What is a Reserve?

Understanding Reserve Prices in Auctions

A reserve is a minimum amount that bidding must reach before an item will be sold. If an item has a reserve, you'll see the message "Reserve Not Met" displayed below the current bid price until that threshold is reached. Once the reserve is met, the message updates to "Reserve Reached".

IMPORTANT: YOU CAN STILL BID IF THE RESERVE HAS NOT BEEN MET!

Once your bid exceeds the reserve price, the update will change to alert you that the reserve has been reached. This ensures you have the opportunity to secure the item even if it initially shows that the reserve hasn’t been met.

The reserve price acts as a hidden bid amount until it is exceeded. For example, if an item's reserve is $5,000 and you place a first bid of $1,000, the entire $1,000 bid will be consumed immediately since it hasn't reached the reserve.

Examples

Reserve Not Met:

This item will not sell unless another bid exceeds the reserve price or the reserve is lowered by the affiliate.

Reserve Reached:

This item will sell to the highest bidder.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out how much a reserve is?

The reserve amount is typically known only to the affiliate running the auction and is not disclosed to bidders.

Can a reserve be lowered?

Yes, affiliates can lower the reserve at any time before or after the auction closes. If lowered while the auction is still in progress, the reserve message will update accordingly ("Reserve Not Met" or "Reserve Reached"). If lowered after the auction closes, the highest bidder at that time will receive a winning bidder invoice.