About live auctions | eBay (2024)

Bidding in a live event

Live auction bidding is quick and lively, so if there’s something you want, act fast. Each item is only for sale for about 2 minutes.

Events

An event is a group of items scheduled for auction at a specific day and time. Events are organized around a theme or category, like mid-century furniture, vintage watches, or artisan pottery.

Absentee Bidding

Bid on an item in advance of the start time using Absentee Bidding. Place a bid at a time that is convenient for you, entering the maximum amount you're willing to pay. We then place bids on your behalf using the automatic bid increment amount, which is based on the current high bid. We increase your bid only as much as necessary to make sure that you remain the high bidder, or to meet the reserve price, up to your maximum amount. If another bidder places the same maximum bid or higher, we notify you so you can place another bid. Your maximum bid is kept confidential until it is exceeded by another bidder.

Buyer’s premium

When you win a live auction item, you pay a buyer’s premium — a fee from the seller. The amount of the fee is based on the sale price of the item. We’ll always let you know the amount of the buyer’s premium before you bid — or you can check the listing for more info.

Shipping

When you win a live auction item, you’re responsible for paying the shipping costs. If you have questions about shipping, contact the seller.

Item or lot?

Traditionally, auction houses call the items they sell lots. In live auctions, both lot and item mean the same thing.

Sellers

Live auction items are sold by established, well known auction houses. Each auction house is an independent seller, curating their own items and events.

Timing

A live event can last for a few hours. Because items are sold one-by-one, it can be difficult to predict exactly when a specific item will come up for auction. Typically, items are sold according to their lot number (but not always). Each event is a little different, depending on the items for sale, the auctioneer, and the bidding activity.

Paying

After you win a live auction, the seller sends you an invoice with your order total, which usually includes the final bid amount, the buyer’s premium, shipping charges, and sales tax. You’re responsible for paying the seller directly — you can check the listing for more info.

Mobile bidding

Live auction items aren’t available on all mobile devices quite yet. To browse and bid on live auction items, go to eBay.com on your tablet, desktop, or laptop.

Guarantee

Shop with confidence. Live auction items are covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee, or in the case of Sotheby's live auction items, by the Terms of Guarantee as described in the Sotheby's Conditions of Sale.