Auction glossaryWhat Is a Lot in an Auction? Lots and Lot Numbers Explained
A lot is an item, or a group of items, offered for sale as a single unit in an auction and identified by a lot number. You bid on the lot as a whole and pay one hammer price for everything in it, whether it's one dining table or a box of 40 hand tools.
What can be in an auction lot?
A lot can be one piece, a matched set, or a mixed group the house has bundled together, often called a box lot. Read the description and photos closely, because you win exactly what's listed: a lot of shelf contents means everything on the shelf, including the parts nobody wanted.
How do lot numbers work?
Lot numbers give each unit a fixed place in the auction catalog and on your invoice. In timed online sales they usually set the closing order too, with lot 1 closing first, often with a gap between each, called lot stagger. On Auktia, lots are called items and lot numbers show as item numbers, like #14. Each item shows its photos, whether it has a minimum price (reserve), and whether it ships or is pickup only.
Questions people ask
Can I buy just one item from a lot?
No. A lot sells as one unit to one winning bidder. If you only want one piece, factor the rest, or what it might resell for, into your bid.
What does times the money mean on a lot?
It means your bid is per item and is multiplied by the quantity. A $20 bid on 4 chairs sold times the money costs $80 before fees, so read the description.
Where do I start if I'm new to bidding on lots?
Our guide to how online auctions work covers registering, bidding and pickup step by step.