How to Buy at Auction in 5 minutes
A Quick Guide for First-Time Roller Auction Bidders
Online auctions are simple once you understand the process. This guide explains how bidding, payment, and pickup work at Roller Auction.
Step 1: Create Your Bidder Account
Before placing a bid, you must register for a bidder account.
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Visit RollerAuction.com
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Click the account icon in the top right corner then click Register
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Enter your contact information
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Verify your email address
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Accept the auction terms and conditions
Once registered, you can begin bidding immediately.
Step 2: Browse the Auction Catalog
Each auction contains multiple lots. A lot may contain:
• A single item
• Multiple items sold together
Click on a lot to see:
• Photos
• Description
• Location
• Removal dates
• Any special terms
Always read the lot description before bidding.
Step 3: Place a Bid
There are two ways to bid.
Standard Bid
Enter the next bid amount displayed on the screen.
Max Bid
A Max Bid allows the system to automatically bid for you up to the maximum amount you are willing to pay.
Example:
If the current bid is $200 and you place a Max Bid of $500, the system will automatically increase your bid in the required increments if another bidder places a competing bid.
This allows you to stay in the lead without manually entering every bid.
Step 4: Understand Extended Bidding
Roller Auction uses extended bidding to ensure fair competition.
If a bid is placed during the final minute of the auction, the countdown timer resets to one minute to allow other bidders time to respond.
Because of this, auctions may extend several times near closing.
This prevents someone from winning an item by placing a bid in the final seconds.
Step 5: Understanding Grouped Lots
Some items are sold as part of a grouped lot.
When lots are grouped together, bidding on any lot within that group will extend all lots in the group.
Grouped lots will continue to extend as long as bids are being placed within the group.
The group will close once one full minute passes with no bids placed on any lot in the group.
This system ensures that all bidders have a fair opportunity to bid on the grouped items.
Step 6: Winning an Auction
When the auction closes and you are the high bidder, you will receive an email with your invoice.
Your invoice will include:
• Item description
• Purchase price
• Any applicable fees
• Sales tax (if applicable)
• Payment instructions
Step 7: Payment
Payment deadlines and accepted payment methods are listed in the auction terms.
Common payment methods include:
• Wire transfer
• Credit card
• Cashier's check
• Business check (subject to approval)
Be sure to review the payment instructions on your invoice.
Step 8: Item Pickup and Removal
Each auction has scheduled removal dates and times.
Buyers are responsible for:
• Picking up items during the removal period
• Bringing the necessary tools or equipment
• Arranging transportation if needed
If you cannot attend removal, you may send a representative or arrange a third-party shipping company.
Items not removed within the scheduled time may be subject to additional fees.
Helpful Tips for First-Time Bidders
• Review the lot description and auction terms before bidding.
• Watch the auction near closing because bidding may extend.
• Use Max Bid if you want the system to bid automatically for you.
• Plan ahead for payment and pickup.
Need Help?
If you have questions about bidding, payment, or removal, please visit our Help Center or contact our team.
Roller Auction has helped buyers purchase vehicles, equipment, tools, and more through online auctions for decades. Once you participate in your first auction, the process becomes quick and straightforward.