# Auction guides

AuctionFinder has 4 guides on auction houses, online auction platforms and government surplus auction programs, grouped by country.

## United States

- [Auction fraud and shill bidding: what to watch for](https://auctionfinder.fyi/guides/auction-fraud-and-shill-bidding.md): The common fraud patterns in online auctions - non-delivery, bid siphoning, second-chance offers and shill bidding - and the checks that protect you.
- [Buying from government surplus auctions](https://auctionfinder.fyi/guides/buying-from-government-surplus-auctions.md): US federal and state surplus programs sell vehicles, equipment and seized or surplus property to the public through online auctions and contracted auction houses.

## General

- [How auction buyer's premiums work](https://auctionfinder.fyi/guides/how-buyers-premiums-work.md): The hammer price is never the price you pay. This guide explains the buyer's premium, how tiered schedules work and what else lands on the invoice.
- [How to choose an auction house or platform](https://auctionfinder.fyi/guides/how-to-choose-an-auction-house.md): Match the entity to what you want to buy, then compare the bidding formats, the published buyer's premium and the payment terms before you register.

> **Not financial advice.** auctionfinder.fyi is a directory, not an auctioneer, an appraiser or a financial or legal adviser. A listing is not a recommendation. Buyer's premiums, bidding rules and payment terms come from the source named on each listing and were last checked on the date shown; they change, so confirm them with the house or program before you bid or pay. Beware of auction fraud and shill bidding: never wire money or pay by gift card to a seller you cannot verify, and walk away when a price is run up by a bidder who never buys. To report a mistake, write to hello@auctionfinder.fyi.