How 1stDibs Auctions Work and FAQs

How Auctions Work on 1stDibs

Experience a thrilling way to shop the world’s most beautiful things.

1stDibs Auctions offer you the chance to bid on, and win, extraordinary designs at an outstanding price. We offer an ever-changing assortment of pieces by vetted sellers from our worldwide community. Shop furniture, home décor, art, fine jewelry, watches, handbags and fashion, simply look for items tagged “auction.” Every item's end time is visible on the listing.

To begin bidding, there are just a few simple steps to take.

createaccount

Sign Up for a 1stDibs Account

To place a bid, log into an existing 1stDibs account or sign up to create an account. You may click “Sign Up” at the top right-hand corner of any page to register. Please note: Before you can place a bid, you will be asked to save a credit card or Paypal account to your profile, but you will not be charged when you place a bid. Your payment method can be changed at any time. To add or modify a payment method, please select Account Information or click here.

Find Your Beautiful Thing

Auction items are added often, so you’re encouraged to check in frequently to avoid missing out on your dream possession. All of our items are offered by vetted sellers, many of whom are experts in their field. Have a question about an item? Feel free to contact the seller — or connect with a specialist in our Support Center.

We’re design lovers too, and we understand the need for immediate gratification, so all auction items are eligible for direct purchase with Buy It Now. This option will disappear once any bid has been submitted on an item.

findthing
bidimage

Place Your Bid (and stay tuned)

Once you’re ready to begin, click “Place a Bid” and enter a bid amount that is greater than or equal to the next minimum bid displayed on the product listing. This will automatically place a bid for you at the next increment and save the amount you entered (if higher) as your “Max Bid.” Entering a maximum bid does not necessarily mean you will pay that price. It is simply the highest price you are willing to pay for an item and the price up to which 1stDibs will automatically bid on your behalf.

Certain items available at auction may have a reserve price, which is the confidential minimum price set by the seller, below which the item may not be sold. When you bid on an item with a reserve, if your Max Bid meets or exceeds the reserve, your bid will be increased automatically to meet the reserve, and bidding will continue from there.

You Won’t Pay a Buyer’s Premium

1stDibs does not charge a Buyer’s Premium, a fee many auction sites charge in addition to the final sale price. It can be a percentage of the sale price, and can sometimes be up to 25% of the price. Only the final item price — plus any taxes and shipping costs — will be provided when you win the auction. So you can bid freely, knowing you won’t encounter hidden fees.

Claim Your Treasure (Savor the triumph)

You are the auction winner if you are the highest bidder and the reserve price (if applicable) has been met. So, what comes next? First, we will email you to confirm that you’ve won. Then, you must verify your payment within 7 days to process the purchase (you may edit the payment method used when you placed your bid.) All orders and bids will appear in “Orders” under Account Information.

treasure
shipping

Let Us Handle the Logistics

Our goal is to make receiving your item a hassle-free experience. Many items will have shipping information immediately available for you to review at checkout, or shortly after. We work with the seller to facilitate delivery. You’ll enjoy post-purchase peace of mind knowing all auction items are covered by our comprehensive Buyer Protection offered by 1stDibs.

Why Shop Auctions at 1stDibs

The thrill of the (treasure) hunt

Experience the fun that comes with auctions and the triumph of winning your dream possession.

Rare deals on the world’s most beautiful things

Enjoy outstanding prices on exceptional designs offered by vetted sellers in our worldwide community.

No buyer’s premium, ever

Unlike other auction sites, we don't charge an additional fee on top of the item's final price.

An always-changing assortment

Our auction inventory is continually updated which means you’ll discover beautiful new things each visit.

Shop with peace of mind

Auction purchases are covered by 1stDibs Buyer Protection — and we facilitate shipping and post-purchase support.

FAQ

Don’t miss a moment of your (treasure) hunt when you’re on the go:
Download our iPhone and iPad app for instant updates on your auctions.