The CommentSold auction experience lets shoppers view and bid on live-sale auctions through your webstore or mobile app. Shoppers must accept the Auction Terms of Use, sign in, add shipping information, and save a payment method before bidding.
The bidding experience includes standard bids, quick bids, and private maximum bids, with real-time updates when shoppers win, are outbid, or encounter payment issues.
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Use the table of contents below to navigate to specific sections of this article:
- Accept Auction Terms
- Before Bidding
- Placing a Bid
- Understanding Max Bids
- Managing Settings
- Auction Ending Experience
- Error and Rejection Messages
- FAQs
Accept Auction Terms
Before participating in an auction, shoppers must accept the Auction Terms of Use.
This is a one-time prompt unless the terms are updated in the future.
Before Bidding
Auction participation is gated to ensure shoppers are eligible to complete purchases.
Before bidding, shoppers must:
- Sign in to their account
- Add a shipping address
- Save a payment method
If any required information is missing, the interface displays prompts with clear instructions and action buttons.
Guest User Experience
Guest users can view the auction overlay in read-only mode.
They can see:
- Current high bid
- Remaining time
- Bid activity
However, they cannot place bids until they sign in.
Placing a Bid
Once eligible, shoppers can place bids using:
- Standard bids
- Quick-bid options
- Max and Min bid (auto-bid) functionality
The bidding interface displays:
- Current high bid
- Bid increment options
- Max and Min bid entry fields
Understanding Max Bids
Shoppers can place a standard bid or set a maximum bid amount. When a max bid is set, the system automatically increases the shopper's bid incrementally as needed up to their selected maximum amount. The shopper's maximum bid remains private. Shoppers only pay the minimum amount required to win, which may be lower than their maximum bid.
Example 1
- Auction starting bid: $20
- Shopper max bid: $35
- Another shopper bids: $22
The system automatically places a $24 bid on behalf of the shopper.
If no additional bids are placed, the shopper wins the item for $24.
Example 2
- Auction starting bid: $50
- Shopper max bid: $80
- Another shopper bids: $60
The system automatically places a $62 bid.
If another shopper later bids $75, the system automatically increases the bid to $77.
If another shopper bids $80 or higher, the shopper loses the auction unless they increase their max bid.
Managing Settings
Shoppers can manage their checkout and bidding settings directly from the auction interface by selecting the Manage link in the bottom-right corner.
From this menu, shoppers can:
- Select between Shipping or Pickup
- Update Pickup address if Pickup is selected
- Apply available store credit
- Update shipping information
- Adjust payment methods
These settings allow shoppers to quickly make changes without leaving the live auction experience.
Auction Ending Experience
As the auction concludes, shoppers receive real-time updates showing:
- Winner confirmations
- Payment status
- Outbid notices
- Error messages if payment fails
Winning shoppers receive clear confirmation messaging and order details immediately after the auction ends.
If a shopper wins an auction, they will also see a celebration badge recognizing their achievement during the current live sale.
| Celebration Badge | When it's Shown | How it Looks | |
| 🏆 First Win | The shopper wins their first auction during the current live sale. |
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| 🔥 Winning Streak | The shopper wins two or more auctions in a row during the current live sale. |
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| 💎 Auction Leader | The shopper has won the most auctions during the current live sale. This celebration is displayed with a large sparkling diamond. |
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| Note: Customers will be charged applicable shipping fees based on your shipping settings. |
Error and Rejection Messages
If an issue occurs during bidding or payment, shoppers see clear feedback directly in the interface.
Examples include:
- "Someone outbid you — try a higher max bid."
- "Your card couldn't be charged."
On mobile devices, certain alerts may also trigger haptic feedback or overlay notifications.
FAQs
Where can shoppers participate in auctions?
Shoppers can view and participate in auctions through your CommentSold webstore or mobile app.
Shoppers watching a live sale directly through Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok cannot view or participate in auctions.
What mobile app version is required for auctions?
Auctions require mobile app version 4.7.0 or newer for both your shop's app and the shopper's app.
If a shopper cannot see auctions or related features in the mobile app, they should update the app to the latest version.
Do shoppers need to accept the Auction Terms of Use?
Yes. Shoppers must accept the Auction Terms of Use before participating in an auction.
The terms only need to be accepted once unless they are updated.
What does a shopper need before placing a bid?
Before placing a bid, shoppers must:
- Sign in to their account.
- Add a shipping address.
- Save a payment method.
If required information is missing, the auction interface prompts the shopper to complete the necessary steps.
Can guest users participate in auctions?
No. Guest users can view the auction overlay in read-only mode, including the current high bid, remaining time, and bid activity.
They must sign in before they can place a bid.
What types of bids can shoppers place?
Shoppers can use:
- Standard bids
- Quick-bid options
- Maximum bids, also called auto-bids
What is a max bid or auto-bid?
A max bid lets a shopper set the highest amount they are willing to pay. The system automatically increases their bid incrementally as needed to keep them in the lead, up to their maximum amount.
The shopper's maximum bid remains private.
Do shoppers pay their full max bid?
Not necessarily. The shopper only pays the minimum amount required to win the auction, which can be lower than their maximum bid.
For example, if a shopper sets a maximum bid of $35 and another shopper bids $22, the system may place a $24 bid for them. If no one bids higher, they win for $24 rather than $35.
Can shoppers change their checkout or bidding settings during an auction?
Yes. Shoppers can select Manage from the auction interface to update settings without leaving the live auction.
They can:
- Toggle add-ons on or off
- Apply available store credit
- Update shipping information
- Adjust payment methods
What happens when an auction ends?
Shoppers receive real-time updates showing the auction result, including:
- Winner confirmation
- Payment status
- Outbid notices
- Payment error messages, when applicable
Winning shoppers also receive order details after the auction ends.
What are auction celebration badges?
Winning shoppers may receive celebration badges during the current live sale based on their auction wins.
The available badges include:
- 🏆 First Win: The shopper wins their first auction during the current live sale.
- 🔥 Winning Streak: The shopper wins two or more auctions in a row during the current live sale.
- 💎 Auction Leader: The shopper has won the most auctions during the current live sale.
Do auction orders support local pickup?
Yes. Auction orders support local pickup.
Applicable shipping fees are charged based on your shop's shipping settings.
What happens if a shopper is outbid?
The shopper receives an outbid notification, such as a message telling them that someone outbid them and prompting them to try a higher max bid.
What happens if a shopper's payment fails?
The shopper receives an error message indicating that their card could not be charged. Payment-related feedback appears directly in the auction interface.
Can shoppers receive notifications during bidding?
Yes. On mobile devices, certain auction alerts may also trigger haptic feedback or overlay notifications.