • Sealed-bid auctions: some auctions are sealed. Bids are hidden until the end, there’s no automatic bidding, and the highest bid wins.

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Need help?

Our team is happy to assist. Email [email protected] or call (888) 379-1249.

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