Create an Auction

Learn how to create your first auction on AstaVerse. This step-by-step guide covers everything from preparation to going live.

Time Required

• Preparation: 5-10 minutes

• Creation Process: 2-3 minutes

• Total: ~10 minutes for your first auction

Before You Start

What You'll Need

Wallet connected with Base Sepolia network

Platform fee (0.0006-0.0013 ETH or 4-8 TBASE)

Item to sell (image, digital file, or photos of physical item)

Clear description of your item

Starting price decision

Choose Your Auction Type

Type	Best For	Requirements
Image	Digital art, photos, graphics	High-res image file
Digital	eBooks, software, documents	File + preview image
Physical	Collectibles, merchandise	Photos + 30-60s video

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Access Create Auction Page

1. Click "Create Auction" button (top navigation)

2. Or go to your profile → "Create New Auction"

You'll see the auction creation wizard.

Step 2: Choose Auction Type

Select the type that matches your item:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  Select Auction Type                     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  [ Image Auction ]                   │
│  Instant NFT + Full Resolution           │
│  • No escrow delay                       │
│  • Winner gets NFT certificate           │
│                                          │
│  [ Digital Auction ]                  │
│  File Delivery + 7-Day Escrow            │
│  • Buyer protection included             │
│  • Secure file delivery                  │
│                                          │
│  [ Physical Auction ]                 │
│  Real Item + Video Proof                 │
│  • Full escrow protection                │
│  • Shipping via chat                     │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

Click your preferred type to continue.

Step 3: Select Payment Currency

Choose how you want to be paid:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  Payment Currency                        │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  ( ) ETH - Ethereum                     │
│      Platform Fee: 0.0006-0.0013 ETH    │
│      Success Fee: 5%                     │
│                                          │
│  ( ) TBASE - Platform Token             │
│      Platform Fee: 4-8 TBASE            │
│      Success Fee: 5%                     │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

Both options:

• Same success fee (5%)

• Same security features

• Different platform fee amounts

ETH vs TBASE comparison →

Step 4: Upload Your Files

Upload requirements vary by auction type:

For Image Auctions

Main Image (Required):

• Format: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP

• Max size: 50 MB

• Recommended: High resolution (2000x2000px+)

• This is what the winner receives

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  Upload Image                            │
│  ┌───────────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │                                   │  │
│  │     Drag & Drop Image Here        │  │
│  │     or Click to Browse            │  │
│  │                                   │  │
│  └───────────────────────────────────┘  │
│                                          │
│  Accepted: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP          │
│  Max size: 50 MB                        │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

Preview Version (Optional):

• Lower resolution for marketplace display

• Auto-generated if not provided

For Digital Auctions

Preview Image (Required):

• Shows on marketplace

• Can be watermarked version

• Helps attract buyers

Main File (Required after auction ends):

• Any file type

• Max size: 100 MB

• Delivered to winner after purchase

• Uploaded via IPFS after auction ends

Note: You upload the main digital file AFTER the auction sells, not during creation.

For Physical Auctions

Item Photos (Required):

• Multiple angles recommended

• Clear, well-lit photos

• Show any defects honestly

Video Walkthrough (Required):

• 30-60 seconds recommended

• Show item from all angles

• Demonstrate functionality if applicable

• Max size: 100 MB

• Format: MP4, MOV, WebM

Video Tips:

• Show serial numbers/authenticity marks

• Demonstrate item working (if applicable)

• Include packaging if new

• Be thorough - builds trust

Step 5: Enter Auction Details

Fill in all required information:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  Auction Details                         │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Item Name *                             │
│  [_________________________________]     │
│  (e.g., "Rare 1st Edition Pokemon Card") │
│                                          │
│  Description *                           │
│  [_________________________________]     │
│  [_________________________________]     │
│  [_________________________________]     │
│  • Be detailed and honest                │
│  • Include condition, features, specs    │
│  • Mention any flaws                     │
│                                          │
│  Starting Price *                        │
│  [________] ETH                          │
│  • Minimum: 0.001 ETH                    │
│  • Be realistic and competitive          │
│                                          │
│  Auction Duration *                      │
│  [Select Duration ▼]                     │
│  • 1 Day                                 │
│  • 3 Days (Recommended)                  │
│  • 7 Days                                │
│  • 14 Days                               │
│  • 30 Days                               │
│  • Custom (1-90 days)                    │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

Writing Tips

Item Name:

• "Limited Edition Cyberpunk Art Print #42/100"

• "art"

Description:

• Include dimensions, format, condition

• Mention any bonuses or extras

• Be honest about flaws

• Use ALL CAPS or excessive emojis

• Make false claims

Starting Price:

• Research similar items

• Don't start too high (discourages bidding)

• Don't start too low (undervalues your item)

• Consider market conditions

Duration:

• Longer = more visibility

• Shorter = faster sale

• 3-7 days recommended for most items

---

Step 6: Review Fee Summary

Before creating, review all fees:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  Fee Summary                             │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Platform Fee (Pay Now)                  │
│  Image Auction: 0.0006 ETH              │
│  • Covers IPFS storage                   │
│  • Non-refundable                        │
│                                          │
│  Success Fee (If Sold)                   │
│  2% of winning bid                       │
│  • Only charged if auction sells         │
│  • Auto-deducted from proceeds           │
│                                          │
│  Example: Auction sells for 1 ETH        │
│  • Success fee: 0.05 ETH (5%)           │
│  • You receive: 0.95 ETH (95%)          │
│                                          │
│  Gas Fees                                │
│  ~$0.10 - $0.50 (network dependent)     │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

Total Upfront Cost:

• Platform fee: 0.0006 ETH

• Gas fee: ~$0.30

• Total: ~$2-3 USD

Step 7: Create Auction

1. Review all information carefully

2. Click "Create Auction" button

3. Approve transactions in your wallet:

Transaction 1: Platform Fee Payment

MetaMask Notification
─────────────────────
Pay Platform Fee
Amount: 0.0006 ETH
To: AstaVerse Contract

[Reject]  [Confirm]

Click Confirm to pay the platform fee.

