Bidding Rules, Reserves and Increments
One of the biggest confusions new customers have on uBid is fully understanding our bidding rules. We know it gets complicated with all the new auction sites popping up overnight, and the last thing we want is for something to get between customers and our deals. We want to keep the competitive, fair auction environment for all users that we have cultivated over the last 15 years.
With that in mind, letâs get down to some bidding basics.
Bidding: To get started, users must first register with uBid.com and sign into your account. Once logged in, users can bid on any item listed for auction. See something you like? Place a bid. You're winning! Auctions are fun.
Increments: Â Bid increments denote the dollar amount offered each time a bid is placed. Each auction has a minimum bid increment value. For example, if your current winning bid for an auction is $5 with a minimum bid increment of $1, the next bidder must bid at least $6 to beat you. Many of our auctions allow bid increments of just $1.Â
Outbid:Â Once you have placed a bid on an item, keep your eyes open. Someone can outbid you for the item you want. This is a decidedly less enjoyable experience. If someone does outbid you, don't despair, you can revisit the item and keep bidding up until the time the auction closes--which may include overtime. The highest bidder at the close of an auction will win the item and move forward with the purchase. And don't worry, unlike other bid sites, uBid never charges customers to bid on items, so customer's who don't win the auction are NEVER charged anything.Â
Reserves: Â Some bidding sites allow what are called reserve prices. In this case, sellers are allowed to set a minimum price they are willing to sell their items to bidders for. If an item is not sold for that price, then the seller is not obligated to sell the item. Where's the fun in that? uBid does NOT allow reserves on our website. If a product starts at $1 that means someone can buy it for $1.
That's it. Easy and fun. We really love when our customers get good deals. We are the marketplace for winning. Happy bidding, everyone!
For more information on bidding and other uBid policies, please visit our website FAQ section. Additionally, our customer care team is available via phone, email or live chat to help ensure an optimal bidding experience.