Check who is allowed to bid
Read the registration and eligibility rules before selecting a koi. International hobbyists may need a dealer, agent or exporter account. Confirm deposit, identity checks, payment deadline and whether proxy bidding is permitted.
- Public or trade-only event
- Account and deposit requirements
- Proxy bidder or exporter
- Payment currency and deadline
Inspect the actual koi
Match the koi number across photograph, video and certificate. Review breeder, variety, age, size, sex estimate, health notes and recording date. Future show potential is an opinion, not a guaranteed result.
Calculate the landed cost
The winning bid may exclude buyer fees, tax, holding, certificate, domestic transport, export packing, air freight and destination charges. Set a maximum bid only after estimating the full delivered amount.
- Buyer premium and tax
- Collection or holding deadline
- Export and freight estimate
- Import, quarantine and local delivery
Understand closing rules
Online auctions may extend the closing time after a late bid. Read the bid increments, automatic-bid rules and extension period so that urgency does not push you beyond your planned limit.