What is Koi Web?

Koi Web is South Africa's first dedicated online Nishikigoi auction site, connecting bidders directly to high-quality koi imported from Japan's world-famous breeders.

How does Koi Web work?

Koi Web lists koi from Japanese breeders for auction. You register, get linked to a store, bid on the koi you want, and if you win, your assigned store handles payment, invoicing, and delivery.

What does "WYSIWYG" mean on your listings?

It means "What You See Is What You Get" - the exact koi photographed and listed is the exact koi you'll receive if you win.

Do I need an account to bid?

Yes. You must register an account and be approved by the chosen store before you can place bids.

What is a store, and why do I need one?

A store is your appointed local retailer/distributor. Koi Web does not sell koi, accept payment, or ship directly to customers - all purchases, payments, and deliveries are handled through your local store.

How do I get linked to an agent?

There are two ways:

1. Via a specific store - if you followed a link or scanned a QR code, for example from a poster in a store, you'll be registered directly under that store.
2. Via the general Koi Web website - if you're visiting the site directly, you'll be asked to select your preferred store from a dropdown menu during registration.

Can I change my agent later?

Yes, we don't advise doing so, but here is how:

1. Contact your currently registered store. Their details are provided to you in your profile menu once logged in.
2. Ask them to "Remove you as a customer" so that you are cleared from their current records. This step will delete your Koi Web account.
3. Re-register here: www.koiweb.auction/login/register/
4. Please take your time to select your preferred store when re-registering.

What happens after I register?

Your account is reviewed for approval by your agent. Koi Web reserves the right to approve, suspend, or terminate accounts at its discretion.

How long does agent approval take?

This is dependent on the agent. The agent will be notified of your registration request and will be given the opportunity to make a decision on your application.

Am I responsible for my account activity?

Yes - you're responsible for keeping your login details confidential, and for all activity that happens under your account.

How do I know when the next auction is happening?

Auction dates are posted on the Home and Upcoming Auction pages in advance. We also send out email notifications to registered users.

Can I bid below the starting price?

No. The system won’t allow you to bid below the displayed starting bid.

Can I cancel or change a bid once I've placed it?

No. All bids are final and legally binding, and cannot be withdrawn, cancelled, or modified once submitted.

How is the winner decided?

The highest valid bid at the auction's closing time wins.

How long does it take for a bid to close?

All auction start and end times are displayed on the Upcoming Auctions page.

How do you ensure no "last second bids" are placed and that each customer has equal opportunity to place a bid at close of auction?

• Fish start coming off at the allocated auction end time, closing in numerical order, for example Fish #01-#90, 3 minutes apart.
• Each fish has a 3-minute countdown before it's removed.
• If a bid is placed, that fish's timer resets, ensuring no last-second unfair submissions occur. Resets continue until 3 minutes pass with no new bids.
• Other fish continue counting down independently, regardless of the status of other fish.
• There is no time limit to a certain fish being reset due to continuous bidding.

What if there's a technical issue during an auction?

Koi Web is not liable for technical issues such as downtime, server problems, bidding delays, or timer errors. In these cases, Koi Web may correct, adjust, restart, cancel, or finalize the auction, and its decision on validity or disputes is final and binding.

Can an auction be cancelled or changed after it's listed?

Yes. Koi Web reserves the right to remove auctions, reject bids, extend auction times, cancel auctions, or correct errors when necessary.

Once I win a bid, what happens next?

You'll be connected with your agent, who will contact you to arrange payment and delivery.

Who do I contact with questions about a specific koi or bid?

General enquiries can go through the Contact Us page, but questions about payment or delivery of a specific koi should go to your store.

What does the star rating on a koi listing mean?

Each koi is given a star rating from 1 to 5, reflecting its overall quality based on pattern, colour, skin quality, and body conformation.

What do terms like "Tosai" mean?

These are Japanese terms for a koi's age:

• Tosai = 1 year old
• Nisai = 2 years old
• Sansai = 3 years old
• Yonsai = 4 years old
• Gosai = 5 years old

Do I pay Koi Web directly?

No. Koi Web does not process any customer payments. All payment for won koi is handled directly between you and your store.

How long do I have to pay?

Payment must be made within the store's agreed payment terms, typically 7 days from close of auction.

What happens if I don't pay in time?

This may result in account suspension, loss of future bidding privileges, and possible legal recovery of losses.

What payment methods are accepted?

This will depend on each store.

Does Koi Web ship or deliver the koi?

No. All koi are supplied through approved stores in South Africa. Collection, transport, quarantine, and acclimation are handled by the assigned store and/or the customer.

Can I collect my koi myself?

Yes, where applicable, you may collect directly from the assigned store.

How reliable are delivery dates?

Delivery dates and transport arrangements are estimates only, and may be affected by factors outside anyone's control, for example transport delays, weather, or customs.

Will my koi look exactly like the photo/video?

Photos and videos are for reference only. Koi are live animals, and their colour, pattern, and appearance may vary slightly due to lighting, water conditions, growth, or transport stress.

Does Koi Web guarantee the koi's future growth, colour, or show quality?

No - reasonable efforts are made to list healthy, accurately represented koi, but future development, colour retention, growth, or show quality cannot be guaranteed.

Is the koi's sex guaranteed?

No, sex is not guaranteed unless otherwise stated.

What do I do if my koi arrives dead or dies shortly after collection?

You must report a DOA claim within 24 hours of delivery or collection, including clear photos of the koi and packaging, where relevant, and sufficient supporting evidence.

What happens if I report it after 24 hours?

Claims submitted after the 24-hour window may be rejected.

What do I get if my DOA claim is approved?

A credit, granted at the sole discretion of Koi Web and the assigned store.

Is a koi that dies after it's settled into my pond covered?

No - koi that die after successful delivery, collection, acclimation, or transfer into your pond are not considered DOA.