Summary
With a maximum bid on Route 66 Auctions, you stay in control while the system handles the bidding for you. It’s the easiest and fastest way to increase your chances of winning your desired lot.
Key points:
• You set the maximum amount you’re willing to bid.
• Route 66 Auctions’ software automatically bids on your behalf when another bidder places a higher offer, always using the smallest possible increment.
• You remain the highest bidder without constantly following the auction.
• Once your limit is reached, the system stops bidding automatically and you receive an email notification that you’re no longer the highest bidder.
• Your maximum bid is private – only you can see it.
• You can increase, but not lower or cancel, your maximum bid.
How it works
You decide the maximum amount you’re willing to pay for a vehicle. Route 66 Auctions’ software will then automatically place the next minimum bid on your behalf, keeping you in the lead without monitoring the auction continuously.
When another bidder places a higher bid, the system automatically bids again for you in the smallest possible increment, but never above your set limit. Once another bidder exceeds your maximum, you’ll immediately receive a notification so you can decide whether to bid again.
Why does my bid sometimes jump straight to the maximum amount?
• Another bidder has a maximum bid close to your limit, so your bid increases to just above theirs.
• Another bidder has set the same maximum limit — in that case, the first bidder to set it remains in the lead.
• Another bidder has a higher maximum than yours — your bid is placed immediately up to your limit to stay as close as possible.
In all cases, the system never exceeds your limit — you remain in full control of your maximum amount.
How to set a maximum bid
You can easily set your maximum bid directly on the lot page:
- Click ‘Maximum Bid’.
- Enter the maximum amount you’re willing to pay.
- Click ‘Place Bid’ to confirm.
From that moment, the system automatically bids for you in the smallest increments until your limit is reached. If you’re outbid, the system continues bidding on your behalf up to your set maximum.
Can I change or cancel my maximum bid?
Once placed, a bid — including a maximum bid — cannot be withdrawn or lowered. This ensures a fair bidding process for all participants, just like on other auction platforms.
You can, however, increase your maximum bid at any time. Simply enter a new higher amount, and your previous limit will be automatically replaced.
What happens when my limit is reached?
Once your set limit is reached, the system stops bidding automatically and notifies you by email. You can then decide whether to raise your limit or continue bidding manually.
Who can see my maximum bid?
Your maximum bid is completely private. Only you can view your limit — neither the seller nor other bidders have access to it.
In the bid history on the lot page, only the actual bids appear; it’s not visible whether a bid was placed automatically or manually.
Can I place a maximum bid if I’m already the highest bidder?
Yes. A maximum bid helps you maintain your lead without monitoring the auction constantly. If you’re already the highest bidder, the system will only bid again on your behalf once someone else places a higher bid.
What if I place a maximum bid in the final minute of the auction?
If you place a maximum bid within the last minute, the auction time automatically extends by 3 minutes. This gives other bidders a fair chance to respond.
If another bid is placed and your maximum hasn’t been reached, the system will continue to bid for you and extend the auction by another 3 minutes each time new bids are made.
