Starting with the July 9, 2025 auction
The auction will be switched to an ascending bid format.
In an ascending-bid auction, bidding starts at the "starting bid price".Multiple bidders place bids by offering at least the minimum increment above the current bid. The bidder who places the highest bid wins the auction.
Because price changes can be tracked in real time, bidders can monitor the current status and make informed decisions, leading to transactions at satisfactory prices.
What is the minimum add-on amount?
The minimum add-on amount is the smallest amount you must add to the current bid. It ensures that bidding progresses in reasonable price steps and helps maintain fairness and efficiency throughout the auction process.
Basic Rules for Bidding
Bids must be in increments of 1,000 yen.
All bid amounts must be in units of 1,000 yen. Fractional amounts are not accepted.
Bids must be at least the current price + the minimum add-on amount.
To be valid, your bid must be equal to or higher than this total amount.
Bids cannot be canceled once placed
Once submitted, bids cannot be changed or canceled. Please enter your bid carefully.
Automatic time extension for last-minute bids.
If a bid is placed within the last five minutes of the auction, the closing time will be automatically extended by five minutes. (Up to a maximum of 23:59:00 JST)
Some items can be won at the immediate purchase price.
Certain items should be sold immediately if you bid the 'Instant Buyout' price.
If the reserve price is not met, the item enters negotiation.
If the final bid does not reach the minimum bid price, the item will enter a pending negotiation phase. The seller will then decide whether to approve or reject the transaction.
What is the minimum bid price?
The minimum bid price is the lowest price set in advance by the seller at which an item can be sold. If the highest bid does not reach this price, the sale will not be completed.
What is the starting bid price?
The starting bid price is the initial amount at which bidding begins, set by us based on the inspection. Bidding starts at this price, and subsequent bids must be at least the minimum bid increment above the current bid.
How Prices Are Determined
The final result will vary depending on whether "minimum bid price" is set or not and whether there are multiple bids. Please refer to the flowchart below for details.
Why isn’t the highest bid price always the winning price?
At KOMEHYO auctions, the highest bidder is the winner, but the actual winning bid price is determined by how much the next highest bidder offered. This means the price reflects genuine demand—not an attempt to artificially raise the price—but results from fair competition among buyers. This is the fundamental mechanism of auctions.
Pricing Patterns
