Online Auction Site Guides
Platform ≠ Auctioneer ≠ Seller
An online auction platform may provide the bidding technology while individual auction companies, organizations or sellers conduct particular sales. The platform’s role can vary, so knowing who is actually offering an item matters as much as recognizing the site you’re bidding on.
Read our buyer-safety guidePlatform guides
Explore Auction Platforms
HiBid
An online auction platform that hosts timed and live auctions listed by independent auction companies across a wide range of categories.
Commonly associated with
- Estate sales
- Equipment and machinery
- Farm and construction
- General merchandise
Who may find it useful
Buyers looking for estate, equipment and specialty sales run by independent auctioneers.
What to investigate before bidding
- Which auction company is actually running each sale
- Buyer's premium and fee structure
- Pickup location and times
- Item condition and inspection options
LiveAuctioneers
A marketplace that aggregates live and timed auctions from auction houses around the world.
Commonly associated with
- Fine art and antiques
- Jewelry and watches
- Collectibles
Who may find it useful
Buyers interested in auction-house sales of art, antiques and collectibles.
What to investigate before bidding
- The individual auction house behind each lot
- Shipping options and costs
- Buyer's premium and taxes
- Condition reports and provenance
GovDeals
A platform used by government agencies, municipalities, schools and other public entities to sell surplus and seized property.
Commonly associated with
- Government surplus
- Vehicles and equipment
- Seized property
- Municipal assets
Who may find it useful
Buyers looking for government and public-sector surplus.
What to investigate before bidding
- Pickup requirements, which are often local only
- Payment methods and deadlines
- Buyer's premium and fees
- Item condition and inspection times
AuctionZip
An auction directory and bidding platform that lists live and online auctions from auctioneers across many categories.
Commonly associated with
- Estate sales
- Antiques and collectibles
- General merchandise
- Equipment
Who may find it useful
Buyers who want to discover auctions run by local and regional auctioneers.
What to investigate before bidding
- Who is conducting each listed auction
- Whether bidding is online, in-person or both
- Fees and pickup terms
- Registration requirements
Proxibid
A platform for live and timed auctions, with a focus on industrial equipment, fine art and business assets.
Commonly associated with
- Industrial and heavy equipment
- Fine art and collectibles
- Real estate and business assets
Who may find it useful
Buyers and businesses sourcing equipment, machinery and higher-value assets.
What to investigate before bidding
- Buyer's premium and any platform fees
- Inspection and removal terms
- Payment methods and deadlines
- Shipping or pickup logistics
ShopGoodwill
Goodwill's online auction marketplace for donated items.
Commonly associated with
- Donated merchandise
- Collectibles
- Jewelry and clothing
- General goods
Who may find it useful
Buyers looking for donated and secondhand items sold by Goodwill organizations.
What to investigate before bidding
- Shipping costs and handling fees
- Item condition, since items are usually donated and sold as-is
- Return policy
- Which Goodwill region lists the item
PropertyRoom
An auction platform for police recovered, seized and surplus property.
Commonly associated with
- Seized and recovered property
- Jewelry and watches
- Electronics
- Vehicles and surplus
Who may find it useful
Buyers interested in law-enforcement and surplus auctions.
What to investigate before bidding
- Item condition and available documentation
- Shipping and pickup options
- Buyer's premium and fees
- Payment methods and deadlines
Our approach
How We Approach Auction Site Guides
- Types of auctions and items associated with the platform
- Who actually conducts each sale
- Registration and bidding process
- Fees buyers should investigate
- Payment methods and deadlines
- Shipping and pickup logistics
- Buyer eligibility where applicable
- Available terms and policies
We do not claim that every listed platform has already undergone a formal hands-on review. Read our Editorial Policy for the full methodology.
Not Sure Which Platform?
Compare the major types of online auction sites side by side, or browse auctions by what you're trying to buy.