We keep your information yours.

What we collect

When you create an account, we collect your name, email address, and a verified payment method. When you use the platform, we record your bidding activity, won lots, invoices, and notification preferences.

We collect only what's necessary to operate a functioning auction marketplace. We don't ask for more than we need.

How we use your information

Your information is used to:

• Operate your buyer or seller account
• Process payments for lots you win
• Send notifications you've opted into — outbid alerts, win confirmations, auction reminders
• Release pickup details to buyers after payment is confirmed
• Generate payout statements for sellers
• Improve how the marketplace works

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. Your inbox will never be handed to someone else.

Payment security

All payment processing is handled by Stripe, a leading payment platform trusted by millions of businesses worldwide. Advantage.Bid never stores your full card number. Your card data is encrypted within Stripe's secure infrastructure — we receive only a payment token.

When you add a payment method, a temporary authorization under $1 is placed to confirm the card is valid. This authorization is released immediately and is never settled as a charge. It's a standard verification practice used by major marketplaces.

Your bidder identity

Bidders are identified during active auctions by auction-specific paddle numbers — not names or account details. Your identity is private throughout the bidding process. Other buyers and sellers cannot see who you are while the auction is live.

The full pickup address for any auction is only released to winning buyers after payment is confirmed. Other bidders never see it. This protects sellers from unsolicited contact and ensures your address as a seller is only shared with people who have paid.

SMS and email notifications

Email notifications for outbid alerts, win confirmations, and auction reminders are part of normal account operation. SMS notifications are opt-in only — you will never receive text messages unless you explicitly choose to.

You can update your notification preferences in your account settings at any time.

Cookies

We use essential cookies to keep you signed in and maintain your session. We may use basic analytics to understand how the marketplace is used in aggregate. We do not use advertising cookies or third-party tracking for behavioral profiling.