Stay ahead, save time, and achieve better results with Briskon auction software.
In the world of online auctions, every decision matters. Bidders often face the challenge of balancing strategy, budget, and emotion while competing with others. Proxy bidding changes this dynamic. It not only automates the bidding process but also taps into psychology—reducing stress, avoiding impulsive decisions, and improving the chances of winning without overspending.
- It creates a level playing field where everyone competes fairly within their limits.
- By removing constant manual intervention, proxy bidding allows participants to focus on choosing the right auctions rather than chasing bids.
- Ultimately, it transforms auctions from stressful battles into smarter, more controlled experiences.
What is proxy bidding or auto bidding?
Proxy bidding, also known as auto bidding, is a feature that allows a bidder to set the maximum amount they are willing to pay for an item. The auction system then automatically places bids on their behalf in small, predefined increments—enough to stay ahead of other bidders.
This means bidders don’t need to constantly or manually monitor the auction to raise their offers. Instead, the system ensures they remain the highest bidder until their maximum limit is reached.
Example: If you set a maximum bid of $600 and the current bid is $450, the system may place a $460 bid on your behalf (considering the minimum incremental bid value is $10). If someone else bids $480, your bid will automatically increase to $490—continuing this way until your maximum is reached.
A brief history of proxy bidding
Proxy bidding is not a new concept; it dates back to earlier times governed by “bid on my behalf up to $X.”, predating modern online platforms.
- Absentee bids in live auctions (pre-internet): Bidders could authorize the auctioneer to bid on their behalf up to a fixed amount. This was the earliest form of proxy bidding.
- eBay, 1995: The concept went digital when eBay introduced automatic bidding as a core feature. This made proxy bidding widely accessible.
- Late 1990s – 2000s: Other online auction platforms, from collectibles to procurement portals, quickly adopted proxy bidding because it encouraged more participation and trust.
- Mid-2020s: Integration with AI and machine learning started enhancing proxy bidding to provide smarter bidding assistance and predictive bid placements for users.
- Today: Proxy bidding is a standard feature in most digital auction platforms, including Briskon’s auction framework, making auctions fairer, faster, and easier for everyone.
In today’s era, proxy bidding can be used for both forward and reverse auctions. In a reverse auction, the minimum bid would be set instead of the maximum bid.
Proxy bid vs live bid
| Aspect | Proxy bidding | Live bidding |
|---|---|---|
|
Participation |
Automated, the system places bids |
Manual requires continuous monitoring
|
|
Emotion factor |
Keeps decisions rational |
Prone to auction fever and overbidding
|
|
Convenience |
Set once, no need to stay online
|
Must be present throughout the auction
|
|
Budget control
|
Enforces a strict maximum
|
Higher risk of overspending
|
|
Fairness
|
Transparent increments
|
Advantage sometimes favors faster bidders
|
Proxy bidding emphasizes control and convenience, whereas live bidding thrives on spontaneity and excitement.
The psychology behind proxy bidding
Reduced decision fatigue
Live bidding requires constant choices. Over time, this can lead to fatigue and errors. Proxy bidding eliminates repeated decisions by fixing the maximum once.
Freedom from emotional traps
Auctions often trigger competitive impulses. Many bidders emotionally overspend just to win. Proxy bidding alleviates this pressure by adhering to a predetermined limit.
Sense of control and fairness
Knowing the system is always representing them gives bidders confidence. This reduces stress and creates trust in the process.
Time efficiency and peace of mind
Bidders don’t need to stay glued to their screens. Proxy bidding saves time and makes participation easier.
Strategic advantage
Entering a strong maximum early can discourage casual competitors and improve the chances of success.
Benefits for sellers and auctioneers
Proxy bidding also benefits sellers and auction organizers:
- More participation from busy bidders who cannot attend live sessions
- Higher transparency that builds trust
- Competitive prices as bidders set their absolute maximums
- Better retention since bidders enjoy a smoother experience
- Proxy bidding speeds up the auction process by minimizing delays typical of manual bidding
Proxy bidding in Briskon auction software
Briskon auction software includes proxy bidding as a standard feature. It ensures fairness, automation, and real-time accuracy. Our framework also provides customizable bidding rules, bidder notifications, and a scalable design suitable for various industries, including real estate, automotive, procurement, industrial equipment, luxury goods, and collectibles.
This makes auctions simpler, smarter, and more engaging for both buyers and sellers.
Win smarter with proxy bidding
Proxy bidding is more than a feature—it builds trust and maximizes participation.
