A maximum bid submitted before the auction by a bidder who cannot attend in person. The auctioneer or bidding system executes the bid on the absentee bidder's behalf, up to their maximum amount. Also called a 'left bid' or 'commission bid.'
How It Works in Practice
Online platforms like HiBid, LiveAuctioneers, and Proxibid have largely automated absentee bidding through proxy bid systems. In traditional live auctions, absentee bids are recorded on bid sheets and the auctioneer executes them during the sale. Phone bidding is a live variation where the bidder participates remotely through a staff member. For auctioneers, absentee bids expand the buyer pool beyond whoever can physically attend — critical for maximizing sale prices on high-value lots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does absentee bidding work at auction?
What is the difference between absentee and online bidding?
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