Automatic bidding lets you enter the maximum amount you are willing to pay for a koi. Our system then bids for you in small increments, only as needed to keep you in the lead, up to your maximum.
Key point: If nobody else bids, you win at the current price, not your maximum.
What is Automatic Bidding (Max Bid)?
When you place a bid, you are not just bidding the visible amount. You are setting your maximum bid.
Think of it as: “I am willing to pay up to this amount, but I only want to pay what is necessary to win.”
- You set your maximum. The highest price you will pay for this koi.
- We bid for you automatically in the correct increments.
- Your maximum stays private. Other bidders do not see it.
- You only pay what it takes to win. Typically one increment above the next highest bidder.
Tip: You do not need to babysit auctions. Enter your true maximum and let the system do the work.
Example: How Max Bid Works
Let’s say:
Current bid: $300
Bid increment: $25
You enter a max bid of: $500
What happens next?
The system places the minimum bid to put you in the lead, for example $325.
If someone bids $350, the system automatically bids $375 for you.
This continues until either:
- You win the auction, or
- Someone bids above your max, above $500.
Important: If nobody challenges you after your first bid, you could win at $325, even though your max bid is $500.
Why This Gives You a Bidding Advantage
Many bidders try to win by placing small bids repeatedly, especially near the end of an auction.
That usually creates stress, increases the final price, and often leads to losing in the final seconds.
The smartest strategy:
- Decide what the koi is worth to you.
- Enter that amount as your maximum bid.
- Let automatic bidding protect you from overpaying.
If you want more tactics, see our full guide: How to Win Auctions
Is Automatic Bidding Fair?
Yes. Every bidder has access to the same system and the same bid increments.
The winner is determined by the highest maximum bid.
- Highest maximum bid wins, even if it was entered earlier.
- Time only matters if two bidders enter the same maximum.
- Max bids are private, so bidders cannot target your number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay my maximum bid?
No, unless another bidder forces the price up to your maximum.
In most cases, you pay one increment above the next highest bidder.
Can I change my maximum bid?
You can increase your maximum bid at any time before the auction ends.
For fairness, you cannot lower an existing maximum once it is placed.
What happens if two bidders enter the same maximum?
The bidder who entered that maximum first remains in the lead and would win if no higher bid is placed.
Do I need to bid in the final seconds to win?
Not if you have entered the highest maximum.
Last second bidding only works when it is also the highest maximum.
Will other bidders see my maximum?
No. Your maximum bid is private.
What if I am outbid?
If another bidder’s maximum is higher than yours, you will be outbid.
You can still win by increasing your maximum, only if you truly want to pay more for that koi.
Want the best chance to win?
Enter your true maximum bid and let automatic bidding do the work so you can focus on choosing the right koi, not watching the clock.
