Skip to main content

Bidding

Overview​

The Tradepost Partner Exchange supports two primary bidding methods for partners to participate in instant cash offer auctions: On-Demand Bidding and Conditional Bidding. This guide provides an overview of both approaches to help you choose the best strategy for your integration.

Bidding Methods​

1. On-Demand Bidding​

Real-time bidding where partners respond to individual auction invitations as they arrive.

Key Characteristics:

  • Receive bid_request webhooks for each auction
  • Evaluate and respond in real-time via GraphQL
  • Full control over each bidding decision
  • Response required during auction window

Best For:

  • Partners with complex evaluation logic
  • Variable pricing strategies
  • Initial integration and testing
  • Low-volume, high-value opportunities

→ Read the Webhooks Guide | → Read the GraphQL API Guide

2. Conditional Bidding​

Pre-configured automated bidding based on predefined criteria and rules.

Key Characteristics:

  • Create standing bid rules in advance
  • System automatically applies matching bids
  • 24/7 coverage without real-time processing
  • Receive notifications when bids are applied

Best For:

  • High-volume operations
  • Predictable pricing strategies
  • 24/7 auction coverage
  • Reducing operational overhead

→ Read the Conditional Bidding Guide

Choosing Your Approach​

Start with On-Demand​

We recommend all partners begin with on-demand bidding to:

  • Understand the auction flow
  • Test your evaluation logic
  • Gather market data
  • Build confidence in the system

Scale with Conditional​

Once comfortable, add conditional bidding to:

  • Automate repetitive decisions
  • Capture opportunities outside business hours
  • Reduce webhook processing load
  • Scale your operations efficiently

Hybrid Strategy​

Many successful partners use both methods:

  • Conditional bids for standard inventory at predictable prices
  • On-demand responses for premium items requiring manual review

Common Concepts​

Auction Lifecycle​

Both bidding methods participate in the same auction flow:

  1. Activation: Seller's instant cash offer triggers an auction
  2. Bidding Window: Partners submit bids (manually or automatically)
  3. Winner Selection: Highest bid wins
  4. Result Notification: All participants receive outcome
  5. Fulfillment: Winner receives transfer details

Bid Response Actions​

Regardless of method, partners can:

  • BID: Submit a specific price
  • PASS: Decline to participate

Message Flow​

All auctions follow the same message sequence:

  • bid_request → Partner evaluation
  • Partner response → Tradepost processing
  • auction_result → Outcome notification

Key Differences​

AspectOn-DemandConditional
Setup ComplexityLowMedium
Response TimeReal-time requiredPre-configured
FlexibilityMaximumRule-based
CoverageBusiness hours24/7
Processing LoadPer auctionUpfront configuration
ControlIndividual decisionsBulk strategies

Integration Path​

Phase 1: On-Demand Foundation​

  1. Implement webhook endpoint
  2. Process bid_request messages
  3. Build evaluation logic
  4. Submit bids via GraphQL
  5. Handle auction_result notifications

Phase 2: Conditional Enhancement​

  1. Analyze bidding patterns
  2. Identify automation opportunities
  3. Create conditional bid rules
  4. Monitor performance
  5. Refine strategies

Phase 3: Optimization​

  1. Balance both methods
  2. A/B test strategies
  3. Optimize for win rate vs margin
  4. Scale operations

Best Practices​

General Guidelines​

  • Start Simple: Begin with basic strategies and increase complexity
  • Monitor Performance: Track win rates, margins, and volumes
  • Test Thoroughly: Verify behavior in test environment first
  • Plan for Scale: Design systems to handle growth

Risk Management​

  • Set Limits: Use quantity caps and expiration dates
  • Monitor Exposure: Track outstanding bids and potential liabilities
  • Implement Safeguards: Add validation and approval workflows
  • Regular Reviews: Audit strategies and adjust as needed

Technical Requirements​

Both bidding methods require:

  • Authentication: Valid API keys for GraphQL access
  • Webhook Endpoint: HTTPS endpoint for receiving messages
  • JSON Processing: Parse and validate message formats
  • GraphQL Client: Submit mutations to Tradepost API

Support Resources​

Getting Help​

  • Integration Support: support@tradepost.co
  • Include: Bidding method, error details, conversation IDs
  • Emergency: Contact your Technical Account Manager

← Payments | Webhooks → | Conditional Bidding →

© 2026 Tradepost Markets Inc. All rights reserved.

Last updated on by Parker Stevenson