How SmartBid Works

Welcome to SmartBid! We're an exciting new auction game where you can win great products for pennies! Our auction format is different from traditional sites such as eBay and penny auctions, keep reading and we'll fill you in:

How do our auctions work?

At SmartBid, it's the lowest, unique bid that wins. Here’s an example - let's say at the end of an auction, the bidding looks something like this:
How-it-works

First, we take away all the non-unique bids. We are left with 3 and 5 cents. Since 3 cents is lowest among all the unique bids - it wins!

Each bid requires a small bidding fee starting at $0.75. Once approximately half of the bids have been placed, the cost doubles. Also, our auction closes as soon as the maximum number of bids allocated for the auction is reached instead of a timer counting down. If you are used to the traditional penny auction format, this is different! There is no timer. But there is a lot of strategy that goes into when you bid, and how you bid. Read on and you can also become one of our many winners who save over 90% on brand new iPads, iPhones and more!

How do I play?

Register for an account – new members receive $3 free to get started!
Buy some bids
Find a product to bid on - all our products are brand new factory sealed items. We suggest you start with our beginner auction first, and start small until you get the hang of it.
Place your bid - we will immediately inform you whether it is the lowest unique bid. We'll also provide hints to help you find or keep the lowest unique bid.
Most of our regular auctions are "Early Bids Back" auctions (look for the shield with a $ icon). You can place bids during the early phase of the auction, and get all of your early bids back if you do not win! This is a great way to understand the game - do take full advantage of it and bid as many early bids allowed.
If you have the lowest unique bid when auction closes, you win!

What happens when I win?

In addition to the bids you placed, you pay the final auction price and the brand new factory sealed product is yours!
Shipping is always fast and for most products free - we'll send your item out within a week.
While every auction is different, typically our winners save 90% or more on retail.

What happens if I don't win?

Don’t worry, we will return back every dollar you spent in bids as reward credits.
You can redeem your reward credits for big discounts in our reward store to buy exciting products or you can play in our reward auctions to win gift cards, regular bid packages and much more.
You got nothing to lose! Put your game hats on! Play Smart and Win Big!

Smart Bidding Strategy

Read our Hints and Strategies page before bidding to craft your own strategy.

How SmartBid Works

Smart Bidding Strategy

Questions?