How are objects ranked in an auction?

Our in-house experts determine the placement of objects in an auction. When ranking objects, the expert’s goal is to ensure an appealing and balanced mix of items, considering:

• The date and time the object was submitted.

• The object's estimated value relative to others in the auction.

• Whether an object has a reserve price.

• If an object was previously unsold and is being reoffered.

• The clarity and relevance of the photos, videos, and object descriptions.

• The need to distribute similar objects evenly across the auction.

• How well the object aligns with the auction theme or category (e.g., historical period, brand, style).

How are objects sorted on Catawiki?

You can search and filter objects on Catawiki to find exactly what you’re looking for. Search results are ranked to provide the most relevant and valuable experience.

By default, when searching for an object, results are sorted by ‘relevance.’ Within auctions, objects are sorted by ‘time remaining.’ Search results may also be influenced by paid promotions, and when this occurs, we clearly indicate it.

We also rely on personalisation to help you discover objects you may like. When sorting objects, in most cases the system prioritises those that align with your interests, ensuring a tailored browsing experience.

Sort Options

• Relevance

  • When you perform a search, objects that closely match your search query appear first.

  • Our algorithms consider various factors, including keywords, object descriptions, and detailed attributes.

  • Search results may also be influenced by the time left before an auction closes or by location, reducing potential shipping costs.

  • Other elements may be introduced over time to improve search relevance.

• Time Remaining

  • Objects with the least time left before auction closure appear first.

• Newly Added

  • Recently listed objects appear first.

• Recommended

  • Experts manually curate object rankings to highlight notable pieces.

  • In collections, objects are shown in a randomised order to provide a varied and engaging mix.

  • Certain objects may be pinned at the top for visibility, but sellers cannot pay to influence ranking placement.

Other Recommendations

Across our platform, you may see personalised suggestions for objects based on:

• Your previous bids, purchases, and saved favorites.

• Objects with similar attributes, descriptions, or images to those you have interacted with.

• Machine-learning models that continuously improve recommendations over time.

Our AI-driven recommendation systems align with transparency requirements under Article 27 of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and are designed to foster trust and relevance for users.