This article is for buyers. It sums up everything you need to do to bid with confidence: create your account, submit your documents, register a security deposit when required, and get authorization for items that require it.
Summary
- Browsing listings is free; bidding requires an account.
- Depending on the item, you may also need validated documents, a security deposit, and sometimes a specific authorization.
- Each of these steps takes time: plan ahead, don't discover them the day before the sale closes.
- The bid block on the listing always tells you what's missing.
1. The process at a glance
Step | What to do | When it's needed |
1 | Create your account and complete it | Always, for any bid. |
2 | Submit your documents | For sales reserved for professionals and items subject to authorization. |
3 | Register a security deposit | When the item or the target amount requires it. |
4 | Request bidding authorization | For restricted sales and items subject to authorization. |
2. Step 1 — Your account
To bid, you need an active account, with:
- a verified email address and a confirmed mobile number;
- your complete personal information;
- at least one billing address.
If you're buying on behalf of a company or public body, link your account to that organization: the invoice will be issued in its name, and your colleagues will be able to step in if needed.
3. Step 2 — Your documents
Some listings show, in the Participation conditions section, the documents expected: ID document, proof of your company's registration, and sometimes other documents.
Upload them from your personal space: their validation by our teams determines access to the relevant sales.
Document review isn't instant. Submit them as soon as you spot a sale that interests you: a validated document then remains valid for your future bids.
4. Step 3 — The security deposit
For some sales, a bank card security deposit (hold) is requested before you can bid. No amount is charged: it's a guarantee, which determines the ceiling up to which you can commit.
The higher the guaranteed amount, the higher the authorized bidding ceiling.
5. Step 4 — Bidding authorization
For items subject to authorization, a request is created when you want to take part. Our teams review it based on your documents.
Status of your request | What you can do |
Under review | Wait: the bid block remains locked and shows the pending status. |
Authorized | You can bid immediately. |
Rejected | An email explains why. Fix the issue mentioned, then resubmit your request. |
An authorization granted applies to your organization's other pending requests: you don't need to start over item by item.
6. Why can't I bid?
The bid block tells me my account is incomplete
Some information is missing from your profile, or a supporting document hasn't been submitted yet. Complete your personal space, then go back to the listing.
My documents are "under review"
Your documents have been received and are awaiting review by our teams. You'll be notified by email of the decision.
The sale is reserved for professionals
Only accounts with the required profile, backed by documents, can take part. The listing's Participation conditions section specifies the expected profile.
I'm asked for a security deposit
Register a bank card hold matching the amount you plan to commit, then resume your bid.
My bid amount is rejected
It's probably below the required minimum, or above the ceiling allowed by your security deposit. The message shown tells you which.
Our tips
- Prepare your account before you find the ideal item: these steps only need to be done once.
- Always read the listing's
Participation conditionssection: it lists what's required.
- Allow several business days between sending your documents and having your rights unlocked.
- Check the validity of your documents: an expired document blocks any new request.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an account to browse listings?
No, browsing is free. An account becomes necessary to bid, save favorites, or create alerts.
Can individuals bid?
Yes, on the vast majority of items. Only some sales are reserved for professionals, which the listing always specifies.
Do I need to redo these steps for every bid?
No. Once your documents are validated, they remain valid. Only authorization requests specific to certain sales need to be renewed.
Is a security deposit always required?
No. It's requested depending on the item and the amount you wish to commit.
How much time should I plan for?
Creating your account takes a few minutes; document and authorization validation depends on processing by our teams, during business days.
Can I bid from a phone?
Yes. The entire process, including submitting documents, is accessible from a mobile device.