How to use the "Pick of the Pen" Bidding Option

Operating on Auctions conducted with 'Pick of the Pen' (PoP) or 'One with the Option'

AuctionsPlus offer Vendors, in conjunction with the Selling Agent to utilize additional selling options of:

  • Pick of the Pen
  • Pick of the Pair 
  • One with the Option
  • Runs

These format allows buyers to potentially secure multiple lots within a pen, pair or run - at their same bid price. The number of lots within a pen or grouping is finalised by the Selling Agent for each auction, who is the best point of contact should you have any pre-sale questions.

On sale day, once connected to the auction as a registered bidder, the screen will display similar to the image shown below. This will show the individual lots which are available within the current pen or run being offered for sale. 

To operate on the current offering, you must select a minimum of one (1) lot and then the ability to bid will open for you to commence bidding. 

Pick of the Pen Screenshot

As the highest bidder at the time of the hammer, you will be asked to confirm your selection from those available in a short (5 second) timer. We recommend finalizing your pen selection prior to bidding.

Note: when using a Max Bid, this will only apply for your first selection and is cleared after a portion of the pen is sold. Bidders must reapply their Max Bids.

An example scenario: A online buyer selects Lot 19 & Lot 21 from the above screenshot, and sets a max bid for $2,000. The online buyer is outbid, and the successful buyer chooses to take Lot 19 for $2,250.

Lot 20 & Lot 21 are then available for sale and are auctioned next. The online buyer has the opportunity to bid again, however because only one of their desired lots are available, they may choose to lower their maximum price to $1,500.

The online buyer can bid again manually, or must reapply their Max Bid to their new desired price.

If the lot is sold onsite or to another buyer, and you wish to participate on lots later in the pen, you must reapply your Max Bid or bid manually.

If the lots that are selected aren't sold via the first hammer, you will still need to reapply your Max Bid when the lot reopens.


Instructions for each sale & the specifics will be found in the catalogue header; however please see some common examples below;

  • Please Note: This sale will have multi-hammer pens of 3. Ensure you have the rams you want selected and those you don't want, unselected. Winning bidders will be sold their choice (or pick) of the pen at the fall of the hammer.
  • Please Note: This sale will have Pens offered as "One with the Option". If the successful bidder, you may take multiple pens at your bid price. You have 5 seconds after you are the winning bidder to confirm your choice.

If you need assistance operating with this bid type, please reach out to our office on (02) 9262 4222.