AnniesBid Auction Types

If you've read AnniesBid 101 than you know the basics about how an Annies Auction works. Now its time to learn the various types of auctions that AnniesBid runs!  If you have not read AnniesBid 101 then please click here and do so first!

Beginner & Intermediate Auctions

These auctions are identified by prominent "B" or "I" icons that appear in the middle top part of the auction.  Beginner auctions are limited to new bidders that have won 4 or fewer auctions.  This limitation allows new users to our site the ability to participate in low-competition auctions without experienced bidders.  As a beginner, you need time to learn the ropes of successful bidding before competing with veteran bidders, and that's what these auctions allow. 

Intermediate auctions function the same way, except that the top win limit is 15, so anyone with 15 or fewer wins can participate (including beginners).

Beginner and intermediate bidders are free to participate in most other regular auction types.

Low Reserve & Rolling Reserve Auctions

If the minimum value (also known as the reserve) is not met, the timer will still run out, but the winner name will change to “WinnerTBD” until the clock is reset. The auction will continue and the clock will reset with a final closing time of 1 - 24 hours later.  The time that is added to the clock after such a reset is always listed in the auction detail page (see example here), which you can acces by clicking on the auction's title or image in the auction tile.  The last price when the clock rest will remain as the starting price.

If the clock is reset the last bidder when the auction stops below minimum value will receive all bids back placed that day plus a bonus of 25% of bids placed (rounded down with partial bids).  The number of bids placed in that auction cycle by the bidder and returned will then be added to the minimum reserve price (increasing it by $0.01 per bid) ; note that bonus bids are not added to the reserve!  Bid early and consistently to take advantage of BIDS BACK!  

Once the minimum value is reached, the winner name will change to "WinnerTBD" until AnniesBid declares the winner. If this happens on the first day the auction is listed, the clock will not reset, no bids from that auction cycle are returned, and the auction will close with the last bidder named as the winner as in any other penny auction.  

When Bids are Returned

AnniesBid.com currently returns bids from the daily bids back at the very end of the auction - when it closes above reserve.

Buy It Now in a Low Reserve or Rolling Reserve Auction

Rolling reserve auctions do have a buy it now feature if the product is eligible for buy it now in a normal auction.  Please review the product detail page for eligibility.  If you use buy-it-now, the number of bids you can use in buy it now will be reduced by the number of bids returned to you through daily bids back.  

Duel Auctions

Duel auctions are auctions that provide bidders a chance to win additional prizes in the form of gift cards and bids in addition to the actual auction item when a duel becomes hotly contested between two or more bidders.  

Additionally, bidding in and winning at least one Duel auction per month is part of the requirements that top bidders must fulfill to keep their bidding name.  

Bidders win bounties that are defined in the Duel leaderboard based on their win records.  For example, if you are classified as a "Sheriff" in the leaderboard and bid against a bidder who is also a Sheriff, or a higher ranked Marshall with a bounty of $40 and 150 bids in an auction, and you win that auction, you take home not only the auction item but an additional $40 and 150 bids!  

This is a summary of the full Duel auction rules.  Before competing in Duel auctions, read the full Duel Rules page (click the link). Be sure to also read about an example Duel in our Duel Myths Busted article to understand the risks and rewards to winners.

Win Limits in Duels and Rolling Reserve Auctions

In addition to regular win limits described in AnniesBid 101, Duel and Rolling Reserve auctions have their own unique limits as well.  You cannot bid on more than 6 Duel or Rolling Reserve auctions at the same time during any 7 day period.  That means that if you have already placed bids on 6 Duel and/or Rolling Reserve auctions, you won't be able to bid on a 7th auction right away.  This limit is intended to give more bidders the opportunity to win bids back and bonus bids.  Pick and choose your auctions wisely!