This is Answer ID 108 from snapnames:
I think if an auction starts and there are multiple bidders before an auction start then the auction will be only among those bidders and nobody else can join. Therefore it is called private auction. Am I getting this right?
Public auctions feature a low minimum bid and can be joined by anyone, at any time prior to close.
Private auctions can be joined by anyone, but are limited to those that place bids before the start of an auction. These auctions generally require a higher minimum bid in exchange for the opportunity to limit competition from outsiders once the auction starts.
Both auction formats operate under essentially the same rules, with the following key differences:
When one or more bids are received before an auction starts, that domain is reserved for private auction.
If only one customer has bid in advance for a selected domain name, the auction is cancelled and that customer automatically wins the domain name for the minimum bid price listed in search results.
The search results page lists all domain names currently in public auction, as well as all domain names that can be reserved for private auction (i.e. an auction has not yet started). Domain names in private auction are not visible in search results.
An auction lasts a minimum of 72 hours. To ensure fair play, bids received during the final minutes of an auction will automatically extend the auction close time by a few minutes.
I think if an auction starts and there are multiple bidders before an auction start then the auction will be only among those bidders and nobody else can join. Therefore it is called private auction. Am I getting this right?