Proxy bidding, also called absentee bidding, is an option that allows a bidder who cannot attend an auction to set a maximum price that he would be willing to pay for an item. The system (or the auctioneer) will then automatically bid for him by the bid increment until someone places a bid higher than this maximum price. Note: Many collectors do not trust that auction houses are not artificially raising the bidding to the maximum of their proxy bid, since the house can see the bidder's maximum. Thus, most collectors recommend bidding live by phone, internet, or in person.