Bidding on Catalot: the basics

Catalot runs online auctions for local auction houses. Each auction house has its own storefront, and every sale on Catalot works the same way.

1. Make an account

Sign up once with your name, email and address; a mobile number is optional. An email is required because that's where your "you won" notices, invoices and password resets go. Your address is checked with the post office so pickups and shipments go to the right place. You must be 18 or older to bid.

We send you a link to confirm your email. Open it before you register for a sale, so your invoices and "you won" emails reach you; the registration page has a Resend button if it didn't arrive. If your account has only a phone number, add an email under My account, Settings, and open the link we send before you register. Forgot your password? Use "Forgot password?" under any sign-in form and we'll email you a link to choose a new one.

2. Register for the sale

You register for each sale separately. Each sale has its own terms: read them, accept them, and save a card for that sale (you need one to bid, unless the seller lets you pay in person at pickup). Registering gives you a paddle number for that sale. Some sellers approve new bidders by hand; you can bid once they do.

3. Bid

On a lot page, enter the most you are willing to pay. Catalot bids for you, one increment at a time, only as far as it needs to. See How maximum bids work.

4. Win, pay, collect

When the sale closes you get an email with your invoice. Your saved card is charged about an hour after the sale closes (see When your card is charged). Then book a pickup time or ask for shipping on the invoice page.