> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.tipo.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.tipo.io/tipo-auction/~/revisions/3uOn584ZFy41DoorDGbA/winner-and-checkout-flow/auto-assign-next-winner.md).

# Auto-assign next winner

When running an auction, sometimes the winning bidder fails to complete payment. To prevent the item from remaining unsold, Tipo Auction allows you to automatically assign the **next-highest bidder** as the winner if the original winner does not pay within a set timeframe.

The conditions to become the next winner:

* The bidder who have the second highest price when the auction ends.
* In case the admin enable the **Amount limit** of price, the current price of the bidder needs must be bigger than the reserve price.
* In case admin set the limit of “possible winners”, only certain number people who have highest price are considered as one of the winners. 

### **Steps**

#### **Step 1: Set a payment deadline**

1\. Open the app > go to **Settings** > **General** > scroll down to **Waterfall winner**

2\. In the **Time limit for the winner to process the payment** field, enter the time amount by hours/minutes you want

3\. Click **Save**

<figure><img src="/files/lvEuEcCH9pxbmsPuyTuQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Step 2: Enable Auto-Assign feature**

* Within the same **Waterfall Winner** settings, enable the option **Auto-assign winner to next one if he/she does not pay**
* Tick on the checkbox **Amount limit (based on the Reserve price of the auction)** – optional  if you want the current price of next winner to be bigger than the Reserve price of the auction
* Click Save

<figure><img src="/files/pxjvdATyC6QmfjtTC466" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Payment timeout behavior**

* If the original winner does **not** pay before the deadline, they will **forfeit** the item.
* The app will delete the first winner’s draft order automatically. [docs.tipo.io](https://docs.tipo.io/tipo-auction/winnet-configuration/set-up-payment-time-for-winner?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* The system then checks the bid list and picks the **next-highest bidder** as the new winner.

### **Optional: Allow late payment**

You can also choose to allow the first winner to still pay even after their payment window has closed. To do this, tick the **Allowed to process payment when timeout** checkbox in the same settings.&#x20;

**Note**: This option is not recommended when using Auto-assign feature

[Learn more](https://docs.tipo.io/tipo-auction/winnet-configuration/set-up-payment-time-for-winner)

<figure><img src="/files/6GwpTk2QnSKzFCrY2NCD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Example scenario

If “Allowed to process payment when timeout” were enabled, Bidder 1 could still try to pay even after losing — which is why we **do not recommend** enabling both options together.

* Auction ends at **6:00 PM**.
* Payment deadline: **24 hours**.
* Bidder 1 wins but does not pay by **6:00 PM next day**.
* Auto-Assign triggers:
  * Bidder 1’s draft order is deleted.
  * Bidder 2 becomes the new winner.
  * Bidder 2 receives the winning email and completes checkout.

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