What is a "bid increment" in auction terms?

A "bid increment" refers to the minimum amount by which a bid must increase over the previous bid placed on an item during an auction. This concept is crucial for maintaining order and ensuring that bidding remains competitive and fair. Bid increments help to establish clear guidelines for how participants can increase their bids, which enhances the overall structure of the auction.

For example, if the current highest bid is $100 and the established bid increment is $10, the next bid must be at least $110. This system prevents bidders from making overly small increases that could lead to confusion or prolong the auction unnecessarily. Understanding bid increments is essential for both bidders and auctioneers, as it helps to manage the flow of the auction effectively and keeps the bidding process transparent.