Auctions Overview

Sellers can list auctions allowing buyers to place bids on specific listings. MorphMarket offers two types of auctions: Traditional Auctions and Live Auctions.

• Traditional Auctions run for a set period of time, with buyers placing bids until it ends.
• Live Auctions take place in real time during a seller-hosted Live Event, with buyers placing bids as it happens.

This article provides an overview of how auctions work, along with key policies and terms.

For more detailed guidance, we’ve also created additional guides that answer FAQs and walk you through the step-by-step auction process.

Buyer Guides

• How to Bid on Auctions
• Why Can't I Place a Bid?
• Auction Max Bids (Automatic Bidding)

Seller Guides

• Seller Guide: Traditional Auctions
• Seller Guide: Live Events
• Purchasing Additional Auction Credits
• Where Can I see my Auction Credits?

Key Terms

Traditional Auctions run for a set period of time, with buyers placing bids until it ends.

• Run for a set time period between 2 hours and 5 days.
• Approved Sellers with paid memberships receive a set number of auction credits based on their membership type at the start of each calendar month.
  • Each auction credit equals one traditional auction listing.
• Traditional auctions may start at $0, with a starting bid, or include a reserve price.
• Sellers may purchase up to 20 additional traditional auction credits per month through their Subscriptions page.

Live Auctions take place in real time during seller-hosted Live Events.

• Basic + sellers with a store older than 6 months can currently list (1) one live event per month.
  • The current limit is one event per seller per month, but each tier will eventually have different set limits.
• Live Events cost $10 per hour, plus $5 per listing added to the event.
• Sellers may list an unlimited number of auctions during a Live Event.
• Each live auction can run between 1-3 minutes depending on what the seller selects.
• Auctions may start at $0 or with a starting bid.
  • Reserve prices are not available for live auctions.

Flash Sales happen in real time during a seller-hosted Live Event, where the seller sets a special price on a listing and buyers can claim the deal as it happens.

• Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all Live Auction rules apply to Flash Sales.

Starting Bid: This is set by the seller and represents the lowest amount a buyer can bid when an auction begins.

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.
• No auction credit will be issued for auctions that end without a winner.
• Reserve prices are not visible on the ad, but will show a badge/text stating "Reserve Not Met" until the minimum is reached.
• Only available on Traditional Auction ads.

Bid Increments: The minimum dollar amount a buyer must increase the current highest bid by to place a new bid.

• The required increment is based on the auction’s current highest bid.
• Bid increments are as follows:
  • Auctions under $250 – $5 increments
  • Auctions from $250 to $499 – $10 increments
  • Auctions $500 and up – $20 increments

Automatic Bidding (Max Bids): Approved sellers can place "Max Bids" on Traditional Auctions only.

• By entering a Max Bid amount, you are authorizing the system to bid automatically for you up to your entered amount, and understand that if you win the auction, you will be responsible for the final bid amount plus the listed shipping value.

Bid Sniping Prevention: To discourage bid sniping, MorphMarket employs a dynamic bidding system. This ensures a fair opportunity for all participants.

• Traditional Auctions: If a bid is placed within the last 3 minutes of the auction, the auction will automatically reset to 3 minutes.
• Live Auctions: If a bid is placed within the last 10 seconds of the auction, the auction will automatically reset to 10 seconds.

Auction Processes & Policies

All Bids are Final: Auction bids are final. These can not be reversed or undone once bid.

• Failing to follow through on an auction payment will result in a permanent ban from auctions.
• Please use caution when placing bids, and carefully read the confirmation prompts.

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.

Auction Messages: On Traditional Auctions Sellers may enable messages on their auctions.

• Messages are for questions and clarification only and may not be used to negotiate or arrange a sale for the animal listed in that auction outside of the auction process.
• Misuse may result in account action, including loss of auction privileges.
• This is optional, and sellers may choose to disable this feature.

Live Event Chat: On Live Auctions, chat is enabled.

• Live chat may be used for questions and clarification only and may not be used to negotiate or arrange a sale for the animal listed in that auction outside of the auction process.
• Misuse may result in account action, including loss of auction privileges.

Auction Shipping: Sellers can NOT charge any amount over the winning bid amount plus the listed shipping amount, even if posted in the ad description.

• The amount entered in the Domestic Shipping field on an auction listing is the maximum amount a seller can charge the winning bidder for domestic 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.
  • The shipping costs shown on auction listings apply to domestic shipping within the same country only. Regions or territories outside the mainland or standard geographic boundaries of the country are not included in domestic shipping and may incur additional charges.

Auction Win Notifications: Both buyers and sellers will receive notifications via the messenger once the auction has concluded and a buyer has won. This will automatically open a thread between the buyer and the seller to arrange shipping and payment.

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.

Bidding Limitations: New buyers will only be able to bid on one auction every 24 hours. You will be able to place multiple bids on the same auction, but until an animal is marked as "sold to" you, you will be limited to 1 auction every 24 hours.

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.

