Guide · Selling your unused gear
How to set a starting bid that attracts bidders
How to choose a starting bid for your auction on Bids Kenya (KSh 500 to 25,000, in steps of KSh 50), with worked examples of what you receive after the 10% commission.
There is no reserve price on Bids Kenya: the item sells to the highest bidder, whatever the final price. That makes the starting bid the most important number on your listing.
The rules
- The starting bid is between KSh 500 and KSh 25,000, in multiples of KSh 50.
- Auctions run for 3 to 10 days.
- Once the auction is live, the price cannot be changed.
- There is no reserve. If the only bid is the starting bid, that is the sale price.
How to choose
- Start at the lowest price you would genuinely be happy to accept, because you may get nothing higher.
- A lower start attracts more bidders, and bidding competition often lifts the price.
- Look at what similar items are listed for, and what a new one costs.
- Be honest about condition. A fair description at a fair start gets more bids than a high start with a long list of caveats.
What you receive
Bids Kenya keeps a 10% commission. You receive 90% of the winning price once the buyer confirms receipt, less any disclosed payout fees.
Example: if the winning bid is KSh 2,000, the commission is KSh 200 and you receive KSh 1,800. If the winning bid is KSh 5,000, you receive KSh 4,500.
Frequently asked questions
Can I set a reserve price?
No. An auction is a starting bid and a closing time.
What if my item does not sell?
You can renew it from My listings in your dashboard, with a new duration and, if you like, a lower starting bid.
Related
Ready to list your item?
Listing is free. An administrator reviews it before it goes live.