Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is CharityBids? CharityBids was founded in 2007 by a group of young community activists who have advised and guided various non-profits located around the globe on marketing strategies, fundraising initiatives and awareness events that have collectively raised millions of dollars. CharityBids.org is an auction platform that enables buyers to purchase sought after or otherwise unattainable items and experiences, sometimes at a discount, while supporting a charitable cause. back to top We are planning an auction to be held at a live event. Can we still use your services? Yes. CharityBid's integrated auction program provides access to a turn-key web-based auction platform that includes everything needed to create, promote and run an online auction fundraiser and non-profits to seamlessly integrate a private branded online auction to their existing live or silent auction with ease. This program provides non-profits with a tool to market their auctions online prior to the live event and enables them to broaden their current fundraising endeavor by growing their bidding pool beyond those who attend their event, resulting in higher starting bids at the live event. As well, this program allows non-profits to expand their auction catalog to include items that will be only sold online. back to top We don't have an auction event. I have limited manpower and resources. Can we still create an online auction using your service?" Yes. CharityBid's standalone auction program allows non-profits to monetize in-kind gifts that corporate and individual donors contribute by conducting an online auction without tapping into their limited manpower and resources. In managing almost every facet of the auction process, CharityBids provides its affiliate non-profits with a suite of management tools and services that no other online auction platform currently offers including: Advising non-profits every step of the way including educating non-profits on how to plan an auction, how to obtain items, and how to market and promote their charity auction prior to the auction start. Comprehensive website consultation, creative design and production of CharityBids auction home page for you non-profit. Auction catalogue creation services (includes set up of lot titles, descriptions, pricing and category placement). Monitoring of each auction for its duration and provides real time bidders with email confirmation of an opening bid, an outbid notice and/or auction close notification Real time auction metrics and Full closing reports. Thank you letter generation and distribution. back to top We just got a few items donated. Can we sell a few items online at a time? Yes. CharityBids also allows non-profits the flexibility to conduct their auctions within a particular timeframe or auction items on an ongoing basis regardless of the number of items available, even if it is only one two or ten items. back to top Who are CharityBids clients? CharityBids designs innovative online fundraising solutions for some of the world's most admired non-profit organizations. Our dedicated team of experienced marketing consultants are able to assist clients throughout the world irrespective of location. Our client list is wide ranging, extending from national and international charities and local community organizations. back to top What are the benefits of using CharityBids' auction services? CharityBids offers a Win-Win scenario for all parties involved. That means that the non-profit, the person bidding on the item(s) and the item donor all benefit from Charity Bids' auction platform. Unparalleled Benefits For Your Non-Profit: Non-profits can now create a whole new standalone or complimentary revenue stream. Non-profits can solicit and make use of in-kind gifts that corporate and individual donors contribute. Non-profits benefit from CharityBids' experienced team of fundraisers, event coordinators and auction professionals who possess superior marketing know-how and industry contacts. Non-profits can broaden their fundraising endeavours to have extensive, international appeal and donor reach. The Benefits And Incentive For The Bidder: Bidders can support the non-profit of their choice while getting something in return. Bidders often purchase auction items at a discounted price. Bidders are able to bid on unusual and rare items that are usually unattainable to the general public. Bidders have the opportunity to support specific non-profits. The Benefits And Incentive For Donors: Donors have the opportunity to donate something that they have excess inventory of or items that would otherwise be unused. Donors find it easier to donate an item than write a cheque.Donors receive a tax-deductible receipt for the value of the item. Donors have the opportunity to support many more non-profits than they otherwise would be able to. back to top Is CharityBids run on a secure platform? CharityBids strives to provide each non-profit, donor and bidder with assurance that every transaction is secured by the most advanced and reliable technology available. By securing the site the 128 Bit encryption and using a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), CharityBids alleviates all security concerns by working through a combination of programs and encryption/decryption routines that exist on the web-hosting computer and in browser programs. This enables CharityBids to process transactions securely on the web, thereby ensuring that information is transmitted between the website and the customer in a manner that makes it difficult for other people to intercept and read. CharityBids also implements regular virus detection software updates to ensure that its continuously virus free. Training and clearance to maintain site security is only provided to select assigned personnel. The CharityBids site is independently tested and certified to meet the highest standards of the US government, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Paypal. back to top When should we start planning our auction? If you currently have a fundraising auction event, we suggest you contact us when you start planning a date. If you do not have a fundraising auction event, call us anytime if you have even one item that you would like to auction off. |