Auction Rules

MorphMarket permits approved sellers to list auctions. All the rules stated for normal ads apply. Auctions are available in two formats: Traditional Auctions and Live Auctions. Flash Sales conducted during Live Events are considered part of Live Auctions. Except where expressly stated otherwise, the rules in this section apply to all formats, collectively referred to as “Auctions.”

1. All Auctions are final. Failure by either party to comply with or complete an Auction in accordance with these rules may result in corrective action, including account restrictions.
2. MorphMarket reserves the right to void auction results at its sole discretion in cases involving rule violations, fraud, technical errors, or other circumstances that compromise the integrity of the auction.
3. All successful Auction bids must be paid in full within one (1) business day of the Auction ending, unless a longer timeframe is explicitly stated in the seller’s store policy or mutually agreed upon by both parties.
   1. Buyers are required to respond within twenty-four (24) hours of the Auction ending. Failure to respond within this timeframe constitutes non-payment and may be reported by the seller without further notice.
   2. If a buyer responds within the initial twenty-four (24) hour window, they are then granted one (1) full business day to submit payment in full. If payment is not received within that business day, the Auction may be reported for non-payment.
   3. This payment timeframe cannot be shortened
   4. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days.
4. Winning bids must be paid in full unless otherwise stated in the seller's store policy.
   1. Payment in full includes the final auction price and all costs shown on the auction, including shipping.
5. Buyers must arrange payment for the Living Item with the seller directly.
6. Payment must be made using lawful payment methods accepted by the seller, as outlined in the seller’s store policy or otherwise agreed upon between the buyer and seller.
7. If a seller offers payment plans for Auctions, they must clearly state this in their store policy. Any general references to payment plans in the seller’s policy do not apply to Auctions unless specifically mentioned. Otherwise, full payment is required within one (1) business day of the Auction’s end.
8. By bidding on a Living Item, a buyer agrees to be bound by the seller’s store policy or the Default Store Policy. The seller can delete a bid if the buyer does not comply with the applicable store policy.
9. Sellers are not required to sell or ship auctions internationally.

• Sellers may restrict sales based on destination, carrier availability, permits, or personal policy.
• Buyers are responsible for reviewing listing descriptions, Store Policies and shipping limitations before committing to a purchase or placing a bid.

9. Sellers cannot charge more than the winning bid plus the listed domestic shipping amount, even if a higher amount is mentioned in the ad description, unless the winning bidder is located outside the seller’s region.
   • The amount entered in the Shipping field on an auction listing is the maximum domestic shipping amount a seller can charge the winning buyer.
     • Sellers are responsible for entering the highest possible domestic shipping cost in the Shipping field.
     • The shipping costs shown on auction listings apply to domestic shipping within the same country only. Regions or territories outside the mainland or standard geographic boundaries of the country are not included in domestic shipping and may incur additional charges.
   • 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.
10. It is the responsibility of the seller to be aware of and comply with all international, federal, state, and local laws related to or governing Auctions.
11. If a buyer fails to complete an auction transaction for any reason, the seller may cancel the buyer’s winning bid. The seller may relist the same Living Item for Auction at the next opportunity available under the seller’s advertising plan, or list the Living Item as a regular sale listing immediately following the incomplete transaction.
    1. The seller may also report the auction in accordance with MorphMarket’s auction reporting requirements.
       1. Traditional Auctions: MorphMarket may issue an auction credit or allow the seller to offer the item to the next highest bidder.
       2. Live Auctions/Flash Sales: MorphMarket may reimburse the cost of the individual live auction listing, as applicable.
12. If an auction ends without a winner, the seller may relist the same Living Item for auction at the next opportunity available under the seller’s advertising plan, or list the Living Item as a regular sale listing immediately following the incomplete transaction.
    1. Traditional Auctions: The seller will not receive a credit to replace the failed auction.
    2. Live Auctions/Flash Sales: The seller will not be charged for that individual live auction listing.
13. Auction messages and live chat may be used for questions and clarification only. Any attempt to negotiate pricing, arrange a sale outside of the Auction process, or otherwise circumvent the Auction is prohibited and may result in corrective action, including loss of Auction privileges. 
14. All Auction listings must abide the photo policies for regular ads. Placeholder images are not permitted.
15. Live Auctions must comply with the media standards outlined in Section 4 of these rules.
    1. All participants are responsible for ensuring that photos, videos, and live chat content adhere to these standards. 
    2. Violations may result in corrective action, including removal of content, suspension of auction privileges, or account restrictions.
16. ID-verified users may place Max Bids on Traditional Auctions only. 
    1. By submitting a Max Bid, you authorize MorphMarket to automatically place incremental bids on your behalf up to the maximum amount entered. If you win the Auction, you are responsible for the final winning bid amount plus the listed shipping cost.
17. Auctions can not be enabled for crocodilians, Not-Ready animals, and Pet Only animals.
18. Example photos and placeholder listings are not permitted in Live Auctions. All Live Auction listings must represent the exact individual animal being sold. Any substitution, swapping, or misrepresentation at any point during a Live Auction may result in immediate enforcement action, including suspension of auction or selling privileges.