Proxy Bidding:
Automated Max-Bid Competition That Never Sleeps

Buyers set their maximum bid once — then the system bids on their behalf automatically, up to their limit, for as long as competition exists. More competitive bids, fewer abandons, higher final prices.

Proxy Bidding

Not every serious buyer can sit in front of their screen for an entire timed auction. Proxy bidding solves this — buyers set the maximum they're willing to pay, and the system does the rest. It outbids competitors incrementally, only up to the buyer's stated maximum, and stops when either the buyer wins or their limit is reached.

For auctioneers, proxy bidding means more active competition on every lot — even at 2am when the auction is technically open but no one is watching. For buyers, it means they don't have to babysit a timer. They set their number and check back when it's over.

Proxy bidding works alongside open bidding in timed auctions and can be combined with buy-it-now pricing for lots where a seller wants to offer immediate purchase alongside competitive bidding.

"Set your maximum. The system bids for you — up to your limit, against whoever competes. Your best price without watching a timer."

Key Benefits

🤖

Automated Bid Management

The system bids the minimum necessary increment to stay ahead of competing bids — up to the buyer's stated maximum.

📈

Drives Higher Final Prices

Multiple proxy bids competing against each other create the same bidding war dynamics as live competitive bidding — without anyone present.

🌙

24/7 Competition

Timed auctions can run overnight, on weekends, or across time zones. Proxy bids keep competition active at any hour.

🛡️

Confidential Max Bids

Other bidders never see a buyer's maximum — only the current standing bid. The system only reveals what's necessary to stay ahead.

🔀

Works With Open Bid Format

Proxy bidding is fully compatible with the open bid format — buyers who can't watch can set a proxy while live bidders compete in real time.

⏱️

Auto-Extends on New Bids

When a proxy bid arrives near closing, anti-sniping rules extend the timer — ensuring the proxy has a fair chance to compete.

How It Works

1

Buyer Sets Maximum Bid

During registration or while browsing lots, buyers enter the maximum they're willing to pay for a specific item.

2

System Holds the Bid

The maximum is stored privately. Only the current standing bid is visible to other participants.

3

Competing Bids Trigger Automatic Response

When another bidder places a bid, the system automatically counters with the minimum increment needed — up to the proxy maximum.

4

Lot Closes at True Maximum

If no competitor reaches the proxy maximum, the buyer wins at the lowest necessary price. If competition exceeds it, the buyer is notified they were outbid.

What's Included

  • Confidential maximum bid — visible only to the bidder who set it
  • Automatic incremental bidding against competitors
  • Configurable bid increments per lot or auction
  • Compatible with open bid timed auction format
  • Works with anti-sniping timer extension
  • Buyer notification when outbid or when won
  • Pre-auction proxy bidding — set max before auction opens
  • Buy-it-now available alongside proxy format
  • Works with simulcast (video and live-data)
  • Automatic invoicing when proxy bid wins a lot

More Selling Lane Features

Ready to keep 100% of what you earn?

Join auctioneers across 50+ categories who run their entire operation on Selling Lane — and never pay a per-transaction fee.