Operations
What to do when an auction winner doesn't pay
When an auction winner doesn't pay within the payment window, Auction Now can automatically offer the item to the next-highest bidder at their bid, and merchants can ban repeat non-payers from bidding on their store.
By the Auction Now team · Updated September 19, 2026 · 4 min read
Every auction seller eventually hits it: the auction ends, the winner gets the checkout link, and nothing happens. On marketplaces you file a case and wait. On your own store you have better tools.
Prevention first
- Require sign-in. Auction Now only accepts bids from signed-in customer accounts, so every bidder has a real email tied to your store.
- Say the rules out loud. A line like *"Winners are emailed a checkout link and have 24 hours to pay. Unpaid wins go to the next bidder."* in your descriptions sets expectations.
- Send reminders. The winner gets the checkout email immediately; a follow-up from you the next morning resolves most cases.
What Auction Now does automatically
- The winner is emailed a checkout link the moment the auction ends.
- A payment window starts (24 hours by default, adjustable in settings).
- If it expires unpaid, the app can move the win to the next-highest bidder at their bid and email them a fresh checkout link.
- You can ban a bidder from your store's auctions from the bidders page, which blocks future bids from that account.
You're never charged for an unpaid win
The 5% success fee is billed only when a draft order is actually paid. An unpaid auction costs you nothing, and relisting is one click.
Free to install. No monthly fee — a 5% success fee only when an auction sells.
Install on Shopify