Auction Policy

The Auction Policy governs all plot auctions conducted by the Government of ProsperitySMP (the "Department"). By participating in an auction — as either an auctioneer or a bidder — you agree to be bound by this policy. All monetary values are denominated in Prosperity Dollars ($).

Auction setup

Every auction listing must include the following, and none of it may be modified once the auction is posted:

Title — the plot name (for example, C001).
Starting bid — the lowest amount an opening bid may be.
Minimum increase — the smallest amount by which a new bid must exceed the current high bid.
Plot image — a photograph of the plot and/or its information sign.
End time — a numerical duration measured from the most recent eligible bid (for example, "24 hours after the last eligible bid").

A buyout price is optional. If one is offered, it must be stated in the original listing and may not be added, removed, or changed afterward — including when live bidding approaches it.

Bidding

All bids are denominated in Prosperity Dollars and are legally binding. A bidder is obligated to honor any bid they place.
Bids may not be modified or withdrawn once placed.
A bidder may raise their own leading bid only once per auction. Any further attempt to raise their own leading bid is invalid.
A bidder may not bid more than the funds available in their personal, company, or bank balance.
If a bid is funded from anything other than the bidder's personal balance (a company, a bank, or another source), the bidder must state the source of funds. The Department reserves the right to privately request proof of funds.

The recommended bid format is:

Bid: $0 (source of funds)

Winning and payment

The highest eligible bid at the close of the auction wins.
If a winning bidder's balance falls below their bid amount by the time the auction closes, the next-highest eligible bid becomes the default winner.
If a winning bidder is removed from, or leaves, ProsperitySMP before the plot is transferred, the next-highest eligible bid becomes the default winner.
Payment is due at the close of the auction. A non-payment dispute (by either party) may be resolved by opening a support ticket with evidence — whether a winner fails to pay, or an auctioneer withholds a won plot.

Conduct

Neither auctioneers nor bidders may act to divert attention away from a bid. Prohibited conduct includes:

Commenting negatively on the starting price.
Commenting negatively on the plot's rarity, or lack thereof.
Commenting negatively on the plot's utility, or lack thereof.
Advertising one's own bid or business in another auction's channel.
Holding general conversation within a bidding channel.

Government authority

An auctioneer may rescind an auction only while it has received no bids.
The Department reserves the right to terminate any auction at any time, for any reason.
The Department reserves the right to restrict any individual's ability to participate in auctions.
These authorities also apply to eviction auctions.

Agreement

By participating in any auction, you agree to the terms of, and to be bound by, this Auction Policy.