> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.auctionplusapp.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.auctionplusapp.com/auctions/getting-started-with-auctions.md).

# Getting Started with Auctions

Auctions are a powerful way to drive engagement and sales on your Shopify store. With Auction Plus, you can create timed auctions with flexible bidding rules, reserve prices, automatic bids, and more — all integrated seamlessly into your existing storefront and checkout.

## Before You Launch

### How auctions work on your storefront

Auction listings are tied to your existing Shopify products. When you create an auction, you choose a product (or a collection of products) and Auction Plus replaces the standard purchase flow on that product's page with a bidding widget — showing the current price, bid count, and a countdown timer.

Customers can bid from the product page, as well as collection pages on supported plans. When the auction ends, the winner receives an email with a link to add their winnings to their cart. They can then check out through your store's standard checkout flow. The product price is updated to the winning bid amount automatically.

### What you need to set up

Three things must be in place before your auction is visible to customers:

1. **Enable the app embed** — This powers all Auction Plus storefront features (bidding, countdowns, offers). Without it, app features will not appear on your storefront. See [Theme Setup](/storefront-setup/theme-setup.md).
2. **Create your auction products** — Auctions are tied to your existing Shopify products. You can use your existing products or create new ones for your auction. You can also give customers one place to browse your auctions by creating a dedicated [Auctions Page](/storefront-setup/auctions-page.md) or an [auction collection](/storefront-setup/ending-soon-collection.md).
3. **Add auctions to your store navigation** — We recommend adding a link to your auctions page or collection in your store navigation so customers can easily find your auctions. Learn more about navigation in Shopify's [navigation guide](https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/online-store/menus-and-links).

Auction Plus will guide you through setting up your first auction via the [Setup Wizard](/start-here/setup-wizard.md).

If you are experiencing issues with your auctions not showing on the storefront, see [Common Issues](/troubleshooting/common-issues.md).

## Creating your First Auction

Creating an auction is as simple as choosing your products, setting your auction rules, and going live. Learn more about creating auctions in our [Creating an Auction](/auctions/creating-an-auction.md) guide.

## Know These Settings First

We recommend familiarizing yourself with these key auction settings before you create your first auction:

* **Bid increment** controls the minimum next bid
* **Automatic bids** let customers set a hidden maximum
* **Soft close** extends the auction when bids arrive at the end
* **Reserve price** keeps the item from selling below your minimum

See [Auction Listing Settings](/auctions/auction-listing-settings.md) for the detailed reference.

## After an Auction Ends

When an auction closes:

* The winner will be declared and notified
* The customer checks out through Shopify
* You can follow up on unpaid winners
* You can relist unsold items or send second-chance offers

## Related Pages

* [Creating an Auction](/auctions/creating-an-auction.md)
* [Managing Auctions](/auctions/managing-auctions.md)
* [Auction Events](broken://pages/1QAwJm5tmpOyrrzjN6tX)
* [Declaring and Managing Winners](/auctions/managing-winners-and-second-chance-offers.md)
* [Common Issues](/troubleshooting/common-issues.md)
* [FAQ](/troubleshooting/faq.md)
* [How Checkout Works](/products-and-checkout/get-started-with-orders-and-checkout.md)