Although it is not a common occurrence, it may happen that a lot is sold at the maximum amount of your limit, yet another user wins the auction. This can happen when multiple users place identical limits or offers (bid now option) on the same lot. In such cases, the system follows these rules:

• The offer always takes precedence over the limit.
• Priority is given based on the exact date and time the offers and limits were placed.

In the case of auctions held simultaneously on-site and online – this most often concerns the art auctions – the order in which bid increases are placed also plays an important role. The bidding system is designed not to outbid your own offers. It places bids on your behalf by incrementally outbidding other participants, aiming to win the lot at the lowest possible price.

There may be cases where your bid is the second-highest, still below your maximum limit. If another participant then places a bid that matches your limit, the system will be unable to respond with a higher bid on your behalf. As a result, the other user will win the auction, even though the final price equals your limit.

To avoid such situations, we encourage you to follow the live bidding for lots of interest, which will allow you to respond quickly and place a higher bid if necessary.