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TradeStory

What is a Live Auction?

The fastest way to find the perfect trade

How Live Auctions Work

A Live Auction is an exciting, time-limited trading format where you receive multiple offers and the community helps you choose the best one in real-time. It's like a traditional auction, but instead of money, traders compete with their best items or services.

The Process:

1

Create Your Auction

Post your item and set a time limit (typically 24-72 hours)

2

Receive Competing Offers

Traders submit their best offers, visible to the community

3

Community Reacts

Other users react to offers, helping you evaluate which is best

4

Choose the Winner

Select the best offer before time runs out and complete your trade!

Benefits of Live Auctions

Faster Trades

Time limits create urgency, leading to quicker decisions and completed trades

Community Input

Get reactions and feedback from other traders to help you decide

Better Offers

Competition drives traders to submit their best offers

Exciting Experience

Watch offers roll in and feel the thrill of finding the perfect trade

Best Practices for Auctions

Use high-quality photos to attract more offers

Write detailed descriptions of what you're trading

Set a reasonable time limit (24-72 hours works best)

Clearly state what you're looking for in trade

Respond to questions quickly to keep momentum

Consider community reactions when evaluating offers

Tips for Making Winning Offers

If you're bidding on an auction, here's how to stand out:

  • Offer items that match what the poster is looking for
  • Include multiple items or bundle deals for more value
  • Write a compelling description of why your offer is great
  • Add quality photos of what you're offering
  • Respond quickly to questions or counteroffers
  • Build a good reputation through successful trades

Ready to Start Your First Auction?

Create a post and select "Live Auction" mode to get started

Create Your First Auction

Pro Tip

Your first few auctions might take practice to optimize. Don't be discouraged! Learn from each auction and adjust your approach. The most successful auctioneers on TradeStory started exactly where you are now.