Bidding in an auction

This guide was originally written by Hekomi

Sometimes the best way to find those hard-to-get wishlist pets is by stalking the auctions. A lot of the times you can find people offering VR pets there that you can bid on. Auctions are a great way to find them, and sometimes even get good deals. Below is a list of things to help you when bidding in an auction.

Step One: Finding an Auction

Sometimes the toughest part of auctions is finding an auction that has the pet[s] you want in it. Usually high demand pets are easy to find and on the front page. Rarer pets are tougher. Sometimes using the search function on the forum will help yield results. Just make sure when you do this that you search for something generic, like "wood angel" and then check when the last post date was and if the auctioneer has been on lately. Also sometimes people will have links to auctions in their signatures, which can help. Once you've found an auction, make sure it looks reasonable. I highly reccommend staying clear of people whose autos are ridiculously high, who have strong feelings to their pets, are looking to see what they can get for their pet, have no end date, or is a tentative auction. Also, look through all the posts. This will usually give you a good gauge of the auctioneer. Make sure the person is honest, reputable and fair.

Step Two: Making a Bid

Before you even think about making a bid, read through their rules. Make sure you know whether or not they are only looking for wishlist pets, whether or not you should send a trade or bid a group, or anything else worth noting. You do not want to start off the auction by breaking one of their rules. Once you've done all that, I usually start a trade with them if only to see what wishlist pets of theirs I have in my trading groups. Go through, add them, and if they dislike suggestions, manually transfer the pets into a group.

I suggest before bidding your group to check out the "Is this a Fair Trade?" Thread to make sure your offer is not ridiculously unfair. It's okay for it to not be fair, but if it's not, be prepared to add. Auctions generally start out with low bids. Post your bid, and then wait for your bid to be added.

Do not bid pets that you do not own. I don't care if you 'might' have it soon, do not do it. If you do not know the name of your pet, check out the threads posted in the guide below. They will give you all the answers you need.

If you are bidding the auto, prepare to pay a little bit more than what the pet is worth. An auto-win should be something worth just a little bit more than the pet as an incentive to make the auctioneer end the auction right there and then and trade you the pet.

Step Three: Adding, Being Outbid & Withdrawing your Bid

If you are bidding in an auction you will probably need to add to your bid at least once, possibly more. The point of an auction is to increase the worth of your group to beat other people. If someone bids higher than you, look for another pet to add to your group. Notify the auctioneer that you have added, and what you added. This way it's easier for the auctioneer to keep track. If you are outbid do not whine. It is annoying. Not everyone is going to win an auction, unfortunately. It's just the way it works. Be prepared before you enter that you might lose. It's not the end of the world. Try again in another auction and work on your trading fodder.

If at any point you need to withdraw, that is fine. You should not be penalized for withdrawing if you need to. Politely tell the auctioneer that you are withdrawing, and wish them good luck with their auction.

Step Four: Multiple Auctions, Scammers and other Unpleasantries

If you are looking for a pet and there are multiple auctions for it, by all means offer in all of them. This can be frustrating though for auctioneers; please be aware of this. Remember that if you're offering your pet as a prize in a contest of any sort it is against the auction rules to offer this pet in an auction.

Sometimes people get scammed in auctions. This can go both ways, with either the auctioneer or the bidder getting scammed. If you are bidding on a re-release, especially for pets like the dogtag/moon swirl, MAKE SURE that the auctioneer can offer proof that the pet is what they say it is. For good measure, do not trade until you know for sure which outcome the pet is. You do not want to be scammed. Same for butterfly wolves; all the cocoons look the same. A "UR Bwolf Cocoon" could very well be just a rare bwolf.

Sometimes auction threads can get ugly. If people are arguing about why their bid isn't in first, etc. do not reply. It is not your job to reply. If you are ticked about your bid not being in first, politely ask the auctioneer why. It is their right to deem what bid is in first, according to the auction rules. "Fairness is in the eyes of the auctioneer" says Ricorn.

Step Five: Winning & Losing

If your bid is in first and you win, great! It is your job to uphold your end of the deal and either wait for the auctioneer to send a trade or send a suggestion with your bid in it. You should not change your bid. This is unfair to the auctioneer. Accept your pet, and squeal with delight. You've won an auction! You worked hard and it paid off. Congrats.

Unfortunately, not everyone can win every auction. There will always be a loser and unfortunately they will be disappointed. Don't despair! You have tons of other opportunities to get the pets you desire. Congratulate the winner, thank the auctioneer and depart in search of the pet elsewhere. With hard work and determination you will surely get the pet your heart desires.

But, make sure you are not a sore winner or loser. Do not shove your accomplishment in the other bidders' faces, or whine that you did not win. These give you a poor image and are frowned upon.

Congratulations. You've just bidded in and possibly won your first auction!