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• Bids may not be modified or withdrawn once placed.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.