diff --git a/numpad.gd b/numpad.gd
index 8e45ed0..9262bc8 100644
--- a/numpad.gd
+++ b/numpad.gd
@@ -33,6 +33,8 @@ func keypad_submit():
 	var keypad_output: String = "".join(numpad_buffer)
 	proposed_ask = int(keypad_output) * 1000
 	
+	if proposed_ask == 0: return
+	
 	match game_manager.state:
 		game_manager.bidding_state.READY:
 			if proposed_ask == game_manager.starting_price:
@@ -40,6 +42,7 @@ func keypad_submit():
 				success_audio_player.play()
 				ask_proposed.emit(proposed_ask)
 				print("starting the bidding at $" + str(proposed_ask))
+				reminder_timer.start(-1)
 			else:
 				error_audio_player.play()
 		game_manager.bidding_state.ASKING:
@@ -47,6 +50,7 @@ func keypad_submit():
 				success_audio_player.play()
 				ask_proposed.emit(proposed_ask)
 				print("asking for $" + str(proposed_ask))
+				reminder_timer.start(-1)
 			else:
 				error_audio_player.play()
 		game_manager.bidding_state.BID:
@@ -55,6 +59,7 @@ func keypad_submit():
 				success_audio_player.play()
 				ask_proposed.emit(proposed_ask)
 				print("asking for $" + str(proposed_ask))
+				reminder_timer.start(-1)
 			else:
 				error_audio_player.play()
 		_:
@@ -62,5 +67,4 @@ func keypad_submit():
 	
 	# need to avoid starting the reminder timer before
 	# the auction starts
-	reminder_timer.start(-1)
 	numpad_buffer.clear()