What Are Auctions?
Auctions let sellers list products for a limited time while buyers compete by placing bids. When the auction ends, the highest bidder wins—or a buyer can skip bidding entirely by choosing Buy Now.
Auctions run on Tambala Market during scheduled windows to keep things fair, active, and exciting.
For Sellers: Sell Faster, Reach More Buyers
Auctions are designed to help sellers move products quickly and attract attention.
With auctions, you can:
Create excitement around your products
Let buyers compete, potentially increasing the final price
Use Buy Now for instant sales
Pay no fees if your item doesn’t sell
How to Create an Auction
Go to Seller Dashboard → Auctions → Create Auction
Select one of your approved products
Set starting price and buy now price (optional)
Submit for approval
Once approved, your auction goes live automatically in the next auction window.
For Buyers: Bid or Buy Instantly
Auctions give buyers more ways to shop.
You can:
Browse all live auctions in one place
Place bids and compete with others in real time
Use Buy Now to purchase immediately at a fixed price
Get notified if you’re outbid or if you win
How Bidding Works
Each new bid must be higher than the current one
If someone bids in the last 2 minutes, the auction extends by 2 minutes
This prevents last-second bidding and keeps things fair
If you win, you have 24 hours to complete payment.
Auction Schedule (Important)
To keep auctions active and competitive, they run only during set times:
Monday: 12:00–16:00
Wednesday: 12:00–16:00
Friday: 12:00–16:00
Auctions approved outside these hours are scheduled for the next window automatically.
Buy Now: Skip the Bidding
Some auctions include a Buy Now option.
Buy the product instantly at a fixed price
The auction ends immediately
No waiting, no competition
This option disappears once bidding reaches the Buy Now price.
Payments, Security, and Fairness
Winners pay securely using mobile money
Sellers are notified immediately after payment
Auctions end automatically—no manual handling
Anti-snipe protection ensures fair bidding
If a buyer doesn’t pay within 24 hours, the system handles it automatically.
What If an Item Doesn’t Sell?
If no one bids:
The auction ends as unsold
You are not charged
You can relist the product anytime
How to Get Started
Sellers:
Go to your dashboard, create your first auction, and let buyers compete.
Buyers:
Visit the auctions page, place your bids, or grab a deal instantly with Buy Now.
Auctions on Tambala Market make buying and selling more dynamic, fair, and exciting. Sellers get more visibility and faster sales. Buyers get better deals and more choice.
Start bidding. Start selling. Auctions are live.
Originally published on Tambala Market.