What is the effect of a reserve price not being met at an auction?

When a reserve price is set for an auction, it represents the minimum price a seller is willing to accept for the item. If bidding does not reach this specified reserve price, the seller retains ownership of the item because the conditions of the sale have not been fulfilled. The seller has the option to either sell the item at a later date, potentially adjusting the reserve price or deciding to keep the item altogether.

In this scenario, the auction mechanics ensure that the seller's interests are protected, allowing them to avoid selling at a price lower than what they deem acceptable. This scenario does not automatically cancel the auction or cause the item to be relisted; rather, it simply means that the item remains in the seller's possession until a more favorable offer is made or alternative selling options are pursued.