Auction bidding area
Under the current price, in the panel where you place your bid.
Buyer's Fees
Our pricing is clear, up-front, and transparent
Creating an account and bidding are free. A buyer's fee is charged only to the winning bidder, and you can see it before you bid.
Before you bid
Where can I see what the Buyer's Fee is?
The current Buyer's Fee is always shown on the auction's listing page, under the current price. You will also see the Buyer's Fee amount for your bid on the step where you confirm it.
Auction details area
Listed as Buyer's Fee with the rest of the auction's details.
Confirm bid step
The fee amount you will pay for the bid you entered, before you confirm it.
The math
How We Calculate Our Buyer's Fees
A buyer’s fee (a percentage of the winning bid amount) is charged directly to the winning bidder when each auction closes, on the credit card you entered before placing the bid. You pay the selling agency directly for the full cost of the item (unless otherwise noted).
All buyer’s fees are aggregate unless otherwise noted. This means that after you cross certain price thresholds, you pay a different buyer’s fee on the remaining amount.
9% Buyer’s Fee example
- 9%on the amount from $1 to $99,999.99
- 6%on the amount from $100,000 to $499,999.99
- 4%on the amount over $500,000
- 9% of $10,000
Buyer’s fee = $900
- 9% of $50,000
Buyer’s fee = $4,500
- 9% of $100,000 = $9,000
- + 6% of $50,000 = $3,000
Buyer’s fee = $12,000
- 9% of $100,000 = $9,000
- + 6% of $400,000 = $24,000
- + 4% of $50,000 = $2,000
Buyer’s fee = $35,000
Fair warning: all sales are final
You are legally obligated to pay for your item per the terms of the seller if you are the high bidder at the close of auction. If you do not pay for your item, you will not receive a refund of your buyer’s final sale fee, you will no longer be permitted to bid on municibid.com and will be subject to a penalty of 40% of the winning bid amount. If your credit card is declined for insufficient funds, you will be charged a $50 fee.
Good questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a selling agency rejects my bid?
On Municibid, selling agencies have the final authority to accept or reject the final bid. If the selling agency rejects your bid, your buyer’s fee will be immediately refunded to you.
What are reserve prices?
A reserve price is the minimum amount a selling agency is willing to accept for an item. If the highest bid does not meet the reserve, the item will not end with a winning bidder. Reserve prices are set by the selling agency and are not publicly disclosed. If the reserve price is met or exceeded, the highest bidder will be the winning bidder and is expected to complete the purchase.
When are buyer’s fees charged?
Buyer’s fees are automatically charged to the credit card on file immediately after the auction closes. The fee is a percentage of the winning bid and is paid directly to Municibid.
What are the consequences of non-payment?
Failure to pay either the buyer’s fee or for the item you won is a serious violation of Municibid’s terms. Municibid has a strict zero-tolerance policy for defaulting on won items. Defaulting on an item you have won will result in forfeiture of the buyer’s fee, permanent restriction from bidding with Municibid, and possible legal action.
How are refunds handled?
Refunds are only issued under specific circumstances. Municibid will refund the buyer’s fee if the selling agency formally rejects the bid, or if the sale is cancelled between the selling agency and the bidder. Refunds are not granted due to bidder error, failure to read item details, or non-payment. If you believe you are eligible for a refund, please contact Municibid support for assistance.
Support, any hour
We offer exceptional customer support, any time you need it.
We take great pride in delivering the absolute best customer service. We designed Municibid to be intuitive and easy to use, and when you do need a hand we are here 24/7/365 through our support page, online chat, email and phone.
Help & Support
Answers to the questions bidders and sellers ask most, with a Municibid expert a message away.
Visit SupportReady to bid?
No cost to join, and no surprises when you win.
Create a free account, find something you like, and check the Buyer's Fee on its listing before you place a bid.