Dutch Auction

A Dutch auction is a bidding method where the price starts high and decreases until a buyer accepts the price.


In a Dutch auction, the auctioneer begins with a high asking price which is lowered progressively until a participant accepts the current price. The first person to accept the price wins the item or the right to buy it. This auction method is often used when there is a time constraint or when sellers want to avoid long bidding wars.

Dutch auctions are commonly used in:

  • Flower markets in the Netherlands (where the method originated)
  • IPO pricing for shares (e.g., Google used it in their IPO)
  • NFT or digital asset sales
  • Real estate sales or liquidation of multiple units
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Published
April 4, 2025
Updated
April 4, 2025