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School of Computing Auction
How it Works
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Entering the Auction
Using the School of Computing Auction system is pretty straightforward. You are presented with a list of lots. Each lot is a separate item (or collection of items) on which you can bid if you wish.
For each lot, you can see the current highest bid, and if you click on the lot's short description you will be presented with a more detailed description. Read the description carefully, and if you're prepared to spend more on this lot than the current bid then you can place a bid yourself.
Placing a Bid
Make sure you read the lot's details. If you're happy to bid on the lot then scroll down the lot's page and you will find a section entitled Place a Bid. The form is pre-filled with the lowest amount you can bid, but you can bid more if you wish.
Check you're happy with the amount and change it if necessary, then click on the Place Bid button.
You'll then be presented with a confirmation page. Read the page, and then press the Confirm Bid button. Having confirmed the bid, and assuming the no-one has out-bid you in the mean time, you are now committed to buying that lot should you remain the highest bidder when the lot closes.
You'll know if you're outbid, as the system will send you email (unless you tell it not to by unticking the Notify me by e-mail box). You can also revisit the auction pages and use your browser's refresh to see how your lots are doing.
Winning Bids
You win a particular lot by being the highest bidder when that lot closes. The closing time and date for each lot is listed, but that date and time is the earliest that the lot can close. The closing time can slide: a lot will close when the closing time has passed and there has been no bid for five minutes. This means that if people continue to bid for a lot it will remain open - much like a real physical auction.
Beware
By bidding on a particular lot, you agree to pay for it. This is a binding contract that holds for as long as you are still the winning bidder. So, unless someone bids more than you before the closing date and time, you are committed to paying. Please only bid on several lots at the same time if you're prepared for the fact that you may actually win all of those lots.