How Bidding Works

Most online collector car auctions force you to sit glued to your screen, repeatedly entering bids one at a time while the clock keeps resetting. We think that’s unnecessary and even manipulative. GuysWithRides is the only curated collector car auction platform to feature Max Bidding (also known as proxy bidding) — a proven system that has been in use on eBay for over 25 years.

How Max Bidding Works

Set It and Forget It

Instead of entering single bids repeatedly, you enter the maximum amount you’re willing to pay for a vehicle. Our system then automatically bids on your behalf in small increments to keep you in the lead — but only up to the amount needed to maintain the high bid.

Simple Example

Let’s say bidding starts at $1,000 with $1,000 increments:

• You enter a Max Bid of $15,000 (the most you’ll pay)
• Another bidder manually enters $1,000
• Our system automatically counter-bids $2,000 on your behalf
• They bid $3,000, our system counters with $4,000
• This continues automatically until they stop at $7,000
• You win at $8,000 — even though your max was $15,000

You only pay one increment above the second-highest bid, not your full maximum.

Your Maximum Bid Stays Hidden

Just like a sealed-bid auction, no one knows your maximum. Other bidders can’t see whether you’re bidding manually or how high you’re willing to go. This protects you from dealers and other bidders trying to gauge your limit.

Our Auction Format

14-Day Auctions with a Hard Stop

All GuysWithRides auctions run for exactly 14 days with a firm ending time — no extensions, no two-minute resets, no games. When the clock hits zero, bidding stops. Period.

Two Auction Types

Reserve Auctions: The seller sets a minimum acceptable price (reserve) based on our market analysis. If the high bid meets or exceeds the reserve, the vehicle sells. If not, the seller isn’t obligated to complete the sale.

No Reserve Auctions: The highest bid wins, regardless of amount. These are less common because we do not pressure sellers into no-reserve situations.

Why Max Bidding Is Better

1. Effective Anti-Sniping Protection

Worried about last-second bidders stealing your win? Don’t be. By entering your true maximum value early, even automated sniping software can’t outbid you at the last moment. If you lose, it’s because someone was genuinely willing to pay more — not because you couldn’t react fast enough.

2. Keeps Dealers at Bay

Collector car dealers often bid higher because they plan to resell at retail. Since they can’t see your maximum bid, they risk paying too much to turn a profit. This levels the playing field for enthusiast buyers.

3. Respect for Your Time

Who has time to camp in front of a computer screen for hours? Enter your max bid once and walk away. Our system handles the rest while you go about your life.

4. Prevents Irrational Bidding

Time-extended auctions with constant resets prey on human nature and the “endowment effect” — that feeling of not wanting to lose in the heat of battle. This leads to overpaying. Max Bidding encourages thoughtful decisions about your true value before emotions take over.

5. Fixed End Times You Can Trust

When we say an auction ends at 8:00 PM EST on Tuesday, it ends at 8:00 PM EST on Tuesday. No surprises. Plan accordingly.

How to Place a Bid

Registration Required

To bid, you must first register for a free account. We require photo ID verification for all buyers and sellers to maintain trust and security in our community.

Three Ways to Bid

Option 1: Place a Max Bid (Recommended) Enter the maximum amount you’re willing to pay. The system will automatically bid for you in increments up to that amount.

Option 2: Bid Manually Enter a single bid at the current asking price plus one increment. You can return later to enter additional manual bids as needed.

Option 3: Combination Approach Start with manual bids to get a feel for the auction, then place a Max Bid when you’ve determined your comfort level.

Bid Increments

Bid increments vary by price level and are clearly displayed on each auction listing.

After You Win

If Reserve Met (or No Reserve Auction)

Both buyer and seller are legally obligated to complete the transaction:

• Buyer pays: Winning bid + 2% buyer’s fee
• Seller pays: 2% seller’s commission
• Total fees: Just 4% combined (compared to 10%+ at traditional auctions)

GuysWithRides handles the fee collection. All other aspects of the sale — including payment to the seller, title transfer, shipping arrangements, and applicable taxes — are handled directly between buyer and seller.

If Reserve Not Met

If bidding doesn’t reach the reserve price, neither party is obligated to complete the sale. However, the seller may choose to negotiate with the high bidder, and the listing automatically converts to “Buy Now or Make Offer” for an additional two weeks at no extra charge.

Bidding Best Practices

Do Your Homework: Review all photos, descriptions, and the pre-purchase inspection report thoroughly before bidding.

Ask Questions Early: Use the comments section on each listing to ask the seller questions. Don’t wait until the last minute.

Set a Realistic Maximum: Determine your true value based on market research, condition, and your budget. Stick to it.

Consider All Costs: Remember to factor in buyer’s fee (2%), transportation, insurance, taxes, title, and registration when setting your maximum.

Bid with Confidence: If you’re outbid, you’re outbid. Don’t let emotion drive you past your predetermined maximum. There will always be another great car.

Questions?

Our team is available to walk you through the bidding process. Call us toll-free at (877) 468-6497 or contact us online.

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