Auctions - How do they work
Auctions are an exciting way to shop and score great products at competitive prices. If you’re new to auctions, or just want a quick refresher, this guide walks you through exactly how our auction process works, from bidding to checkout.
The Basic Auction Setup
Our auctions work just like standard online auctions you may already be familiar with:
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Each product is listed with a starting bid.
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Customers place bids, and the highest bid at the end of the auction wins.
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You can track your bids and auction status directly from your account.
Buy It Now (Buyout Price)
Don’t want to wait until the auction ends? Some auctions include a Buyout Price.
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Selecting the buyout price allows you to purchase the product immediately.
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You’ll be redirected straight to checkout.
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Once the buyout is completed, the auction ends and the item is no longer available for bidding.
What Happens When You Win an Auction
If you win an auction by placing the highest bid, congratulations! 🎉
Here’s what happens next:
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After the auction ends, the checkout option becomes available approximately 20–30 minutes later.
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You can complete your purchase by:
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Clicking “Won Auctions” in the top menu, or
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Going to My Account → Auctions → My Winning Bids.
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From there, simply follow the checkout steps to complete your order.
Payment Window: 24 Hours to Checkout
Once you win an auction, you’ll have 24 hours to complete payment.
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If payment is completed within this time, the item is yours.
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If payment is not completed within 24 hours, the item will be offered to the next highest bidder.
To avoid missing out, we recommend checking your account shortly after an auction ends.
Final Tips for a Smooth Auction Experience
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Keep an eye on auction end times so you know when to expect checkout access.
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Make sure your account details and payment method are ready ahead of time.
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If you’re eager to secure an item, consider using the buyout option when available.
Happy bidding, and good luck in your next auction! If you have any questions, our support team is always here to help.
Latest Articles
Secure purchases backed by experience and support.
The Impound is a secure store, not a marketplace. Every item comes from our own stock and is backed by our customer protection policy, fast delivery standards, and a support team made up of veteran Star Citizen players.
Most items are delivered in around 6 minutes, with standalone ships and vehicles usually delivered in under 30 minutes.
We have been serving the Star Citizen community for over 13 years, giving buyers confidence in our process, consistency, and long-term reputation.
Secure store
The Impound is not a marketplace. All items come directly from our own stock and are fully protected by our customer protection policy.
Extremely fast delivery
Our delivery is extremely fast, with an average of around 6 minutes for most items and under 30 minutes for standalone ships and vehicles.
Veteran support team
Our support team is made up of veteran Star Citizen players who understand the game, the buying process, and the details customers care about most.
Over 13 years
We have been on the market for more than 13 years, giving customers a stronger sense of trust, stability, and experience.
Helpful pages
Here are some useful guides and articles in case you want to learn more!