What can a bidder do before the auctioneer says "sold"?

A bidder can withdraw their bid before the auctioneer announces "sold." This is significant because, until that final call is made, the bidding process is still considered open. Bidders have the right to change their minds about their participation in the auction and can choose to retract their bid if they desire.

This process ensures that bidders feel secure in their decision-making while the auction is still in progress and helps maintain the fairness of the auction process. Once the auctioneer declares "sold," the bid is final, and the bidder is legally committed to the purchase.

Altering a bid might imply adjusting the offer, which is typically not permitted once a bid is placed and prior to the sale, while requesting more information is usually not allowed as it could disrupt the flow of the auction. Changing the auction rules is generally outside the authority of bidders, as the rules are set by the auctioneer and any changes would create confusion within the bidding process.