$0free to register, browse and bid
BUYER'S GUIDE
Buying at auction could save you thousands
It's free to register and easy to bid. Browse online, bid live in real time or set your maximum bid ahead of time, then pick up or ship your win.
Live auctions every month
Typically below retail
Browse from any device
Shipping available
YOUR PATH TO A WINNING BID
BEFORE THE AUCTION
- 1
Browse
open any auction link to see every lot, photos and starting prices
- 2
Get approved
create a free account and click "Get Approved to Bid"
AUCTION DAY
- 3
Bid
bid live in real time or set your max bid ahead of time
- 4
Win
highest bid at close wins, we notify you right away
AFTER YOU WIN
- 5
Pay
pay your invoice by the deadline on the auction page
- 6
Pick up or ship
collect in the pickup window or ship anywhere in the world
TWO WAYS TO BID
A
Live bidding
- join online while it runs
- see the current high bid
- raise as often as you like until the lot closes
Best when: you can watch the sale and want full control.
B
Maximum bid (bid ahead)
- enter the most you will pay
- system bids one increment at a time only when needed
- your maximum stays private
- raise it later if you like
Best when: you are busy, traveling or sticking to a budget.
HOW A MAXIMUM BID WORKS
Say you set a maximum bid of $200. When the other bidder stops at $180, you win at the next increment, $190, not your full $200.
HOW A MAXIMUM BID WORKS
Other bidderYour auto-bidWinning price
Other100 dollars
You110 dollars
Other150 dollars
You160 dollars
Other180 dollars
You (Winning price)190 dollars
Illustrative example with a $10 increment. Actual increments are listed on each auction page.
WHAT YOU PAY
Winning bid$190
+
Buyer's premium18% ($34.20)
+
=Applicable sales tax
Your invoice total
WHAT YOU CAN BUY
Electronics
Furniture and mattresses
Tools and hardware
Apparel and shoes
Vehicles
Collectibles and memorabilia
Film and TV props
Industrial equipment
WHY RESELLERS SHOP HERE
SECONDHAND DEMAND KEEPS GROWING
U.S. secondhand apparel 2030 projection$78.8B
Global secondhand apparel 2030 projection$393B
Source: ThredUp 2026 Resale Report (April 2026).
Source: ThredUp 2026 Resale Report (April 2026).
PRO TIPS
Register early
approval is per auction
Inspect the photos and descriptions
Set a max bid and stick to it
Turn on outbid notifications
Plan pickup before you bid
buyers handle removal
Read the terms for premium, tax and deadlines
Is it free to register?
Yes.
Do I need a resale certificate?
Only to buy tax exempt; otherwise tax applies.
Can international buyers bid?
Yes, we ship worldwide through third-party partners.
What condition are items in?
Each lot lists its condition in the description.
How do I pay?
By the methods and deadline on the auction page.
What if I can't pick up?
Arrange shipping through our partners.