Everything you need to bid with confidence — how bidding works, increment tables, Max Bid strategy, payments, and more.
PurposeBid uses a live online auction format. Items are listed with a starting bid, and the highest bid when time runs out wins.
Max Bid lets the system bid for you automatically — up to a limit you set. You don't have to watch the auction constantly.
How it works:
Example
Current bid is $50. You set a Max Bid of $200.
The system immediately bids $55 (the next valid increment) to put you in the lead. Another bidder comes in at $100 — the system auto-bids $110 for you. Another bidder sets their max at $250 — they beat your $200 limit and you're notified to decide if you want to raise your max.
If no one exceeds your max, you win at the lowest price needed to beat the competition.
Bid increments are the minimum amount each new bid must increase over the current bid. They scale with the item's value.
| Current Bid | Min. Increment | Example |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $9.99 | $1 | $5 → next min. $6 |
| $10 – $29.99 | $2 | $20 → next min. $22 |
| $30 – $99.99 | $5 | $75 → next min. $80 |
| $100 – $499.99 | $10 | $250 → next min. $260 |
| $500 – $999.99 | $25 | $600 → next min. $625 |
| $1,000+ | $50 | $1,500 → next min. $1,550 |
When an auction closes, the highest bidder on each item wins. Here's what happens next:
Adding a card
Before your first bid on any organization's auction, you'll be asked to add a payment card. This is required to participate. Your card is stored securely via Stripe and is only charged if you win.
Cards are per-organization
Each organization processes payments separately through their own Stripe account. You may need to add a card for each organization whose auctions you participate in.
Managing your cards
Go to Account → Payment Methods to see your saved cards per organization. You can add a new card or update your card from there at any time.
When am I charged?
You are only charged when you win an item and the auction closes. Placing a bid does not charge your card. Losing a bid does not charge your card.
Update your profile
Visit Account to update your name, email address, and phone number. Keeping your phone number current ensures you receive text notifications about your bids.
Following an organization
When you register through an organization's auction page, you're automatically linked to that org. This means you'll receive notifications when their auctions go live or are ending soon.
Bid history
Your full bid history — active bids, past bids, wins, and payment status — is all available in your Dashboard.
If you've forgotten your password or need to change it:
To change your password while already signed in, use your account settings via the user menu in the top-right corner.
Can I cancel or retract a bid?
No — bids are binding commitments. Once you place a bid, it cannot be cancelled. Make sure you're comfortable paying that amount before confirming.
What happens if there's a tie?
Ties don't happen in practice — bids must meet the minimum increment, so two bids can't land on exactly the same amount simultaneously. The system processes bids in order received.
Can I bid on multiple items in the same auction?
Yes. You can bid on as many items as you'd like across the same or different auctions. If you win multiple items, they may be bundled into a single payment.
Is my Max Bid visible to other bidders?
No. Your Max Bid amount is completely private. Other bidders only see the current displayed bid amount, not your maximum.
What if I'm outbid right before the auction ends?
Auctions close at a fixed time. If you're outbid in the final moments, you won't have time to rebid — which is why setting a Max Bid is a great strategy. The system will automatically defend your position up to your max, even in the final seconds.
Why do I need to add a card before bidding?
A card on file ensures that when you win, payment is instant and seamless — no chasing down winners after the fact. Your card is not charged unless you win.
I won an item but haven't received pickup info yet — what do I do?
After payment is confirmed, the organization coordinates pickup directly. Allow 1–2 business days for them to reach out. Check your dashboard for any status updates.
Can I bid without creating an account?
No — an account is required to bid. This protects all bidders by ensuring everyone is accountable for their bids and there's a verified way to contact winners.
Still have questions?
Reach out to the organization running the auction you're participating in — they'll have the most specific answers about their event.
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