Title: Important to understand “Provisional Bid” and Underbid InvoicingI want to share my experience so other bidders can proceed with caution and clarity.In November 2025, I participated in a vehicle auction hosted via i-bidder. At 13:33 the platform confirmed I was no longer the highest bidder. However, 39 minutes later I received an email from the auctioneer stating “Congratulations, your provisional bid has been accepted” along with an invoice requiring payment within 24 hours by bank transfer.As a bidder, this was confusing because I believed the auction had ended and that I had lost the lot.The matter became complex and required involvement of my banks and further investigation. Ultimately, the auctioneer issued a full refund.My advice to anyone using auction platforms:• Screenshot the lot page before bidding• Check the “Additional Fees” tab carefully• Understand whether underbidders remain bound• Be cautious of short payment deadlines• Clarify in writing how a contract was formedI recognise that i-bidder acts as a platform for independent auctioneers. However, bidders should fully understand how “provisional bid acceptance” works before participating.I hope this helps others avoid confusion and stress
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