Whether you’re an experienced collector or a first-time bidder, it’s worth knowing that there’s more than one way to take part in an auction.
Absentee Bidding
Absentee bidding allows you to participate without being present when the auction takes place. You submit your maximum bid in advance, and the auctioneer (or the system, if it’s an online sale) will bid incrementally on your behalf up to that amount.
This method is ideal if you can’t attend in person or prefer to avoid the heat of live competition. It’s also a discreet way to maintain control over your spending — you’ll never pay more than your stated limit. Absentee bidding is accepted for both live and timed auctions, and can usually be arranged directly through the auction house or via an online platform.
Phone Bidding
Phone bidding connects you directly to the auction room in real time. Before the sale, you register with the auction house and provide a phone number. During the auction, a staff member calls you when your chosen lot comes up, relays the current bids, and places your bids on your instruction.
This method combines personal service with immediacy — perfect if you want to stay flexible or respond to the pace of bidding. Phone bidding is often used for higher-value lots, where buyers prefer direct communication with a representative.
Proxy Auctions
A proxy auction works much like absentee bidding, but it’s usually automated within an online system. You set your maximum bid, and the platform automatically increases your offer just enough to stay ahead of competing bidders until your limit is reached.
This system ensures you remain competitive without needing to monitor the auction constantly. Proxy bidding is common in timed online auctions, where the process unfolds over several days.
Live Bidding
Live bidding is the most dynamic and traditional format — taking place in person, by phone, or via live-streamed platforms. You compete in real time as the auctioneer calls out prices, with bids rising until only one bidder remains.
Live auctions capture the excitement of the moment, but they also demand quick decisions. Whether you’re in the room or online, it’s wise to set a clear budget before bidding begins.
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