Auctions

Auctions allow buyers to place bids on specific listings. Please refer to our Terms of Service and Rules for more information and policies regarding Auctions.

All auctions are FINAL.

Auctions can not be stopped once started.
Failure to complete an auction transaction by the buyer or seller will result in a permanent ban from auctions.
Sellers can set a reserve (minimum) price to win the item; if the price is not met, the auction will end with no winners.
Winning bids are to be paid in full unless otherwise stated in the seller's store policy.
If a buyer fails to complete a transaction for any reason, then the seller may cancel the buyer’s winning bid. The seller may relist the same Living Item for auction at the next opportunity for auction available under the seller’s membership plan (for example, the following month) or list the Living Item as a regular sale listing immediately following the incomplete transaction.

As a courtesy, if a buyer fails to follow through on an auction and the auction is reported to us, we will allow the seller to offer it to the second-highest bidder or assist the seller by providing a new auction credit.

If the buyer has indicated that they do not plan to purchase the animal or has failed to arrange payment after (1) business day, you can report the auction. To do this, click the "Report Auction" button in the actions menu (the + icon) in the lower-left corner of the individual message thread on MorphMarket.
After you report the auction, you’ll receive an automated system message in a new thread. If there was a second-highest bidder, you can offer the animal to them if you wish. You can do this using the message actions menu on that specific thread. Please remember that the runner-up is not obligated to make the purchase.
After our team receives and reviews your report, we will follow up with you via email and may, as a courtesy, issue a new auction credit for you to use in the future.

If an auction ends without a winner, sellers will not receive a credit to replace the failed auction. The seller may relist the same Living Item for auction at the next opportunity for auction available under the seller’s membership plan (for example, the following month) or list the Living Item as a regular sale listing immediately following the incomplete transaction.
The amount entered in the Shipping field on an auction listing is the maximum amount a seller can charge the winning bidder for shipping. Sellers are responsible for estimating the highest possible shipping rate in the Shipping field. Alternatively, sellers may choose to offer Free Shipping.

Local and expo pick-up should be free unless otherwise stated in the Seller’s store policy.

If a seller chooses to charge a fee for pickup, or if pickup is not available on certain ads, this must be clearly indicated in both the ad’s description and the store policy.

It is the seller's responsibility to be aware of and comply with all international, federal, state, and local laws related to or governing auctions.
Auctions are available to approved sellers with paid accounts. The number of auctions available varies depending on the membership type.

Auction credits renew at the start of each calendar month.
The new calendar month starts the first day of the new month at midnight GMT.
Additional auctions can be purchased for a fee of $25 per auction, with a maximum of 10 additional auctions per month.

These are only available for approved sellers with paid memberships.
These fees are non-refundable.
We may disable or change this feature at our discretion.

Buyers must have a verified phone number to bid on an auction.
Auctions can not be enabled for crocodilians.
Auctions can not be enabled for Not-Ready animals.

Selling

Using auctions on MorphMarket is a straightforward process. Sellers can enable auctions by following these steps:

Enabling an auction:

Head over to the Edit page of an individual listing (or Add a new listing).
- Note: Auctions can not be enabled using bulk actions at this time.
Enter the listing information as usual.
In the "Auction" section, click the toggle button to "Yes."

Auctions can not be stopped or edited when started.
All auctions are final.

Select the Auction Type:
- No Reserve (Default): We highly recommend this option to ensure a more successful option.
- Reserve Price: This is the minimum amount the seller is willing to accept. The auction will only have a winner if the reserve price is met. If the reserve price is not reached, the auction concludes, and the seller has the option to relist the listing as a regular ad.
  - Selling Tips: A lower reserve price will result in a more successful auction.
- Starting Bid: This is the lowest bid that the auction will start at.

PLEASE NOTE: Only one of these options can be selected, and they can not be combined.

Select the Duration.
- Auctions can range from a minimum of 1 day to a maximum of 3 days.
Auctions can only be enabled with free or flat-rate shipping.
Finish editing the ad and Save.
You will receive a system notification confirming the auction has started.

PLEASE NOTE: Auctions can NOT be enabled on wholesale ads, the "inquire for price" button checked, offers, or ads with an active sale. Ensure that these features are disabled before listing an item for auction to avoid any complications.

Auction allotments vary by membership type and are reset at the start of each calendar month. The new calendar month begins the first day of the new month at midnight GMT. Please be aware of your timezone if listing an auction at the end of the month; otherwise, it may count towards the following month's allotment. Please email [email protected] if you have questions or issues.

Buying

Locating Auctions:

Auctions will be shown in the regular search results.
- The Number of Bids will be visible on the listings card.
- The current High Bid will be displayed.
- The Time Remaining for the auction will also be shown.

For a focused view of Auctions, simply navigate to the "Auction" tab located at the top of the category search pages.

Or open the search filters, scroll to "Other Options," and select "Auction."

Bidding:

Enter Bid Amount: To place a bid, simply input your desired bid amount.
- Note: Bids must be placed in increments of $5.00. Bids are also made in the default currency for that store.
- Note: If the reserve price is not yet met, this will be clearly indicated on the listing.
  - A reserve price must be met in order for an auction to have a winner.

Confirm Bid
- Please be aware that all bids are considered final. It's essential to only bid if you are fully committed to the purchase. Exercise caution and bid responsibly.

Buyers will receive a notification when they bid on a listing.

Buyers will also receive a notification if they are outbid.

Notifications: Both buyers and sellers will receive notifications once the auction has concluded and a buyer has won.
Payment Arrangement: Buyers must arrange for payment of a listing within one (1) business day of the buyer being notified that it has made the winning bid for that listing. Payment may be made by any lawful mechanism that is acceptable to the seller or as otherwise set out in the seller’s Store Policy.
- Note: Buyers must arrange payment for the listing with the seller directly.
- Winning bids are to be paid in full unless otherwise stated in the seller's store policy.
Store Policy Agreement: By bidding on a listing, a buyer agrees to be bound by the seller’s Store Policy and the MorphMarket Default Store Policy. The seller can delete a bid if the buyer does not comply with the applicable Store Policy.
Bid Sniping Prevention: To discourage bid sniping, MorphMarket employs a dynamic bidding system. If a bid is placed within the last 5 minutes of the auction, the auction will automatically reset to 5 minutes. This ensures a fair opportunity for all participants.

Notifications

Buyers and sellers can enable/disable auction notifications and set their notification preferences.

Start by accessing the Notifications page.
- This can be found by opening your user profile menu. Click "Account Settings" then "Notifications."
Scroll down to the bottom section of this page and find the "Auctions" header.
Check/Uncheck the notifications you would like to receive.
Save your changes.