Testing Updates to Alt Auctions Extended Bidding

After hearing feedback from our community, we’re testing out removing the 10-second timer phase of Extended Bidding. While it was intended to keep auctions moving, it created inconsistencies and moments that didn’t meet our standards for reliability or user confidence.

‍

Our engineering team is fully focused on making Alt Auctions the most consistent and stable experience in the hobby. If you’re not fully aware of what Extended Bidding is, let’s get into it! Every Thursday at 9pm ET / 6pm PT, Alt Auctions enters Extended Bidding; this is the final stage of each weekly auction where competition heats up and bids come in fast.

‍

‍

💥 Bidding is open for everyone

Extended Bidding is open to all — no qualifying bids are required. Once the timer begins, anyone can join in and place a bid at any time.

⏰ How the timer works

When any card in the auction receives a bid, the entire auction timer resets to 0. The auction only ends once no new bids are placed across any items. This structure ensures fairness and gives every bidder a chance to respond in real time.

🕐 Why we're taking out the 10-second timer

While the 10-second phase was originally meant to keep auctions moving quickly, it has created inconsistent experiences and moments of confusion. Removing it simplifies the close, strengthens stability, and helps ensure a more reliable bidding flow for everyone participating. This is a testing phase for us and we're hoping to get it right for you!

🏦 Payment periods after auction close

Once the auction ends, buyers have a short window to finalize payment details:

• Under $10K: 1 hour to update payment method
• Over $10K: 5 days to update payment method
• If checkout isn’t initiated within that period, the payment method on file will be charged automatically.

✂️ Half bidding on high-value cards

One hour into Extended Bidding, half bids are activated on all cards priced at $20,000 or more. These smaller increments make it easier for bidders to stay competitive on high-end items and are automatically reflected on the bid page.

🚨 The fastest Extended Bidding in the hobby

Every 30 minutes, the Extended Bidding timer speeds up, keeping the action moving while maintaining fairness and transparency. With this latest update, Alt continues to deliver one of the shortest and most efficient Extended Bidding experiences in the industry.

‍

‍

At Alt, we’re building a platform collectors can trust; one that’s fast, fair, and reliable from the first bid to the final close. Thank you for continuing to share your feedback and helping us shape the future of Alt Auctions.

‍