Set the maximum amount you're willing to pay for the item. This amount is kept secret and is referred to as the proxy bid. If your maximum bid is outbid by another bidder, you will be notified by email. But, realize that notification could happen minutes or seconds before the close of an auction. So if you really want something, you should bid the maximum amount you're willing to pay for the item when you make your first bid.
Bidding automatically ends when the auction does.
The high bidder and seller should contact each other within 3 business days of the end of the auction. It's a good idea to check your email or phone regularly after the auction. If you're the high bidder, and the seller can't reach you within this time, he or she may contact the next-highest bidder and sell the item to that person. Pay the seller promptly. The seller will send you the item usually upon receipt of payment or once your check clears-depending upon the specific terms of your auction.