Bidding on Auctions
How auctions work on WeaponDepot, bidding strategies, reserve prices, and winning auctions.
How Auctions Work
Auction listings on WeaponDepot allow buyers to compete by placing bids on items they want to purchase. Each auction has a starting bid set by the seller and runs for a specified duration (typically 3, 5, 7, or 10 days). Bids must meet or exceed the current minimum bid, which increases with each bid according to a predetermined increment schedule. The bidder with the highest bid at the end of the auction wins the item and is obligated to complete the purchase. Some auctions include a reserve price, which is a minimum sale price set by the seller. If the reserve is not met, the seller is not obligated to sell the item, even to the highest bidder.
Placing Bids and Proxy Bidding
To place a bid, enter your maximum bid amount in the bid field on the listing page. WeaponDepot uses a proxy bidding system, which means the system will automatically bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid, using the minimum increment necessary to maintain your position as the highest bidder. For example, if the current bid is $100 and you enter a maximum bid of $500, the system will initially bid $105 (or whatever the minimum increment is). If another bidder bids $200, the system will automatically bid $205 on your behalf, and so on, up to your $500 maximum. This saves you from having to constantly monitor and manually increase your bids. You will receive notifications when you are outbid so you can decide whether to increase your maximum bid.
Winning and Completing the Purchase
When an auction ends and you are the highest bidder (and any reserve price has been met), you win the auction. You will receive a notification with instructions to complete the purchase. Payment is typically due within 3 to 7 days of the auction's end, as specified in the listing terms. Proceed to checkout, select your payment method, provide FFL information if purchasing a firearm, and confirm your shipping details. Failure to complete payment after winning an auction may result in a non-paying bidder claim, which can affect your account standing and ability to bid on future auctions. If you have questions about the item or the transaction, use the messaging system to communicate directly with the seller.