Context
Proxy-bid allows bidders to set a maximum amount they are willing to pay for an item, and the system automatically bids on their behalf, incrementally increasing the bid until it reaches that maximum amount or wins the auction, allowing the bidder to participate without constantly monitoring the bidding process.
Problem
Many users struggled to understand proxy bidding, leading them to bid manually and risk missing opportunities, ultimately reducing auction house revenue. Additionally, when multiple proxy bids competed, users were often unaware they were instantly outbid, mistakenly believing they were in the lead.
Solution
- Clearer Proxy Bidding Explanation – Added accessible help resources and prompt explaining how proxy bidding works.
- Clear Outbid Modal – Implemented a visible modal when a user is instantly outbid by another proxy bid.
- Improved Bid History Transparency – Enhanced the bid history view to clearly highlight proxy bids vs. manual bids, making it easier to understand why an outbid occurred.
- User-Tested Copy Improvements – Revised button labels and tooltips to make proxy bidding terminology more intuitive.
Proxy bidding adoption increased by 25%, leading to more competitive bidding.
Reduction in customer support inquiries related to confusion over proxy bidding mechanics.
More engagement with high-value lots, as bidders trusted the system to handle incremental bidding rather than manually tracking it.
