How to Bid
A quick guide to the four bid buttons.
Every active lot on BidWut shows the same set of bid controls: a max-bid input plus three colored buttons. Each one bids in a different way. Here's what each does, when to use it, and what to watch out for.
Quick Bid
Instantly bid the next increment above the current bid. One tap, no typing. The system figures out exactly how much that is for you (see the increment table below).
When to use it: the lot is fairly priced and you just want to claim the lead at the cheapest possible amount. Most common bid type on the platform.
What to watch for: if you're already the high bidder when you tap Quick Bid, we'll ask you to confirm before raising your own bid against yourself.
Max Bid (Set Max)
Type the highest amount you're willing to pay, then tap Set Max! The system bids on your behalf — only as much as needed to stay on top — up to your ceiling. Your max is private; other bidders can't see it.
When to use it: you have a number in your head and don't want to babysit the lot. Set your max once and walk away. If someone tries to outbid you below your ceiling, the system fights back automatically.
What to watch for: if your max isn't a valid increment, we'll offer you the closest two valid amounts to choose from. If your max is more than 10× the current bid, we'll ask for confirmation — accidental zeros happen.
Jump Bid
Type an exact amount, then tap Jump Bid to place that price right now. Unlike Max Bid, Jump Bid pushes the visible current bid up to the amount you typed — everyone sees it immediately.
When to use it: you want to send a strong signal that you're serious — say, jumping from $40 to $100 in one move to scare off small-increment bidders.
What to watch for: if a hidden competitor's max bid is already higher than your jump, you'll be outbid the moment the bid lands. Jump Bid commits the full amount; it isn't a ceiling.
Nuke'Em
Beat the leading bidder's hidden max bid by one increment, regardless of what it is.No guessing, no incremental warfare — Nuke'Em pushes you straight to the top.
When to use it: you absolutely must win this lot and you don't want to play cat-and-mouse with the leading bidder's proxy. One tap and you're winning.
What to watch for: Nuke'Em bids cannot be retracted.You're committing to outbid the leader by exactly one increment — whatever that turns out to be. We always show a confirmation prompt before placing the bid. Nuke responsibly.
Good to know
Bid increments
The minimum step between bids depends on the current bid amount:
| Current bid | Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 – $50 | $1 |
| $50 – $100 | $5 |
| $100 – $500 | $10 |
| $500 – $1,000 | $25 |
| $1,000 – $5,000 | $50 |
| $5,000 – $10,000 | $100 |
| $10,000+ | $500 |
Soft close
If a bid lands in the final 2 minutes of a lot, the end time automatically extends by another 2 minutes. This keeps anyone from sniping a lot at the last second — it stays open until the bidding settles down.
Retract window
Made a typo? You have 15 seconds after placing a bid to retract it — but only if you're the current high bidder and there's more than 1 hour left in the lot. After that window, your bid is locked in. Nuke'Em bids cannot be retracted at all, even within those 15 seconds.
What you actually pay
The price you see during bidding is the hammer price. On top of that you'll pay:
- Buyer's premium on the winning bid amount. This amount will vary by seller.
- Sales tax on the winning bid amount. This is determined by your location.
Your card on file is charged automatically when you win. If auto-charge fails, you'll get an invoice to pay manually.