HiBid

Answer: YES! Confirmed by an auctioneer I know. Hibid auctioneers can see your "maximum bid" and in most states it's legal to "shill" an auction or to bid against the public bidders - to "ensure reasonable sale prices" per national auctioneers associations. Also, anyone can set up an identity and bid against you. Although that may get interesting when they have to pay a commission to "buy" their own item!

Answer: "Mechanically challenged" is often a term auctioneers use to indicate that an item might not be functioning properly. It usually means that the piece needs repairs, doesn't operate as intended, or may have some technical issues. It's best to reach out to the seller for a clearer explanation to avoid any surprises. By confirming the exact condition directly with them, you'll have a better understanding of what you're bidding on.

Answer: Some auctioneers require credit card verification as part of the bidder registration process. This process involves a temporary authorization charge of $1.00 to ensure the card is valid. In some cases, additional processing fees or taxes might cause the amount to appear slightly higher, such as $1.46. Please rest assured that this is not an actual charge but rather a temporary hold that will be released by your card issuer. Typically, these holds clear within 5-7 business days, depending on your financial institution. If the charge doesn't disappear after this time, we recommend contacting your credit card provider for further assistance.

Answer: Thank you for reaching out regarding your bidder rating and the reasons behind it. Bidder ratings on HiBid are determined by various factors, such as your bidding activity and whether you've been permanently approved or declined by auction companies in the past. Unfortunately, HiBid support and bidders themselves cannot view or access these ratings or the specific reasons behind them, as this information is exclusively available to auctioneers. The best way to gain insight is to contact an auctioneer you have a good relationship with or one whose auctions you'd like to participate in. They may be able to provide some clarity or work with you to address any concerns.

Answer: Thank you for reaching out! We understand how it can be confusing when an item is removed before an auction ends, but please rest assured it's not a scam. Sometimes auctioneers encounter unforeseen issues and may need to cancel or relist items. Keep in mind that auctioneers often work with consignors to ensure items are sold fairly, which can involve reserve prices or other considerations that may or may not be visible on specific listings. We recommend reaching out to the auctioneer directly for more details. If you have any difficulty reaching them, we're here to help facilitate communication.