Frequently Asked Questions

What is an auction?

Auctions are not like auctions on Ebay. They're authentic auction experiences that often take place in real time as well as online. Just like you have probably seen on television, people arrive at the auction's location, browse the lots or property, and place their bids. The difference is that the auction action takes place online as well as on location.

Some auctions are online-only. These auctions are not taking place live, and all bids are accepted online.

Some auctions are live only. These auctions do not accept any online bidding, but prospective bidders can view details about the auction online such as the auction location, catalog, and details surrounding the auction.


How do I register for an auction?

Creating your account will provide bidding access to all auctions within the MarkNet Alliance network. Some auction companies may require additional registration, and bidding will not be enabled for that auction until this process is completed.


Where can I find the terms and conditions for an auction?

Terms and Conditions are located both on the main auction event page and on individual lot pages.


How does an auction end?

An auction only ends when bidding has stopped. The auction company hosting the auction will specify the amount of time that must pass before an auction is considered closed. Some auction companies allow time extensions on individual lots if bidding is still active (called "staggered closings") and some auction companies elect to have all lots within their entire auction go in to extended bidding if any of the auction's lots are still being bid on.

Auctions close in a few different ways. Some auctions close at a set time, pre-determined by the auctioneer. Some auctions have a staggered closing. This will be specified in the auction terms with a start time. The first lot or group of lots will close at the specified time and subsequent lots will close after a certain amount of time has passed, either one by one or in defined groups of lots.

Either of these two types of auctions can also have dynamic or extended bidding. The auction will close only when bidding has stopped for a specified amount of time. If dynamic/extended bidding is active it will be mentioned in the terms and conditions along with the amount of time between bids necessary for an auction to close.


How do I know if I've won an auction?

You will receive an invoice via email when you are the winning bidder.


How do I pay for my items?

Payment terms are specified in the auction's terms and conditions.


How can I contact an auction company?

The "Ask the Auctioneer" form on the auction event page and on each lot page allows you to send a message to the hosting auctioneer. Questions that other users have asked can also be viewed on these pages. The auction company's contact details (address, phone number) are also available on the main auction page.


How can I search for a specific item?

Use the search bar at the top of the page to find a specific item in all auctions. You can narrow your search by category or view all lots that match your keyword in all categories. You can also save a search to revisit it later in your account under "Saved Search."


How do I print an auction's documentation?

On the auction event page and lot pages, there are links to download PDF files of the auction's brochure and packet.


How can I find an auction in my state?

All search results can be filtered by state or multiple states. These filters can be found in the left hand side bar on all search results pages. To view all auctions and then filter by state, simply select "Auctions by State" from the "Browse By" drop down on every page, and then filter by your state(s) on the left.