# Auctioneer's book

> The printed or on-screen list the auctioneer uses on the rostrum, showing for each lot the absentee bids and telephone bookings. It lets the auctioneer execute written bids fairly and in the right order.

- URL: https://www.selloff.auction/glossary/auctioneers-book
- Language: English
- Also known as: Bid book, The book
- Last updated: 2026-10-07
- Français: https://www.selloff.auction/fr/glossaire/livre-des-encheres.md

## Definition

The printed or on-screen list the auctioneer uses on the rostrum, showing for each lot the absentee bids and telephone bookings. It lets the auctioneer execute written bids fairly and in the right order.

The book is prepared as late as possible before the session so that it includes every absentee bid received. It must stay confidential, because it reveals clients' maximum bids.

In Selloff, the bid book is generated for a whole sale, one session or a range of lots, for standard or live bids.

## Related features

- [Absentee & phone bids](https://www.selloff.auction/features/bid-recording.md): Record absentee, phone and OR bids in the book, check them against your bid increments, confirm them to clients by email and print the bid book for the room.

## Related terms

- [Absentee bid](https://www.selloff.auction/glossary/absentee-bid.md): A written instruction left with the auction house before the sale, authorising it to bid on a lot on a client's behalf up to a stated maximum. The auctioneer executes it as cheaply as competing bids and the reserve allow.
- [Telephone bid](https://www.selloff.auction/glossary/telephone-bid.md): A bid placed live during the sale by a client on the phone with a member of the auction house's staff, who relays the client's bids to the auctioneer in real time.
- [Auctioneer](https://www.selloff.auction/glossary/auctioneer.md): The person who conducts the sale from the rostrum: announces each lot, takes bids from the room, the telephones, absentee orders and the internet, and knocks the lot down to the highest bidder.
- [Clerk](https://www.selloff.auction/glossary/clerk.md): The member of staff who records the sale as it happens: the hammer price and the buyer's paddle number for each lot, as well as unsold and withdrawn lots. The clerk's record is the basis for invoicing.