# Unsold lot (bought in)

> A lot that does not find a buyer at the sale, usually because bidding did not reach the reserve. The lot is passed or bought in, and may then be offered after the sale, re-offered later or returned to the consignor.

- URL: https://www.selloff.auction/glossary/unsold-lot
- Language: English
- Also known as: Bought in, Passed lot, Unsold
- Last updated: 2026-10-07
- Français: https://www.selloff.auction/fr/glossaire/lot-invendu.md

## Definition

A lot that does not find a buyer at the sale, usually because bidding did not reach the reserve. The lot is passed or bought in, and may then be offered after the sale, re-offered later or returned to the consignor.

Unsold lots still create work. The consignor must be informed, the lot may be offered in the after-sale at or near the reserve, and some consignment contracts charge a fee or insurance on unsold lots.

In Selloff, unsold lots can stay open to offers after a live sale or return to the inventory for another catalogue. They appear on the consignor's results list and statement with any agreed charges, such as a lot fee or insurance on unsold lots.

## Related features

- [Offers & after-sale](https://www.selloff.auction/features/after-sale-offers.md): Collect offers on unsold lots or in offer sales, decide lot by lot with the consignor's figures at hand, and notify bidders by email.
- [Consignor settlements](https://www.selloff.auction/features/consignor-settlements.md): Generate consignor statements for a whole sale, deduct commission, fees and VAT, pay consignors once buyers have paid and export transfers to your bank.

## Related terms

- [Reserve price](https://www.selloff.auction/glossary/reserve-price.md): The confidential minimum price agreed between the consignor and the auction house, below which a lot will not be sold. If bidding does not reach the reserve, the lot is unsold (bought in).
- [After-sale](https://www.selloff.auction/glossary/after-sale.md): The period immediately after an auction during which unsold lots can still be bought, usually by offer at or near the reserve and subject to the consignor's agreement.
- [Withdrawn lot](https://www.selloff.auction/glossary/withdrawn-lot.md): A lot removed from a sale after the catalogue was published, for example at the consignor's request, because of a doubt about authenticity or title, or after damage. It is announced before or during the sale and not offered.
- [Private treaty sale](https://www.selloff.auction/glossary/private-treaty-sale.md): A sale negotiated directly between a buyer and a seller through the auction house, outside the public auction, at an agreed price. The house acts as intermediary and earns a commission.