How bidding works | The After Auction

How biddings works

1. Quick‑Start Checklist

Create an account & register for an auction with a valid credit card. Your card stays on file and is automatically charged for any lots you win.
Browse the catalog. Every lot opens at $5.
Place bids or set a “max bid.” Enter the next bid or your highest bid; our system will automatically raise your offer in $5 increments only when needed to keep you in the lead—and never beyond your chosen maximum.
Track the soft‑close timer and staggered closing order (see heading 3 for more details).
Pay & pick up on time. Pickup windows are fixed and posted on every sale.

2. Costs to You

Cost

Opening Bid

Bid Increments

Buyer Premium

Local Sales Tax

Tax‑Exempt Buyers

Details

Always $5 per lot

Minimum +$5 over the current bid

$1 or 3 % of the hammer price (whichever is higher), added at checkout

Applied to hammer price plus buyer premium unless we have a valid Florida resale certificate on file

Email us your Florida Form DR‑13 resale certificate before you register for a sale to have tax removed automatically

3. Soft Close & Staggered Ending

Staggered closing: Lots close in catalog order, one every 20 seconds. This gives you time to watch several items without juggling multiple last‑second bids.
Soft‑close timer: Each lot shows a countdown. If anyone bids during the final 60 seconds, we automatically add 5 minutes. The lot only ends when a full 60 seconds passes with no new bids. This prevents "sniping" and keeps the finish fair for everyone.

4. Pickup Rules

Be available for the stated pickup window—no exceptions.
Bring help & packing supplies. Staff cannot load items for you.
Take everything in your lot. Leaving items behind may incur disposal fees and can lead to a ban.

5. Item Condition

All items sell “AS‑IS, WHERE‑IS.”
Sellers must:
- Provide truthful descriptions.
- Photograph all known damage.
Bidders should:
- Read descriptions & examine photos closely before bidding.
- Ask questions before the auction closes.

6. Being a Good Neighbor (Community Guidelines)

We want The After Auction to feel like a friendly neighborhood swap. A few simple courtesies keep it fun for everyone:

Keep your payment info current. We’ll automatically charge your card when you win—no extra steps for you.
Show up during the stated pickup window. Sellers are often on tight schedules, so a timely pickup helps everything run smoothly.
Take everything in your lot and follow pickup instructions.
Treat fellow bidders, sellers, and staff with kindness. A smile (or emoji!) goes a long way.

Slip‑ups happen—just let us know and we’ll work with you. Repeated no‑shows or rule breaks can lead to a pause or ban, but we’d much rather keep you in the community.

7. Need Help?

Email info@theafterauction.com or reply to any invoice/notification—we’re happy to assist.