Auctions — sell anything, even when you don't know the price
4 min read
Anyone can run an auction on Kuralew — you don't need a shop or a verified badge. Auctions are perfect when you have no idea what something is worth: an old piano, an heirloom, a one-of-a-kind item. Instead of guessing a price, you let interested buyers compete, and the market settles on a fair value for you. This guide walks through the whole flow so you can post with confidence.
Steps
- 1
Choose “Auction”
When posting a listing, pick Auction as the price type. Add clear photos and an honest description — that's what gets people bidding.
- 2
Not sure what it's worth? Use “No minimum”
If you have no idea on price, turn on “No minimum”. Bidding opens low and buyers drive the price up to its true value. Where we have data for similar items, we'll also suggest a sensible starting bid you can accept or change.
- 3
Protect yourself with a reserve (optional)
A reserve is a hidden minimum: if bidding doesn't reach it, the item won't sell. Buyers never see the number — only whether the reserve has been met. When we have enough data, we suggest a reserve so a valuable item can't sell for far too little.
- 4
Prove you have the item
To keep auctions trustworthy, we ask for a quick proof photo: write the Kuralew code we show you on a piece of paper, place it next to the item, and snap a picture. This proves the item is really in your hands — not a stock photo. Listings with a clear proof go live faster.
- 5
Pick a duration & publish
Choose how long the auction runs (a few hours up to 7 days). Your auction is reviewed and then goes live; buyers see the current top bid and a live countdown.
- 6
At close
When the timer ends, the highest bid wins (as long as any reserve is met) and an order is created so you can arrange handover. If the reserve isn't met, or nobody bids, nothing sells — you can simply relist.
Good to know
- Open to everyone — no shop or verification needed
- “No minimum” lets the market find the price for you
- An optional hidden reserve protects valuable items
- A proof photo with your Kuralew code keeps auctions honest
- Highest bid at close wins, if the reserve is met
Common questions
I genuinely don't know the price. What do I set?
Turn on “No minimum”. Bidding starts low and rises to what buyers will actually pay. If you're nervous about it going too cheap, add a reserve as a safety net.
What's the difference between a starting bid and a reserve?
The starting bid is the public opening price everyone sees. The reserve is a hidden minimum — if the top bid is below it, the item doesn't sell. You can use either, both, or neither.
Why do I need a proof photo?
Because anyone can auction anything, the proof photo (your item next to the Kuralew code on paper) shows you actually have it. It builds buyer trust and helps your listing pass review quickly.
What if no one bids, or the reserve isn't met?
Nothing sells and you owe nothing. You can relist it — often a fresh start time or better photos helps.
Should I cancel an active auction?
Avoid it — cancelling mid-auction hurts buyer trust. Set terms you're comfortable with up front (that's what the reserve is for).