You must log in, before placing a bid. If you have not registered, you will need to create a new account. 
Once you find an item you are interested in bidding on, click on the title link to get onto the listing page. Look for the box that says "place bid". Enter your maximum amount you are willing to pay straight away. The way the auction system works, is that the system will enter the minimum possible bid automatically on your behalf.

We suggest you learn as much information as possible about any item you are interested in. Please read our “Help” section in case you are wondering what certain terminology means. One of the important aspects to understand is that you should always place your maximum bid straight away. This way, you cannot spend any more than you are willing to spend, and if you lose out to another bidder, at least you can gain some satisfaction from sticking to your budget.

The Fire Protection Auctions system is designed to always enter the lowest possible bid on your behalf. For example, if an item has no other bids, and a minimum bid of $25, and you enter a bid of $50, your actual bid will drop to $25. The system remembers your maximum bid amount just in case anyone else places a bid, and will bid on your behalf up to your limit if required.

Some items may have a reserve price. This simply means that the seller has a preset bid amount that must be matched or exceeded. The reserve price is hidden, however it states at the top of the item whether the reserve has been matched or not. Additionally if you place a bid on a reserve price item, you will be notified if you met the reserve price.

If the reserve is not met before the auction closes, any bids will remain, however the auction will restart its countdown and will remain unsold.

Once you have submitted your confirmed bid, it cannot be retracted except in the case of obvious typographical errors or an error in the item's listing. In this case, e-mail us with all applicable information, including your username, the type of error, and the item's listing number. Fire Protection Auctions will review your request and make a determination based on the information you provide.

Item watch is a built-in tool that allows you to track any auction in our system. You can add an item to your watch list when logged in, by simply clicking "Watch This Item" when viewing the item. When an item on your watch list receives a new bid, you will be instantly alerted by email. You can manage your watch list by clicking on "Watched Items" located in the Members Area when logged in.

5 Top Tips for Selling!

1) Be as descriptive as possible when you list your items. Potential bidders always ask the question you least expect, so the more information you provide about your product, the faster they can start bidding.

2) Photos and description sell auctions! A scanner or digital camera may be your best investment. Visit a local store and save the scanned files to a usb or disk. Be sure to save the file in JPG format.

3) Check feedback. It's not only the buyer that has to be sure the seller's reputable, but the seller has to be sure that the buyer pays on time and stays in touch. Check and double check.

4) Before you send out notices to winning bidders, check their feedback, set strong but reasonable deadlines, warn them, but don't be afraid to re-list if you feel the person isn't going to pay. Just make sure to set the rules up front.

5) When you bid on an auction or list an item, be aware of when the auction ends and check for notices. Don't let too much time lapse. You should be responsible by following and closing transactions in a timely manner.