7 min read

How Bidding Works

Turn 10 months into 9

In a Duti Bidding Circle, members who want their payout earlier can bid for it. The bids create a bonus pool that eventually pays out an extra member — saving everyone a month of deposits.

The 90-Second Version

Ten friends, ten deposits

Every month each member puts $1,000 into the pot (total $10,000).

Early-bird bidding

Want cash earlier? Bid a fee (e.g. $2,200). Highest bid wins that month; the fee goes to the bonus pool.

The bonus payout

When the bonus pool reaches $10,000, an extra member gets paid immediately — no bid required.

Everyone saves a month

The circle finishes after 9 deposits instead of 10. Each member keeps $1,000 in their pocket.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1
Month 1

Circle Begins

The organizer (Member #1) takes the first pot of $10,000. No bidding this month — it's a reward for organizing the circle.

Organizer receives: $10,000
2
Month 2

Bidding Starts

Members who want the pot this month submit bids. Member #7 bids $3,200 and wins. They receive $10,000 - $3,200 = $6,800. The $3,200 bid goes to the bonus pool.

Winner receives: $6,800 | Bonus pool: $3,200
3
Months 3-4

Pool Grows

Bidding continues. Each winning bid adds to the bonus pool. Members who bid higher get paid sooner but receive less of the pot.

Bonus pool keeps growing...
4
Month 5

Bonus Triggered!

The bonus pool reaches $10,000! Two members get paid this month: one from the regular pot, and one from the bonus pool. This is the magic of the system.

2 payouts in 1 month!
5
Month 9

Circle Complete

After just 9 months, all 10 members have been paid. Any remaining bonus pool balance is split equally among all members.

Everyone saves $1,000 + bonus share

Why Would Someone Bid?

Urgent Need

Life happens — medical bills, business opportunities, emergencies. Bidding lets you access funds when you need them most.

Investment Opportunity

If you can earn more with the money than your bid costs, it makes financial sense to bid high and get paid early.

Time Value of Money

Money today is worth more than money tomorrow. Some members prefer to pay a premium for early access.

Why Would Someone Wait?

No Urgent Need

If you don't need the money right away, waiting means you receive the full pot amount without any deduction.

Bonus Pool Share

Patient members still benefit! When the bonus pool is distributed at the end, everyone gets an equal share.

Lower Risk

Waiting guarantees you'll receive at least your contribution back, plus the monthly savings.

Real Numbers Example

A 10-member circle with $1,000 monthly deposits

MemberPaidReceivedNet
#1 (Organizer)$9,000$10,000+$1,000 + bonus
#7 (Bid $3,200)$9,000$6,800-$2,200 + bonus
#6 (Last, no bid)$9,000$9,500+$500 + bonus
Early bidders pay a premium for speed. Late recipients get nearly the full pot. Everyone saves one month's deposit and shares the final bonus pool.

See It In Action

Our interactive simulator walks you through a complete 9-month cycle. Watch how bids accumulate, when the bonus triggers, and how everyone benefits.

Launch Interactive Simulator

Common Questions

If no one bids, members are paid in a predetermined order (often by seniority or random draw). The circle takes the full 10 months.

You can adjust your bid until the bidding deadline each month. The highest bid at deadline wins.

Communication is key. Talk to your circle organizer. Missing payments affects the entire group and may have consequences.

Duti uses secure ACH transfers and escrow accounts. Your contributions are held safely until distributed.