Types of Online Auctions
- PIPA (Pigeon International) — the largest global platform, prices from €50 to tens of thousands
- Loftoria.eu Auctions — Romanian platform with local and international auctions
- One Loft Race auctions — specially trained pigeons for races with large prizes
- Facebook groups — informal auctions, lower prices, higher risk
How to Participate in an Auction
- Create an account on the chosen platform
- Check the bidding rules (auto-bid, minimum increments)
- Set your maximum budget before you begin
- Read the description and pedigree carefully
- Bid at least 2–3 hours before closing
Warning: For international auctions add the transport costs (€20–80/bird), veterinary quarantine and customs duties where applicable.
How to Sell Through an Auction
- Prepare a detailed description in Romanian and English
- Professional photos: 5–8 photos from different angles
- Scan the pedigree + health certificates
- Set a realistic reserve price — too low attracts speculative bidders
- Promote the auction in groups before launch
In brief: A PIPA auction with a serious pedigree and good photos can bring 3–5× compared to a direct local sale for the same bird.
Bidding Strategies
- Do not bid in the first 80% of the time — wait to see the real level of interest
- Set an auto-bid at your real limit — not higher
- Auctions with many watchers but few bidders are opportunities
- Birds with pedigrees less known in Romania may be undervalued internationally
Common Mistakes
- Emotional bidding — exceeding your budget because "I must win"
- Ignoring total costs (transport + quarantine)
- Buying without reading the full pedigree
- Selling through an auction without preparing transport in advance
Concrete Action Steps
- Create accounts on PIPA and Loftoria before bidding
- Follow 5–10 auctions without bidding — learn the market
- If selling, work with a photographer or take photos in good natural light
- Reserve 20% of budget for additional costs on imports