FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know about buying through Denver Online Auctions.
SECTION 1: NEW TO ONLINE AUCTIONS?
Is it free to register?
Yes. Creating an account is completely free.
You only pay if you win an item.
I've never participated in an online auction. Is it difficult?
Not at all.
Many of our registered bidders participated in their first online auction through Denver Online Auctions.
If you can shop online, you can bid online.
SECTION 2: WHAT IS A MAX BID?
What is a Max Bid?
A Max Bid is the highest amount you are willing to pay for an item.
⭐ The Most Common Question About Max Bids
If you enter a Max Bid of $100, the system will not automatically bid $100 for you.
It only bids enough to keep you in the lead, up to your limit.
Many bidders win items for far less than their Max Bid.
Example:
Current bid: $25
Your Max Bid: $100
Another bidder raises to $30.
The system automatically bids $31 for you.
This continues until:
✔ You win for less than $100
or
✔ Another bidder exceeds your limit.
Why use a Max Bid?
• You don't have to watch the auction all day.
• You never pay more than your limit.
• The system only bids what is necessary.
Where do I enter a Max Bid?
There is only one bid box.
Simply enter the highest amount you are willing to pay. The system will handle the bidding for you and will never exceed your limit. Your Max Bid is displayed below the bid box and is visible only to you.
Will the price jump to my Max Bid?
No.
The system only increases your bid when needed.
Can I win for less than my Max Bid?
Yes.
Many bidders do.
Can other bidders see my Max Bid?
No.
Max Bids are completely private.
Can I change my Max Bid?
Yes.
You can increase or decrease your Max Bid at any time before the auction closes. However, you cannot reduce it below the current winning bid.
SECTION 3: HOW DO I BID?
• Browse the auction.
• Enter your bid.
• Or enter a Max Bid.
• Watch the auction or let the system bid for you.
SECTION 4: WHY DO I NEED A CREDIT CARD?
We require a valid credit card to help ensure serious bidding and reduce fraudulent accounts.
Your card information is securely handled through Stripe.
We never see your credit card number.
SECTION 5: WHAT IS A SOFT-CLOSE AUCTION?
Denver Online Auctions uses a soft-close format.
If someone bids during the final two minutes, the countdown resets to two minutes.
This gives everyone a fair chance to respond.
SECTION 6: WHAT IS A BUYER'S PREMIUM?
A buyer's premium is a standard auction fee added to the final hammer price.
Each estate sale company sets its own buyer's premium.
The amount is clearly shown in every auction.
SECTION 7: SHIPPING
Shipping policies vary by seller.
• Not every auction offers shipping.
• Always review the auction terms.
• Contact the seller with shipping questions.
SECTION 8: PAYMENT
If you win, you will receive payment instructions after the auction closes.
Some sellers also allow cash at pickup.
Always review the specific auction terms.
SECTION 9: PICKUP
Pickup dates and times are listed in every auction.
Buyers are responsible for:
• Arriving during the pickup window.
• Bringing appropriate help and packing materials.
• Notifying the seller if someone else is picking up.
SECTION 10: WHAT IF I MISS PICKUP?
Estate sale companies work under strict deadlines.
Items cannot usually be held or stored.
If you cannot attend pickup, contact the seller BEFORE the pickup window.
SECTION 11: WHAT IF I WIN BUT DON'T PAY?
Bidding creates a legally binding obligation.
Failure to pay may result in:
• Cancellation of bidding privileges
• Removal from future auctions
• Additional action for significant losses
Please bid responsibly.