Sealed bids · Human decisions

A marketplace where the right buyer can win.

Sealabid exists because buying is subjective. Sometimes the “best” buyer isn’t the fastest click or the loudest bid — it’s the person, charity, or business who will genuinely value the item, look after it, use it well, and complete the deal smoothly.

That’s why we use sealed envelopes. Buyers place private offers. Sellers only see the envelope count until the listing ends. Then the seller opens the envelopes and chooses based on price and profile — or decides there’s no sale.

No public outbidding
Sellers choose the winner
Profiles actually matter

Everyone must register and add a payment method before bidding or selling. Money is only taken if a seller accepts an offer.

What “subjective” means here

It’s not a loophole.

It’s a design choice: sellers can pick the buyer they trust to complete the deal, not just the biggest number on the page.

Sellers can prioritise

  • reliability + fast completion
  • a charity/cause they want to support
  • a collector who will look after the item

Sellers must decide

Once the listing ends, the seller has 2 hours to open envelopes and choose a winner (or mark no sale).

Our story in one sentence

Most marketplaces train people to chase the moving number. Sealabid does the opposite: it encourages one honest offer — and lets a human choose the outcome.

It’s calmer for buyers, better control for sellers, and it opens the door for purpose to matter: charities, community groups, small businesses, collectors, makers — anyone with a real reason to buy can be considered.

How it works

1Profile

Create a profile that builds trust

Choose individual, business, or charity. Add a short story. When offers are close, the seller may use your profile to decide.

2Envelope

Place one sealed offer (your real maximum)

No public outbidding, no sniping. You submit what the item is worth to you. Sellers only see envelope count until the end.

3Decision

Seller opens envelopes and chooses

At the deadline, envelopes lock. The seller opens them and chooses based on price + profile. Seller has 2 hours to decide — or mark no sale.

What sellers see during the listing

Only the number of envelopes — not the offers. This stops buyers getting dragged into bidding wars and keeps the listing calm.

What buyers should do to win

Bid your true maximum and write a short message that shows you’ll complete smoothly (timing, collection/delivery plan, reliability).

When payment happens

A payment method is required upfront for trust. Money is only taken when a seller accepts an offer.

A quick rule that keeps everyone safer

Keep contact details on-platform. That means no phone numbers, emails, or links in public stories or messages. It reduces scams, keeps privacy intact, and makes disputes easier to handle.

Who it’s for

People who want a calmer marketplace

If you’re tired of sniping, ego-bidding, and watching numbers bounce around — you’ll like sealed offers. You bid once, properly, and move on with your life.

Charities & causes

Supporters can bid to help you, and sellers can choose you because they believe in the mission — not just because you outbid everyone. Great for fundraising items, donations, and community initiatives.

Businesses & companies

Sell surplus stock, equipment, prototypes, returns, or one-off items. Choose buyers that look reliable, local, or aligned with your goals — not just the fastest click.

If you’re selling, you’ll love this part

  • Control: choose the winner, or mark no sale if it’s not right
  • Less noise: no public bidding wars in your comments/messages
  • Better outcomes: pick someone who will actually complete

If you’re buying, win without the circus

  • Bid once: your real maximum, privately
  • Your profile helps you: reliable buyers stand out
  • No “outbid” stress: you’re not constantly watching a timer

Quick answers

Do sellers have to choose the highest offer?+
No. Sealabid is built for subjective decisions. Sellers can choose based on price and buyer profile, or decide there’s no sale.
Can buyers see other offers?+
No. Buyers may see the envelope count, not the amounts.
What should I write in my message?+
Keep it short. Mention anything that reduces friction: when you can pay/collect, delivery needs, and a simple “no fuss” signal.
When is money taken?+
A payment method is required to bid, but money is only taken if a seller accepts your offer.

Ready for a marketplace that feels human again?

Build a profile, list an item, or place your first sealed envelope.

Want the fine print? Terms & Conditions