> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://blind-auctioneer.gitbook.io/documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://blind-auctioneer.gitbook.io/documentation/commands/setup_auction.md).

# /setup\_auction

Create and configure a new auction for your server.

### Usage

Type `/setup_auction` to initiate the multi-step auction setup process.

### Access

Admin only

### Setup Process

The command guides you through a series of prompts to configure your auction:

#### Step 1: Initial Configuration (Modal Window)

**Title** (required)

* The name or title of your auction.
* Keep it concise and descriptive.

**Description** (optional)

* Detailed information about the auction or the item being auctioned.
* Use this to provide any additional context or rules.

**Reward Image** (required)

* URL of the image representing the auction reward.
* Must be a direct link to an image file (see supported formats below).

**Start Time** (required)

* UTC Unix Timestamp for when the auction should begin.
* Use 0 to start the auction immediately.

**Currency** (required)

* The currency to be used for bidding.
* Ensure this aligns with your server's preferences or the item being auctioned.

#### Step 2: Auction Duration

* Specify how long the auction will last.
* This determines when the auction will automatically close.

#### Step 3: Number of Winners

* Set how many winners the auction can have.
* This allows for multiple winners if desired (e.g., if auctioning multiple identical items).

#### Step 4: Role Notifications (Optional)

* Select which Discord roles to notify about the auction.
* This step can be skipped if no role-based notifications are needed.

### Important Notes

* **Image URL Requirements**:
  * Must end with `.jpg`, `.jpeg`, `.png`, `.webp`, or `.gif`
  * Ensure the URL leads directly to the image file for proper Discord rendering.
* **Start Time Format**:
  * Use UTC Unix Timestamp.
  * Tools like [Unix Timestamp Converter](https://unixtime.org/) can help generate the correct format.
  * Setting to `0` starts the auction immediately upon creation.
* **Currency**:
  * This can be different from your server's default currency set in `/configure`.
  * Ensure it's appropriate for the specific auction.
* **Duration:**
  * Consider the nature of the item and your community when setting the duration.
  * Longer isn't always better; short auctions can create hype and urgency.
* **Multiple Winners**:
  * Useful for auctioning multiple identical items or slots.
  * Ensure your auction description clarifies if there are multiple winners.
* **Role Notifications:**
  * Can help increase participation by alerting interested members.
  * Be mindful not to over-notify and annoy members.

### Best Practices

* **Title**: Make it clear and attention-grabbing.
* **Description**: Provide all necessary details about the item or purpose of the auction.
* **Image**: Choose a high-quality, relevant image that represents the auction reward well.
* **Timing**: Consider your community's active hours when setting the start time and duration.
* **Winners**: Clearly communicate if there are multiple winners and how rewards will be distributed.
* **Roles**: Use role notifications strategically to engage relevant members without spamming.

### After Setup

Once you've completed all steps:

* The bot will confirm the auction creation.
* If set for immediate start (Start Time = 0), the auction will begin right away.
* Otherwise, the auction will be scheduled for the specified start time.
* Notifications will be sent to the selected roles (if any) when the auction starts.

### Example

Input: `/setup_auction`\
Result: Guides you through the multi-step process to configure your auction. After completing all steps, a new auction is created or scheduled based on your inputs.

<figure><img src="https://3189143878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FHegOQUEmTWgtZd9jzG7m%2Fuploads%2F33QpVY5MFwvyJ8Mm7kIT%2Fsetup-auction-screenshot.png?alt=media&amp;token=f1b30441-4900-4f7d-894d-849024678c84" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>Setup auction initial modal window</em></p></figcaption></figure>