Home · How to Bid

How to bid & win.

New to online auctions? East Lansing Auction makes it easy to register, find current auctions, place your bids, and win items online. Follow our simple step-by-step guide and start bidding today.

Account setup & registration

Get registered in four steps

All bidding runs on HiBid. Set up an account once, then register for our auction. You'll need a credit card on file to bid.

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STEP 01

Sign up

Go to HiBid and create an account with your email, Google, or Apple login.

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STEP 02

Find the auction

Search by keyword, category, location, or auctioneer name to find our sale.

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STEP 03

Register to bid

Open the auction, click Register to Bid, add your info and a credit card. The card is used for verification and charged automatically if you win.

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STEP 04

Accept terms

Read and check the box agreeing to the auctioneer's terms and conditions, then submit.

How our auctions run

Two auction formats

Every sale runs in one of two ways. Both are beginner-friendly — place your bids and watch the lots close.

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FORMAT 01

Soft-close auctions

Online auctions where lots close on a timer. If a bid lands in the final seconds, the clock extends a little — so everyone gets a fair chance to bid.

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FORMAT 02

Webcast auctions

Live bidding events you join in real time. Watch the auctioneer online and place your bids as each lot is called.

Winning & payment

If you win the lot

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WIN

You're the high bidder

When the lot closes with your bid on top, the item is yours.

PAYMENT

Card charged automatically

Your card on file is charged for the winning amount plus any buyer's premium and fees.

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PICKUP / SHIP

Check the lot details

Follow the pickup or shipping instructions and deadlines set for that auction.

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LOCAL

Collect in East Lansing

Bring your invoice to our shop during the posted pickup window, or arrange shipping.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need a credit card to register?+

HiBid uses your card to verify you're a real bidder. Nothing is charged just to register — but if you win, the card on file is charged automatically for your winning bid plus any premium and fees.

What's the difference between a soft-close and a webcast auction?+

Soft-close auctions are online and close on a timer, with a short time extension if bids land in the final seconds. Webcast auctions are live events you join in real time, bidding as the auctioneer calls each lot.

What is a soft close?+

Most lots use a soft close: if a bid lands in the final seconds, extra time is added to that lot's clock. It stops last-second sniping and gives everyone a fair chance to counter.

What is a buyer's premium?+

A small percentage added to your winning bid, shown on the auction terms and included in your final total, so there are no surprises at checkout.

How and when do I pay?+

Your card on file is charged automatically when you win. Check the lot details for the exact pickup or shipping deadlines set for that auction.

When and where do I pick up?+

Pickup is at 16150 Old US-27 #5, Lansing, MI 48906, during posted pickup windows after each auction. Bring your invoice. Most lots can also ship — check the lot details.