What does "starting bid" refer to in an auction?

In an auction, the term "starting bid" refers to the initial bid amount established when the auction begins. This is the lowest price that an item can be sold for in that particular auction and serves as a baseline for all subsequent bidding. It signals participants of the minimum amount they can offer to compete for the item.

Setting a starting bid is crucial because it helps to engage bidders and can stimulate competition among them. By providing a clear starting point, it allows bidders to quickly gauge the item's value and decide how much they are willing to bid. Generally, the starting bid is strategically chosen to attract interest while also reflecting the seller's expectations for the item's worth.

In contrast, other options address different aspects of the auction process. The highest bid made refers to the bid that surpasses all others, while the final bid amount is the last bid accepted before the auction concludes. The bid that meets the reserve price pertains to the minimum price a seller is willing to accept, which could be higher than the starting bid. Thus, the term "starting bid" specifically relates to the initial figure that initiates the bidding process.