Auction & Bidding Questions
Learn about what an auction is, how to register, how to pay for items and more.
Learn about maximum bids, placing bids, forced bids and more.
Learn about what an auction is, how to register, how to pay for items and more.
Learn about maximum bids, placing bids, forced bids and more.
Atterberry Auction & Realty Company Answers Frequently Asked Questions About Auctions in Mid-Missouri
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What is an auction?
Atterberry Auctions are not like auctions on Ebay. Our auction experience is authentic, efficient and effective. In fact, our auctions often take place in real time as well as online.
Our in-person auctions bring local buyers in to browse property and place their bids. However, 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.
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How do I register for an auction?
When creating your account, you will gain bidding access to all auctions within the MarkNet Alliance network.
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Where can I find the terms and conditions for an auction?
Great question! Terms and Conditions are located both on the main auction event page and on individual lot pages. Please review if you have any questions.
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How does an auction end?
An auction ends when the bidding has stopped. Watch the clock! The auction company 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 and some auction companies choose to have all lots within their entire auction go into 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.
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How do I know if I've won an auction?
You will receive an invoice via email when you are the winning bidder.
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How do I pay for my items?
Payment terms are specified in the auction's terms and conditions.
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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. Other questions may need to be addressed via email, phone call or using our contact form.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Bidding Questions
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Are there fees for bidding on an auction?
There are no charges to bid. Charges are only incurred if you are the winning bidder. Some auctions may be subject to a buyer's premium charge, which will be outlined in the terms & conditions of the auction.
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How can I see the status of the items I've placed a bid on?
Click on “My Items” in the top right of every bidding page. That will bring up a list of the items you've placed bids on. Each item will list the time left in the auction, the current bid, your maximum bid and the status of the auction.
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Can I raise my maximum bid (even if no one has outbid me)?
You may increase your maximum bid at any time before the auction has ended. If you decide to increase your bid while you are still the high bidder, the current bid will not increase (you will not be bidding against yourself).
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How can I make sure I'm seeing the most up-to-date bids?
Remember to refresh often to be sure the bids on display are the most recent. Either use the refresh button next to each item in the catalog view or use the refresh button in your browser.
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Why can't I place a bid?
To place a bid, you must be registered and approved for the auction. Learn more about how to bid.
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How do I remove a bid?
Once a bid has been placed, there is absolutely no way to cancel it under any circumstances.
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What does it mean to "force a bid"?
"Forced Bid" is a bidding strategy by which a bidder increases the bid by more than the next accepted bid (placing your bid at $150 when the next accepted bid is $125). This practice is used by some bidders to discourage others from bidding in hopes of acquiring an item at a lower price. There are many theories on the effectiveness of this practice and a bidder who wishes to apply it does so at their own discretion. The auction company will not lower the price of an item that has been won by a "forced" bid with no other competing bids.
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How do I place a bid for an Atterberry Auction?
Please visit this page for detailed instructions, including a helpful video tutorial.
