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Auctions

Auction Fundamentals

What is an auction and how do you bid?

An auction is a sales method in which participants bid to purchase an object or experience. The user who places the highest bid on the auction wins the item or experience. The cost of the auction, the service fee and any shipping costs will be charged only to the winning user.

After logging in to the site, make sure that your credit card and shipping details are updated, after which you can bid on the chosen auction by entering the amount of your bid and, if you wish, your maximum bid. To confirm your bid, simply click on the "bid now" button.

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What is a live auction?

“live" is an auction that begins online and ends in a physical setting at a gala or charity event. Live auction lots are placed online on the CharityStars platform before the physical event begins. Online bidding will close before the event, as reported in the auction description.

Online users have the option of entering a maximum bid so that the system automatically raises for them if their bid is exceeded during the event. Click here to find out more about maximum bidding. We invite users to pay particular attention to the description whenever they see "live".

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Why do I have to enter credit card details to make a bid?

To ensure the authenticity of all bid, CharityStars requires registration of a credit or debit card. Users who place a bid authorize CharityStars to debit the registered card, in the event of victory, with the cost of the winning bid and all related charges. The charge is processed after the auction closes.
How can I “follow” an object or experience?

To follow and object or an exclusive experience that is coming soon or already underway, just select the "follow” button on the auction page under bid now.. You will receive a notification when the lot you are following opens and/or is about to close.
What are minimum increments?
Bidding increments vary depending on the current price of the auction item. The minimum bid increment required will be noted for each auction.
- €0 to €99.99 = €5
- €100.00 to €499.99 = €10
- €500.00 to €999.99 = €12
- €1,000.00 to €1,999.99. = €15
- €2,000.00 to 2,999.99 =€25
- €3,000.00 to €4,999.99 = €50
- €5,000.00 to €24,999.99 = €100
- €25,000.00 + = €250
Can a bid be canceled/withdrawn?

Once a bid has been made, it becomes legally binding and cannot be withdrawn. As detailed in our Terms of service, when the user bids and wins the auction, they agree to purchase the item or experience at the price they bid

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When does the auction end?

On each auction page there is the closing date of the auction and a timer counting the remaining time
What is the extended timer?

If a bid on an item or experience is placed in the last 4 minutes of an auction, an extra 4 minutes will be added. In this way we give other users the opportunity to make an offer. The end of the auction will be extended again if there are new bids.

Please note: No outbid email notifications will be sent after the original auction closing time. We suggest that our users monitor the auction once the extended timer is activated.

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How do I know if I won the auction?

As soon as the auction is closed, the winner will receive an email or SMS after winning the auction.

A message will also appear on your CharityStar account.

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I won an experience, how do I redeem it?

A representative from the CharityStars team will reach out to you within 48 hours of your purchase to coordinate the experience. If you haven't received any communication after 7 days, please reach out to our support center. Don't forget to check your spam folder, as redemption details may have been sent to you via email.

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