Frequently asked questions
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How does bidding work?
The seller sets a starting price. Bidders push it up until the listing ends, and whoever holds the highest bid when the clock runs out wins. Sellers can also set a reserve price — a hidden floor the winning bid has to clear, or the item goes unsold.
What's Buy It Now?
An instant purchase at the seller's set price — no bidding, no waiting for a clock to run out. The first buyer to click Buy It Now gets it.
Can a listing have both an auction and a Buy It Now price?
Yes. Bidders can push the price up the normal way, but if someone wants it badly enough to skip the wait, they can buy it outright at the Buy It Now price — whichever happens first.
How do coins work?
Coins are the flat action fee: $0.25 each, 1 coin to post a listing, 1 coin to place a bid. Buying something outright with Buy It Now doesn't cost a coin. Buy coins one-time, or get a monthly allotment through membership.
What does membership include?
$15/month gets you 300 coins. Coins reset each billing period — unused coins from a prior month don't carry over. Cancel anytime from your profile; you keep your benefits through the end of the current period.
Ship or local pickup — how do I choose?
Sellers pick per listing. Cars & Vehicles, Furniture, and Services default toward local pickup only since shipping is expensive or impractical for them, but it's just a suggestion — sellers can switch it either way.
What are Services listings?
Time-slot appointments — a haircut, a lawn mowing slot, an hour of tutoring. Buy It Now only, one listing equals one slot equals one buyer. Payment happens directly between buyer and seller when the appointment actually happens.
Does The Porch Sale process payment for the item or handle shipping?
No. Once an auction ends or a Buy It Now purchase completes, payment and delivery happen directly between buyer and seller, on whatever terms the listing stated.
How do I see listings near me?
Enter your zip in the "Near You" section on the homepage or the toggle on the Browse page. Sellers who post a listing also add their own zip, so nearby buyers can find them first.
How do I contact support?
Email us directly — see the Contact page.