Second chances

What happens if an auction winner doesn't pay?

On Hunters, a no-show winner doesn't kill the sale. After a 72-hour patience window (with the option of one final 24-hour extension), the seller records the sale as fallen through — the no-show goes on the buyer's account — and can then offer the item to the second-highest bidder at that bidder's own highest bid, and to the third-highest if the second declines. Runners-up carry a '2nd chance' badge on their bid history and are notified if the offer comes.

The patience window

Winners get 72 hours to pay or arrange collection. If they've gone quiet, the seller's order page offers two buttons: grant one last 24-hour extension (the buyer is told plainly it's last call), or record that the sale didn't happen. Recording it cancels the sale and notes a no-show against the buyer — no-shows cost gold medals and, repeated, cost the account.

The second chance

The runners-up were real demand at real prices. The seller can offer the item to the second-highest bidder at that bidder's OWN highest bid — not the winner's price. The offer stands for 48 hours and is completely optional: declining changes nothing. Accepting forms a binding sale on the same terms as winning the auction, through the same order and handover flow. If the second bidder passes, the seller can make the same offer to the third.

How runners-up know

Finish second or third on an auction and your bid history shows a “2nd chance” or “3rd chance” badge while you're in line. If the offer comes, you're notified in the app and by push — the item page shows the offer with your price and a straight yes/no.

After the line runs out

If both runners-up pass (or there weren't any), the item relists in one tap with all its photos and details intact.