While most auctions end without any issues, there are times when you have issues with the winning bidder not paying or picking up their auction item(s).
Municibid bidders are expected to settle their invoices by the due date, and intentional bidding ensures a fair auction environment. Failure to meet these obligations can lead to penalties, including being banned from the platform.
If a winning bidder claims that the item received does not match the description, follow these guidelines: evaluate the discrepancy, determine its validity, and proceed with necessary actions (e.g., releasing the bidder or banning them if claims are unjustified).
We make it easy for you to report a defaulting bidder.
Responsibilities and Obligations of a Bidder
When you participate in an auction on Municibid, you agree to specific terms and conditions, including:
Making payments for won items by the invoice due date.
Ensuring all bids placed are intentional and financially backed. Adhering to these responsibilities helps maintain the efficiency and fairness of the Municibid auction process.
Before you report a bidder please make sure you have answered yes to the following:
Have you tried emailing and calling the winning bidder to make arrangements?
Have you given them ample time to respond? (we recommend allowing at least 2 business days for a response).
If you have answered YES to both of these questions then you can report the bidder.
To report a bidder:
Please make sure you signed in to Municibid
Go to the page of the item or go to https://municibid.com/Account/Listings/Successful
Click "Report Bidder".
After you report the bidder, Municibid will send a violation notice to the bidder giving them two business days to respond to you and make arrangements.If they fail to follow through you can then offer the auction item to the next highest bidder or relist the auction item. Automated notifications ensure all parties remain informed about timeframes and next steps during this process, minimizing delays and miscommunication.
During this process, bidders will receive notifications detailing their violation and the timeframe for rectification, ensuring transparency and an opportunity to resolve the matter.
Additionally, bidders who default will be banned from participating in future auctions, reinforcing accountability and upholding the integrity of the platform.
When the second-highest bidder agrees to purchase
If the highest bidder declines to purchase the item, the second-highest bidder may have the opportunity to agree to the purchase. In such cases: The second-highest bidder is required to respond within 2 business days, ensuring a quick resolution to the auction process.
This process ensures that any offer extended to them is addressed promptly, maintaining auction efficiency.
The previous auction will be removed from the system.
A new auction is created to reflect the second-highest bidder as the winning bidder.
The second-highest bidder will receive an email notification similar to any standard auction win. Automated notifications are sent to keep all parties informed at every stage of the process, ensuring clarity and timely updates.
Actions when the second-highest bidder also declines
If the second-highest bidder also refuses to purchase the item:
The listing can be voided.
You have the option to relist the item for auction.
If necessary, Municibid Support can assist with voiding and relisting the listing. To seek assistance, contact our Support team. Municibid will notify the selling agency of any non-responsiveness and will escalate the matter if no action is taken within the defined timeframes. This ensures resolution through consistent follow-ups.
Sellers can exercise their discretion on relisting items, offering flexibility to adapt to auction dynamics.