This article is for buyers. It explains how to place a bid from a listing, how automatic bidding works, and how to know if you're still in the lead.
Summary
- Everything happens in the listing's bid block: countdown, current amount, number of bids.
- You enter an amount, or use a quick suggestion, then confirm.
- Automatic bidding bids on your behalf, up to the ceiling you set.
- A bid is firm and final: it cannot be withdrawn.
1. The bid block
It brings together everything you need:
Element | What it tells you |
Countdown | The time remaining before the sale closes. |
Current bid amount | The best offer placed at this moment. |
Number of bids | The level of interest generated by the item. |
Reserve price | When one exists, a note tells you whether it's been met. |
Entry field and quick suggestions | To place your offer. |
2. Placing a bid, step by step
Step 1 — Check that you can take part
You must be logged in, your account must be complete, and, if the sale requires it, your documents validated and a security deposit registered. The bid block tells you what's missing.
Step 2 — Enter your amount
Enter the amount you want to offer, or choose one of the quick suggestions shown. Your offer must be higher than the current bid and follow the bid increment.
Step 3 — Confirm
Confirm your offer. If the sale requires a security deposit and you don't have one yet, a window invites you to register it before final confirmation.
Step 4 — Check your position
A banner immediately tells you whether you're the top bidder. You're also notified by email when someone outbids you.
If your amount doesn't follow the progression rules, a message tells you so and the bid isn't registered. Correct the amount, then confirm again.
3. Automatic bidding
Rather than following the sale live, you can let the platform place your bids for you.
- Activate automatic bidding in the bid block.
- Enter the maximum amount you agree to pay.
- The platform bids on your behalf, at the minimum needed to stay in the lead, never exceeding your ceiling.
Your ceiling remains confidential: other participants only see the current bid amount. If a competitor exceeds your maximum, you're notified and free to raise it.
4. Rules to know
- A bid is final: no withdrawal is possible.
- It constitutes a commitment to purchase if you're the top bidder when the sale closes.
- An offer placed in the last minutes may extend the sale.
- A seller cannot bid on their own item.
- Every bid is timestamped and kept: the sale's history is tracked.
Check the amount entered before confirming: a typing error can't be corrected afterward. In the event of an obvious mistake, contact customer service immediately.
5. Bid price and amount due
On the new platform, the price shown now corresponds to the amount excluding tax and service fees. This means the price shown isn't yet the final amount.
📌 What makes up the final amount (what you'll pay if you win the bid):
- The price shown (starting price or winning bid)
- Plus VAT, depending on the type of seller:
- 0% for public sellers
- 20% for private sellers
- Plus service fees
🔍 Where to see the breakdown?
You can view the full breakdown:
👉 By expanding the "Total amount" line in the bid block
👉 In the "Sale info" section of the listing
💡 Good to know
Previously, prices were shown including tax.
Today, they're shown excluding tax and fees, which may explain the difference you're noticing.
Our teams are working to make this information ever clearer and more transparent 😊
6. Why is my bid rejected?
The amount is too low
It must exceed the current bid and follow the bid increment. Use a quick suggestion to avoid this mistake.
My security deposit doesn't cover this amount
Register a bank card hold at a higher tier, then resume your bid.
My account isn't authorized yet
Your documents may still be under review, or the sale is reserved for certain profiles. The bid block will tell you.
The sale has ended
Bidding stops automatically at the closing time, without exception.
Our tips
- Set your maximum budget before opening the bid block, fees and transport included.
- Prefer automatic bidding over watching minute by minute.
- Bid early: you'll avoid last-minute surprises.
- Review the collection terms before committing: they're part of the item's real cost.
Frequently asked questions
Can I withdraw or change my bid?
No. A placed bid is a firm commitment.
How do I know if I'm the top bidder?
A banner appears on the listing and in your personal space, and you're notified by email when you're outbid.
Does automatic bidding always spend up to my ceiling?
No. It only rises to the minimum needed to stay in the lead, within the limit of your maximum.
Can I bid on several items at the same time?
Yes, subject to the ceiling allowed by your security deposit when one is required.
Can the sale be extended?
Yes, when a bid comes in just before closing. The countdown shown is then updated.
Can I bid from my phone?
Yes. The bid block and automatic bidding are accessible from a mobile device.