When an auction has a reserve price, the item only sells automatically if bidding reaches that amount. If it does not, the listing ends unsuccessful. Sellers can still choose to offer the item to the highest bidder.
What a reserve price is
A reserve price is the minimum a seller is willing to accept. Bidders do not see the reserve amount on the listing.
If bidding ends below reserve
The item does not sell automatically. The seller can offer it to the highest bidder, or relist it.
Sellers: to send that offer, see Can we offer an item to the highest bidder if it doesn’t meet reserve?
If you are the highest bidder
You are not required to accept a seller’s offer when the reserve was not met. Declining will not penalize your account. If you accept, the listing is updated to show you as the winning bidder and the sale follows the original listing terms.
The highest bidder typically has 2 days to respond. Stay attentive after the auction closes in case an offer is sent.
Proxy bidding and reserve
If you want to try to meet the reserve, enter a maximum (proxy) bid for the most you are willing to spend. Municibid only raises your bid as much as needed to meet the reserve or stay ahead of other bidders, whichever comes first, up to your maximum.