Help

  1. Will my email or other information be shared with any other organizations?
  2. How do I register for the auction?
  3. Will I get emails from BiddingForGood during the auction?
  4. Will the administrators of the auction be able to know which bidder has which username?
  5. Is there a way to display my real name and not a username?
  6. How can I change my username?
  7. How can I change my password?
  8. How do I update my email information?
  9. How do I update my credit card information?
  10. How do I donate an item to the auction?
  11. Do I need a credit card on file to place a bid?
  12. How does proxy bidding work?
  13. How does straight bidding work?
  14. What browsers are supported?
  15. What should I do if I need further information about an item I've won?

1. Will my email or other information be shared with any other organizations?

No, this information will be utilized by only the organization running the auction and BiddingForGood. To keep you up to date on the Online Auction, BiddingForGood does not share or give out its email lists to any other groups. To view our Privacy Policy, feel free to click the Info link on the bottom of any BiddingForGood auction page.

2. How do I register for the auction?

Click the Register link at the top right of the page. Fill in all required fields (marked by an asterisk) and check "I Agree to the Terms of Use." Once registered, you will have access to place bids and purchase auction items, donate auction items and receive event updates by email. You can also feel free to access your items and your account by using the My Items and My Account links once you have registered and signed in.

3. Will I get emails from BiddingForGood during the auction?

In order to have a successful auction we need to communicate with you updates while the auction is underway. The auction emails will come from "@biddingforgood.org" so please add this email address to your "acceptable email list" so we can avoid any spam filters.

4. Will the administrators of the auction be able to know which bidder has which username?

Yes, the Administrator(s) will be able to identify bidders by their username. This is important if you donate an item to the auction, place a winning bid, or purchase an item.

5. Is there a way to display my real name and not a username?

Bidders may choose to use their real names as usernames. This is a choice bidders make when they register. It is your decision whether to publicly display your real name or to be anonymous.

6. How can I change my username?

  1. Click the Sign In link and enter your current username and password.
  2. Click the My Account link.
  3. Click the Account Information tab.
  4. Type in a new Username and click Save.

7. How can I change my password?

  1. Click the Sign In link and enter your current username and password.
  2. Click the My Account link.
  3. Click the Password tab.
  4. Type in and confirm a new password and click Save.

8. How do I update my email information?

  1. Click the Sign In link and enter your current username and password.
  2. Click the My Account link.
  3. Click the Account Information tab.
  4. Type in a new Email address and click Save.

9. How do I update my credit card information?

If you would like to change the credit card information for active bids (i.e. items that have not concluded bidding), you may do so as long as the new card has the same card type as the one youre updating. If the new card has a different card type, please contact Client Services at {0}. Note: Changing your Default Card will only affect which card is selected by default when you place a bid; it will not change all currently active bids to the new Default Card.

To update your credit card information:

  1. Click the Sign In link and enter your current username and password.
  2. Click the My Account link.
  3. Click the Credit Cards tab.
  4. Choose the card you would like to update.
  5. Replace the old information with your updated information and click Update Credit Card.

To add a new card:

  1. Click the Sign In link and enter your current username and password.
  2. Click the My Account link.
  3. Click the Credit Cards tab.
  4. Click Add New Credit Card.
  5. Enter the information for the new card and click Add Credit Card.

10. How do I donate an item to the auction?

To donate an item to this auction, you first need to register and sign in. You will be asked to provide some information about the item you would like to donate, along with a digital picture, if you have one available. The auction committee will contact you by email after the item has been reviewed.

  1. Click the Donate Item link on the left.
  2. Fill in your information. It is preferable to include a photo but not required.
  3. Click the Submit button.
  4. Review your donation or make another donation.

11. Do I need a credit card on file to place a bid?

Yes, having a credit card on file is a requirement for placing a bid or purchasing an item via buy now. Some organizations have restrictions on which credit cards are accepted (indicated on the bidding and buy now pages), so you should check to make sure your credit card is accepted.

Organizations require credit cards as a means of payment on an item. Any bid is considered intent to purchase the item. If you win the item, the credit card used will be charged for the item purchase.

12. How does proxy bidding work?

Proxy bidding is a convenient way for you to bid competitively for an item without having to return to the site every time another user places a bid. Enter the maximum amount you ultimately would be willing to pay for the item and check the "Proxy Bid" option. The auction program then bids on your behalf against other bidders, up to the amount entered. It will never enter a bid of more than the prior bid plus one automated increment. As the auction continues, you will be notified by email if you are finally outbid.

13. How does straight bidding work?

Straight bidding is an easy way for you to place a bid higher than the minimum increment immediately, rather than as bidding on an item picks up. Enter the amount you would like to bid on an item, and check the "Straight Bid" option. The bid will be placed immediately at the amount entered. As the auction continues, you will be notified by email if you are outbid. Please note that not all organizations choose to make the Straight Bidding feature available.

14. What browsers are supported?

Using Windows XP
Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher
Firefox 1.0 or higher
Netscape 7.0 or higher
Using Windows Vista
Internet Explorer 7.0
Firefox 2.0
Mac (OS X or higher)
Safari 1.3
Netscape 7.0 or higher
Firefox 1.0 or higher

15. What should I do if I need further information about an item I've won?

In many cases, bidders need more information about an item than is offered in its item description. Of course, BiddingForGood advises all Auction Administrators to provide detailed item descriptions, including: fulfillment timelines, shipping and handling costs, and unique caveats or exceptions. Despite our organizations best intentions, these details sometimes remain undefined.

Prior to Placing a Bid:

As a bidder, it is your responsibility to clarify all information regarding an item prior to placing your bid. To do this, you should:

Email the Auction Administrator for that auction with any questions or concerns. To contact the Auction Administrator:

  1. Click the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page.
  2. Email or call the Auction Administrator requesting further information.

If you have not heard from the organization within 5 business days, email Client Services at {0}. We will attempt to mediate between you and the organization.

After Winning an Item:

In the event that you have received a Winning Bid notification from an organization yet have not received the item in due time, contact the auction administrator by:

  1. Logging in as a registered bidder to any BiddingForGood auction.
  2. Go to My Items.
  3. Click the Organization Name for the item youve won.
  4. Click the Contact Us link at the bottom of the auction page.
  5. Email or call the Auction Administrator, alerting them of any item fulfillment issues.

In most cases, organizations are quick to rectify any issues experienced by their generous donors. In the event you remain unable to contact an organization, contact Client Services at bfgsupport@frontstream.com. We will attempt to mediate the transaction.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the BiddingForGood Bidder Community, or you would like to learn more about running online auction fundraisers with BiddingForGood please don't hesitate to contact us.

If you have any questions about specific auction items or for the organization holding the auction, please use the Contact Us link at the bottom of that particular organization's auction site.

BiddingForGood, Inc.
100 CambridgePark Drive
Cambridge, MA 02140

Phone: (866) 621-0394

Fax: (617) 374-9015

Email: bfgsupport@frontstream.com