OutbidX Team · May 1, 2026 · 3 min read
A starting bid, reserve and increment answer different questions. The starting bid sets the opening offer. The reserve sets a minimum sale threshold where configured. The increment determines the required step between bids. Set them deliberately and explain the relevant closing rules to guests.
Work through one fictional item
Imagine a donated local experience with a donor-confirmed illustrative value of CAD 200. Your committee chooses a CAD 50 starting bid, a CAD 100 reserve and a CAD 10 increment. These numbers explain the mechanics; they are not a recommended pricing formula.
| Setting | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Starting bid | CAD 50 | The opening bid amount |
| Increment | CAD 10 | The required next step as bidding progresses |
| Reserve | CAD 100 | A sale threshold that must be met |
| Buy Now, if enabled | CAD 220 | A separate fixed purchase option, subject to eligibility |
Use the opening bid to invite a decision
Discuss the audience, item restrictions and the organization's goals before choosing an opening amount. A restrictive experience and a flexible voucher with the same listed value may appeal differently to your guests. A valuation is useful context, not proof of what bidders will pay.
OutbidX ordinary starting bids are at least CAD 5. The supported amounts and relationships are documented in the catalog guide. Use the current application validation when entering your settings.
Reserve means you may finish without a sale
In the example, a leading bid of CAD 90 has not reached the CAD 100 reserve. The lot can remain unsold at closing. Do not count a below-reserve leading offer as collected proceeds or promise the item to a bidder before checking the outcome.
Where a donor or consignor requires a minimum, record the agreement and make sure the event lead understands the consequence. Consider what you will do with an unsold item before the event.
Test increments and optional Buy Now
A larger increment changes the size of the next commitment. Rehearse the settings in the relevant format and check the displayed minimum before assuming a bid will be accepted. OutbidX requires a valid positive increment where offered; a nonzero reserve cannot be below the start, and Buy Now cannot be below the start or reserve.
Buy Now is a fixed purchase action with its own eligibility and payment flow. Do not describe it as another ordinary bid or promise it will remain available in every item state.
Finish settings before commitments begin
Items with bids, holds, awards or purchases can block pricing edits and deletion. Confirm the catalog before promotion instead of planning to adjust prices during bidding. Rehearse in the proxy bidding demo and Buy Now demo; payments remain preview/test mode.
Your next step: Review one item's opening amount, reserve, increment and fallback plan together with the donation coordinator.
Useful resources
- CRA fundraising-event and auction receipt guidance — Canadian registered charities can use the auction section when reviewing receipt eligibility.