Mobile bidding instructions:

1. REGISTER YOUR SMARTPHONE

  • To save time at registration, we encourage you to pre-register your mobile device by sending your name and cell number to ihmgala@outlook.com. You will receive a text on January 27 with a link to the mobile bidding site to confirm your name and bidder number. If you do not receive a text message on January 27 please email ihmgala@outlook.com
  • Upon entry to Under the Big Top you’ll be checked in. If you haven’t pre-registered your phone, you will be assisted through the process.
  • Once you’ve checked in and your mobile phone number registered, you’ll receive an automated welcome text message containing your bidder URL. If you don’t receive a text message within two minutes, see any volunteer or staff member for assistance.
  • Bid Buddies (in blue vests) and Gala volunteers will be on hand to help you at any point during the silent auction.

2. USE YOUR SMARTPHONE TO FIND SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

  • Click on the link in your automated text message to log in. Once you’re logged in, your bidder number will display on your home screen.
  • When prompted, confirm your name. If the displayed name is incorrect, email see a Bid Buddy at the event.
  • Search for silent auction items by number, keyword or category. Find items with no bids by selecting “No Bid Packages.”

3. START BIDDING!

  • Bidding opens upon your check-in to the Gala. Click on the item of interest to bid on an item.
  • You can bid the next increment (Quick Bid), bid a specific amount (Bid) or simply choose to “Watch” certain items.
  • If you enter your highest maximum bid on an item, the system will automatically place bids in your favor until that amount is reached or until the auction closes. If your maximum bid is lower than the highest maximum bid on that item, you’ll be prompted to enter a higher bid.
  • If you are outbid, you will receive a system generated text message notifying you.

6. NO SMARTPHONE? NO PROBLEM—USE ONE OF OUR
    BID BUDDIES IN BLUE VESTS

  • Find one of the many Bid Buddies at the event wearing BLUE vests.
  • Give the Bid Buddy your bidder number and confirm your name on the screen is correct.
  • Provide them  with the number/name of the item you wish to bid on and how much you’d like to bid.
  • Check back to see if you remain the highest bidder
  • If you’re outbid, locate a Bid Buddy to increase your bid.

7. AFTER THE SILENT AUCTION CLOSES (9:30pm)

  • Check to see which items you’ve won under “My Bids.”
  • Your silent auction items will be available for pickup at the end of the live auction.

8.CHECKOUT CAN ALSO BE ELECTRONIC

  • If you are paying by credit card for your items, swipe your card at check in.
  • You will receive your receipt by email automatically after the live auction closes.
  • Show your emailed receipt on your phone to the item pick up area to pick up the items you've won
  • Paying cash or check? No problem, visit our check out table to pay for your items and receive a printed receipt which you can take to the item pick up area.

MORE THAN ONE BIDDER CAN USE THE SAME BID NUMBER

  • Yes, everyone under one bid number can access the same bidding site to place and follow bids. This allows spouses to be in separate areas of the event, and still follow along with what each other is bidding on.

WHAT ABOUT WINE PULL, RAFFLE TICKET, FUND-A-NEED & LIVE AUCTION?

  • You will use your mobile bid number for these activities, but they will be manual. You will not enter anything on your phone. An event volunteer will register the sale electronically to your bid number and it will be included in your total at checkout.