AI apps

Search lab equipment auctions from ChatGPT or Claude

Add the address below in your AI app and sign in to Auction Bio once. Then ask it to find lots, compare bids and closing times, or update your team's watchlists and buy list.

https://mcp.auctionbio.com/mcp

The address to add in your AI app. Setup steps for each app are below.

Ask it like you'd ask a colleague

It searches the same live auctions as auctionbio.com and works in your team's workspace.

Find a Tecan liquid handler in this week’s auctions and compare the bids.

What is our HPLC watchlist matching right now?

Put the Tecan EVO on our buy list with a max bid of 3,000.

Start a watchlist for Sartorius bioreactors.

Connect your app

Each app sends you to Auction Bio to sign in and allow it. These are the apps we've tried; some others, such as Cursor, can't connect yet.

ChatGPT

  1. 1Go to chatgpt.com/plugins, choose Add, then Add custom MCP server.
  2. 2Name it Auction Bio and paste the address. Leave Authentication on OAuth.
    https://mcp.auctionbio.com/mcp
  3. 3Tick I understand and want to continue, then choose Create as a plugin.
  4. 4Choose Continue to Auction Bio, sign in, and choose Allow.
  5. 5In a chat, pick Auction Bio from the + menu.

No Add custom MCP server option? Your ChatGPT plan or workspace may not allow custom servers.

Claude

  1. 1Go to Customize → Connectors in Claude, choose Add, then Add custom connector.
  2. 2Name it Auction Bio, paste the address, and choose Continue, then Add.
    https://mcp.auctionbio.com/mcp
  3. 3Choose Connect, sign in, and choose Allow.

Claude asks before it uses each tool. You can change that in the connector's settings.

Claude Code

  1. 1Run this in a terminal:
    claude mcp add --transport http --scope user auctionbio https://mcp.auctionbio.com/mcp
  2. 2In Claude Code, type /mcp, choose auctionbio, then Authenticate.
  3. 3Sign in in the browser window that opens, and choose Allow.

Questions

Anything else? Write to hello@auctionbio.com.

Do I need an Auction Bio account?
Yes. You sign in to Auction Bio when you connect the app, with Google or an email link, and it works in your workspace. An email link has to be opened in the browser where you started. A free workspace is enough: if you don't have one yet, first.
What can the app see and do?
It searches live listings, and reads and changes your workspace's watchlists, buy list and favorites for you. It also sees your name and email address, your role, the workspace's name, its plan and how much of it is used, and the names of teammates who made a watchlist or added a lot. It can't change your plan, billing, members or settings. If you're a viewer in your workspace, it can look but not change anything.
How many searches can it run?
On Free, 25 a day for the whole workspace: each search counts, and so does creating a watchlist or changing its keywords. Starter and Pro have no daily limit. The count starts again at midnight UTC. Searching on auctionbio.com itself isn't limited. See pricing.
Does Auction Bio see my chats?
No. We only see what the app asks Auction Bio for, such as a search or a change to a watchlist. The Privacy Policy has the details.
How do I disconnect an app?
In your workspace settings, under Connected apps. It stops working at once.