What is a 'call bid'?

A 'call bid' refers specifically to a bid that is made in response to an auctioneer's verbal prompt or call during an auction. This type of bidding occurs in real time, as the auctioneer engages with the audience, encouraging participants to raise their bids. The auctioneer typically uses specific language or gestures to signal that they are seeking bids, and participants respond by signaling their offers.

This method is fundamental to live auctions, where the interaction between the auctioneer and bidders creates a dynamic and competitive atmosphere. The ability for the auctioneer to gauge interest and excitement in the room, and elicit bids in real-time, is a key part of the auction process.

In contrast, the other options describe different forms of bidding that do not fit the definition of a 'call bid.' A bid made before the auction begins does not involve the immediate response to the auctioneer’s call. A bid made by the auctioneer himself would not be considered a bid from a participant, as it doesn’t follow the interaction element essential to call bids. Furthermore, a bid submitted online before the live auction occurs outside the context of immediate interaction with the auctioneer and does not reflect the spontaneous nature of a call bid during the live event.