Join an auction and bid

Join the correct event

Open the organizer’s event link or scan an item QR card. Public events can be browsed in your browser; private events require an authorized invitation. Sign in with the account you will use throughout the event. If access is denied, ask the organizer for a valid invitation rather than trying a different URL. Invitations can expire or be revoked.

Read item descriptions, pickup arrangements, prices and event times. Check the event’s timezone. A listed item or visible timer does not mean bidding is currently open.

Authorize your card

Follow the card-setup prompt before online bidding. Stripe collects your card details. A bid authorization reserves payment capacity; it is not proof that a payment has been collected. Your bank may display a temporary hold. Card setup alone does not pay for a winning item.

For the current TEST release, use only the organizer/support-approved rehearsal process. Do not treat this deployment as a live-money auction. Never send card details or sign-in links to another guest.

Choose your action

• Bid: enter or choose an amount meeting the displayed minimum and submit it. Wait for acceptance; a tap or optimistic screen update is not the final award.
• Automatic bidding: on eligible ordinary items, set a maximum you are willing to pay. The system can compete up to that amount; it is not a guaranteed win.
• Buy Now: an eligible accepted purchase starts payment collection immediately. Check your receipt before making another payment attempt.
• Donate: fundraising items accumulate contributions toward a goal. These commitments are separate from ordinary highest-bid-wins items and do not use a proxy maximum.

Online bids need an open eligible item and valid card authorization. Paused, expired or ended sessions reject new bids. When enabled, eligible bids near expiry can extend the clock. The server’s accepted bid and timing determine the outcome.

If confirmation is interrupted

A connection error can happen after a bid has been accepted. Use Check last submission on an item page or Check original bid on a live screen before submitting another amount or item. The check repeats the original request; it does not intentionally add a second donation. Keep the same browser tab and signed-in account when refreshing to recover the saved request. A paused or ended auction can still confirm an already accepted bid, but it will reject a new commitment.

Wait for the check to finish and read its result. If it remains uncertain, contact support with the event, item and visible error. Opening a new tab or changing accounts is not a way to confirm the original submission.

Follow activity and notifications

Install OutbidX and enable alerts on Android or iPhone. The signed-in notification bell opens device setup and alert preferences.

Connected screens update accepted bids automatically. Review your notification preferences for email outbid alerts; delivery can be delayed or suppressed, so use the auction screen to follow the event. SMS or push delivery is not required or guaranteed. Homescreen installation is available only on compatible browsers; bidding still needs a connection.

Wins, pending payment and pickup

Open My wins or your receipt. Pending means payment still needs attention. If Pay now is offered, complete the Stripe authentication step; a failed challenge leaves the obligation pending. Reload and check the same receipt before retrying. Contact the organizer if the amount/item looks wrong or no recovery action is available.

Show your receipt code at pickup. A card authorization, bid screenshot or cash promise is not proof of payment. The organizer confirms actual cash collection for floor awards and records item release. A refunded or partially refunded order may require organizer resolution before pickup. Payment receipts are not automatically charitable tax receipts.

Public questions or a private conversation?

Open Messages on the item screen. Use Public questions for information other guests should see, and Private to talk directly with the organizer. Public questions can appear on event screens; avoid posting personal contact or payment information there. A private conversation is between your signed-in account and the organizer, not a group chat with other bidders.

The organizer may hide a public comment or close an item's discussion. Existing visible questions remain when discussion is closed, and private contact stays available. For an item you won, open your receipt from My wins and select Message organizer to discuss pickup or a payment question after the event. Notifications are an optional reminder; open Messages to check the actual conversation.

Need help?

Ask the organizer about item terms, pickup or refunds. Use OutbidX support for account or technical issues. Provide the visible error and approximate time, not passwords, full card numbers or sign-in links.