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How to Retract or Remove a Bid

TL;DR

Admins can remove bids directly from the bid history of any item. This is useful when correcting errors, duplicate bids, or handling bidder disputes. Only admins—not bidders—can retract a bid.

Author: Tom Kelly 2 min reads

Why You Might Need to Remove a Bid

There are a few common reasons why removing a bid is necessary:

  • A bidder accidentally entered the wrong amount
  • A bid was placed on the wrong item
  • A duplicate bid occurred
  • A bid came from an ineligible or unverified bidder
  • A bidder withdrew from the auction

Removing the bid restores the previous highest bid and ensures fair, accurate results.

Step 1: Log In to Your Auction Dashboard

  1. Log in to your auction dashboard.
  2. Select the event where the bid was placed.
  3. Go to the Items tab.

Step 2: Open the Item with the Bid

  • Locate the item with the bid you want to remove.
  • Click View Bids or Bid History to see all bids placed on that item.

Step 3: Find the Bid to Retract

  • Review the bid list carefully to confirm the correct bid.
  • Make sure you’re selecting the right bidder and amount.

Step 4: Click “Remove” or “Retract”

  • Click the Remove Bid or Retract button next to the unwanted bid.
  • Confirm your choice when prompted.
  • The system will automatically restore the previous highest bid (if applicable).

Step 5: Verify the Update

  • The item page will update with the new current bid.
  • The bidder will no longer appear as the high bidder.
  • If this was the only bid, the item will be listed as no current bid.

Step 6: Notify the Bidder (Optional)

  • If appropriate, notify the bidder that their bid was removed.
  • This can help prevent confusion during the auction.

Pro Tips for Removing Bids

  • Only admins can remove bids—bidders can’t retract them directly.
  • Keep a record of removed bids for reporting and dispute resolution.
  • Act quickly if a bid was placed in error to keep the auction fair.
  • If the item had multiple bids, the next highest bid automatically becomes the leading bid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bidder remove their own bid?

No. Only admins can retract or remove a bid. Bidders must contact the event organizer for help.

What happens when I remove a bid?

The removed bid is deleted, and the previous highest bid becomes the current bid. If it was the only bid, the item shows no current bid.

Can I restore a bid after removing it?

No. Once removed, a bid can’t be restored. If needed, the bidder can place a new bid manually.

Will the bidder be notified when their bid is removed?

Not automatically. You can choose to notify them manually to avoid confusion.

Can I remove multiple bids on the same item?

Yes. You can remove multiple bids as needed, one at a time, from the bid history.

Does removing a bid affect reporting?

Yes. Removed bids will no longer be counted in reports, totals, or bid history exports.

Can I remove a bid after the auction ends?

Yes. You can retract bids after the auction closes, but you may need to manually reassign the winner.

Will the bid removal be logged?

Yes. The removal action is logged in your admin history for accountability and reporting.

Can I remove a winning bid?

Yes. If needed, you can remove the winning bid and reassign the item to another bidder or leave it unsold.

Will removing a bid reopen bidding?

No. Removing a bid does not reopen the auction. It only updates the bid history and current bid status.

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Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly, TEDx speaker and CEO of CharityAuctions.com, helps nonprofits raise millions through auctions and AI. He hosts The Million Dollar Nonprofit podcast and inspires leaders to live their legacy, not just leave it.

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