Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

What is AuctionHive?

AuctionHive is a premier online auction platform where you can buy and sell unique items. From luxury watches to vintage cars, find extraordinary pieces through competitive bidding in our secure marketplace.

How do I create an account?

Just click the "Create Account" button and follow the registration process. You'll need to provide your email address and set up a secure password. Once registered, you can start browsing auctions, placing bids, and creating your own listings.

Is it free to join AuctionHive?

Yes! Creating an account and browsing listings is completely free. We only charge transaction fees when you successfully sell items through our platform.

Bidding & Buying

How does bidding work?

Enter your maximum bid when placing a bid. If another bidder outbids you, our auto-bid feature will automatically place bids on your behalf up to your maximum. You win the auction if your bid is highest when the auction ends.

What is the auto-bid feature?

Auto-bid allows you to set a maximum bid. The system will automatically place bids on your behalf, incrementing by the minimum bid increase, until your maximum is reached. You only need to outbid others, not match their entire bid amount.

How do I win an auction?

To win, place the highest bid when the auction closes. When you win, you'll receive an email confirmation and payment instructions from the seller. You have 48 hours to complete payment.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), PayPal, and bank transfers. All transactions are secured through our encrypted payment system.

Selling

How do I list an item for auction?

Log into your account, click "Create Auction" in the seller dashboard, upload high-quality images, set your starting bid and reserve price, and choose auction duration. Your listing will be reviewed before going live.

Is there a fee for listing items?

No upfront costs! Listing items is free. We only deduct a small transaction fee (typically 5-10%) from the winning bid amount if your item sells successfully.

How long do auctions run?

You can choose auction durations from 1 to 30 days when creating your listing. Consider item popularity when deciding how long an auction should run - valuable or unique items often benefit from longer durations.

Safety & Security

How do you protect buyers and sellers?

We verify all users and use SSL encryption for all transactions. Our dispute resolution team is available to mediate any issues, and we have escrow services available for high-value transactions.

Are auctions binding?

Yes, confirmed bids are legally binding contracts. Both buyers and sellers must fulfill their obligations in good faith. Failure to follow through can result in account suspension.

What if I have problems with a transaction?

Contact our support team immediately if you encounter issues. We investigate all reported problems and can help mediate disputes, refund bids, or escalate serious concerns.

Support

When will I receive my item?

Shipping times vary by seller and item type. Most sellers ship within 1-3 business days after payment is received. International shipping times may take 2-4 weeks.

Can I cancel my bid?

Bids cannot be canceled once placed unless you contact support immediately (within a few minutes). We can remove bids in cases of billing errors or technical issues.

How do I report fraudulent activity?

Use the "Report" button on any listing or user profile, or email our security team directly at security@auctionhive.com. We take fraud very seriously and investigate all reports.