Gavelic

Gavelic Auction Mode Guide: Two Trading Options to Suit Your Needs

At Gavelic, we understand that the value of every item and the trading habits of every user are different. That is why we offer two auction modes. Whether you need a systematic, process-based safeguard or prefer the flexibility and self-determination of a classic sale, you will find a suitable option.

🕊️ Mode 1: Normal Auction — Classic Experience, Completely Free

This mode recreates the most classic online auction experience, suitable for small-value transactions or experienced buyers who are used to arranging handover details themselves. Transparent pricing, highest bidder wins, without the hassle of private haggling.

  • [Prerequisite] No star rating restriction; available to all registered users.
  • [Fee Structure] Completely free (0% service fee).

Operational Flow:

Free Setup & Bidding

The seller freely sets the item's starting price, bid increment, Buy Now price, and auction duration. Buyers bid until time runs out or someone ends the auction via the Buy Now price.

System Contact Exchange

After the auction concludes successfully, the system automatically sends each party the other's registered contact method (such as phone number or email).

Self-Arranged Handover

The buyer and seller communicate on their own via the exchanged contact details, privately agreeing on the payment method (such as PayMe, FPS, cash) and the handover location. Note: In this mode, Gavelic only provides information matching and offers no payment-hold mechanism. Users must assess the handover and payment risks themselves.

🛡️ Mode 2: Protected Auction — A Rule-Based Process That Reduces Trading Risk

This mode is designed for users who require clear trading discipline and prioritize fund security. Through Stripe identity verification and a credit card pre-authorization mechanism, the system executes payment and release based on objective conditions, effectively reducing the risk of encountering fake buyers, bounced cheques, or forged payment receipts.

Note: The platform solely provides a technical process. It never touches or holds users' funds, and it does not guarantee the authenticity or quality of any item.

  • [Prerequisite] User rating must remain at 2 stars or above.
  • [Fee Structure] Both buyer and seller each pay 3% of the final price, 6% in total, as a service fee (Stripe service charge included).

Operational Flow:

Real-Name Verification (KYC Authentication)

Before initiating or participating, both the buyer and seller must complete identity verification through the Stripe system. Sensitive data is handled directly by Stripe, helping to filter out fake accounts.

Winning Bid & Fund Hold (Pre-authorization Hold)

After winning the auction, the buyer must bind a credit card within 24 hours. The funds are then placed on a "pre-authorization hold" by Stripe; once the seller confirms the system status, they can prepare for the handover without relying on a payment receipt.

Delivery Matching & Contact (Delivery Match)

After payment, both parties must independently choose "Meet-up" or "Shipping" within 24 hours. Only after a successful match does the system automatically send each party the other's contact details.

Rule-Based Release

The handover process triggers release based on objective actions; the platform does not intervene in subjective disputes over item condition:

🤝 Meet-up — OTP Unlock:

The buyer inspects the item on-site and, if satisfied, presses confirm in the system, which generates a 4-digit "One-Time Password (OTP)". The buyer gives the OTP to the seller to enter; once verified, the system releases the funds immediately. (If unsatisfied with the inspection, either party may cancel the transaction in the system before the OTP is entered, and the funds will be fully released back to the buyer.)

📦 Shipping — Logistics Tracking:

The seller uploads the courier tracking number and receipt. When the buyer receives the item and actively confirms in the system, the funds are released. If the buyer reports non-receipt and the transaction enters the dispute period, the platform will act solely on the status shown on the third-party courier's official website — as long as the official site shows "delivered/signed", the system will release the funds to the seller.

🌟 Foundation of Trust: Tiered Star Rating System

Your personal Profile page displays a row of 5 star icons. The platform uses a "tiered mechanism" to calculate ratings. This not only effectively filters out unreliable buyers and sellers and significantly reduces trading risks, but also allows trustworthy users to build an outstanding trading reputation by accumulating positive reviews, thereby increasing mutual trust and the likelihood of successful transactions. To ensure reviews carry substantial reference value, the rating upgrade/downgrade mechanism is as follows:

  • Default Rating: Every newly registered user starts at 5 stars.
  • Upgrade Mechanism (Gain a Star): Once you accumulate 5 reviews of "3 stars or above", the system automatically adds 1 star, after which the counter resets to zero and starts accumulating again.
  • Downgrade Mechanism (Lose a Star): Once you accumulate 5 "1-star" reviews, the system automatically deducts 1 star; the counter then resets to zero and starts again.
  • Neutral Reviews: A "2-star" review is treated as neutral (no gain or deduction) and does not affect your upgrade/downgrade progress.
  • Rating Limits: The maximum is 5 stars and the minimum is 1 star.
  • Safety Threshold Restriction: If your rating falls below 2 stars (i.e., 1 star), you will be fully prohibited from participating in "Protected Auctions" (including initiating auctions, bidding, and using Buy Now) until you rebuild positive reviews in Normal Auctions and your rating recovers.