Reddit proposal: why not auction AI tokens with user-set max prices at peak capacity

-MaskNinja- · reddit · 2026-11-16

A Redditor proposes inference providers adopt a bidding system: set a floor price (e.g. DeepSeek V4.1 Flash at $0.15 in / $0.60 out), let users specify their max willing price, and at capacity serve the highest bidders first.

The author argues this is cleaner than peak-time throttling, boosts provider revenue, and lets new entrants undercut with low floors (e.g. $0.10/$0.20) while still clearing near retail prices. Discussion only—no provider has announced anything like this.

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