Same value bid from two different people - how is successful purchaser decided?

[sanahlu_16]

Hi All. 

Two individuals put in a bid for an item in the last few seconds of an auction. Both bids were of the same value. I did one and another's bid was an automatic of the same value. 

However, even though mine was first I have been deemed as having lost the auction to the other bidder. Can I check if others have seen this before, and if so, how is it decided who won the auction? 

Advice appreciated. 

[**peaseblossom**]

Whoever bid first wins.  

[plum993]

An automatic bid placed earlier will always win even if the bid amounts are identical at auction end.