---

Transaction 2: Create Auction

MetaMask Notification
─────────────────────
Create Auction
Upload to IPFS & Deploy
Gas: ~$0.30

[Reject]  [Confirm]

Click Confirm to create your auction.

Step 8: Wait for Confirmation

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  Creating Your Auction...                │
│                                          │
│  ⏳ Uploading to IPFS...        [✓]     │
│  ⏳ Creating on blockchain...    [...]  │
│  ⏳ Indexing auction...          [ ]     │
│                                          │
│  This may take 20-30 seconds            │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

What's happening:

1. Files uploaded to IPFS (permanent storage)

2. Auction recorded on blockchain

3. Listed on marketplace

Step 9: Success! 🎉

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  ✅ Auction Created Successfully!        │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Your auction is now live!               │
│                                          │
│  Auction ID: #12345                      │
│  Ends in: 3 days, 0 hours                │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

Next steps:

• Share your auction on social media

• Monitor bids and messages

• Respond to buyer questions promptly

After Creation

What Happens Next?

Your auction is:

• Live on the marketplace

• Visible to all users

• Countdown timer started

• Ready to receive bids

You can:

• Monitor bidding activity

• Receive bid notifications

You cannot:

• Edit item details (blockchain immutable)

• Change price after bids placed

• Cancel auction with active bids

• Extend duration mid-auction

Pro Tips for Successful Auctions

Pricing Strategy

Start Low, Build Momentum:

• Low starting price attracts initial bids

• Competitive bidding drives price up

• Creates excitement and urgency

Market Research:

• Check similar sold auctions

• Consider item rarity/condition

• Factor in current market trends

Timing Your Auction

Best Times to List:

• Weekday evenings (6-9 PM)

• Thursday-Sunday for weekend bidders

• Consider global time zones

Best Durations:

• 1 day: Urgency, fast sale

• 3 days: Balanced (recommended)

• 7 days: Maximum visibility

• 14+ days: Rare/high-value items

Writing Compelling Descriptions

Include:

• Exact dimensions/specifications

• Condition (be honest)

• Provenance/history

• Why you're selling

• What makes it special

Avoid:

• Vague descriptions

• Misleading claims

• Excessive hype

• Grammar/spelling errors

Photography Tips

Lighting:

• Natural daylight is best

• Avoid harsh shadows

• Use soft, diffused light

Angles:

• Front, back, sides

• Close-ups of details

• Show scale with common object

• Capture any flaws honestly

Background:

• Clean, uncluttered

• Neutral colors

• Professional appearance

Building Trust

Be Responsive:

• Answer questions quickly

• Be friendly and professional

• Provide additional photos if requested

Be Honest:

• Disclose all flaws

• Accurate condition descriptions

• No surprises for buyers

Build Reputation:

• Complete transactions promptly

• Maintain communication

• Deliver as promised

Common Questions

Can I edit my auction after creation?

No. Auctions are recorded on the blockchain and cannot be edited. Double-check everything before creating.

You can:

• Answer questions in chat

• Provide additional info via messages

You cannot:

• Change title, description, or price

• Modify uploaded files

• Extend or shorten duration

Can I cancel my auction?

Before any bids: Yes, contact support

After bids placed: No, auction must complete

Why: Prevents fraud and protects bidders who've committed funds

What if my item doesn't sell?

If your auction ends with zero bids:

• No success fee charged

• Platform fee is non-refundable

• You can relist the item

• Consider lowering starting price

Relist tips:

• Lower starting price

• Improve photos/description

• Try different duration

• Share more widely

Can I create multiple auctions?

Yes! There's no limit to how many auctions you can create simultaneously.

Tips for managing multiple:

• Stay organized with notifications

• Respond to all chats promptly

• Track each auction's end time

• Have delivery plans ready

What happens at auction end?

For Image Auctions:

1. Winner gets instant access

2. NFT minted automatically

3. You receive 95% of winning bid immediately

4. Transaction complete

For Digital/Physical Auctions:

1. Funds held in escrow

2. 7-day delivery window starts

3. Chat opens for coordination

4. Deliver item to buyer

5. Funds release after confirmation or 7 days

Learn about delivery →

Pre-Creation Checklist

Before clicking "Create Auction":

• High-quality photos/files uploaded

• Title is clear and descriptive

• Description is detailed and honest

• Starting price is competitive

• Duration selected appropriately

• Payment currency chosen

• All fees reviewed and understood

• Video uploaded (physical items)

• Wallet has enough for platform fee + gas

Troubleshooting

Upload Failed

Solutions:

1. Check file size (under limits)

2. Verify file format is supported

3. Try compressing large images

4. Check internet connection

5. Try different browser

Transaction Failed

Common causes:

• Insufficient gas fee

• Network congestion

• Not enough ETH/TBASE for platform fee

Solutions:

1. Check wallet balance

2. Increase gas limit in MetaMask

3. Wait 30 seconds and retry

4. Try during off-peak hours

Auction Not Appearing

Wait time: 20-30 seconds for blockchain confirmation

If still not showing:

1. Refresh dashboard

2. Check transaction on BaseScan

3. Verify transaction confirmed

4. Clear browser cache

Related Guides

• Understanding Auction Types →

• Choosing Payment Currency →

• Ending & Delivering Items →

• Fee Structure Explained →

Ready to Create?

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Next: Auction Types Explained →