Bidding Guidelines

2.1 Binding Bid Commitment

When you place a bid on GiveAuction, you are entering into a legally binding contract. By placing a bid:

• You agree to purchase the item at your bid price if you are the winning bidder
• Your bid cannot be retracted, cancelled, edited, or modified once placed
• You must have a valid payment method saved to your account before bidding
• You authorize automatic payment processing if you win
• You accept full responsibility for completing the transaction
• You acknowledge that bid manipulation or fraudulent bidding may result in legal action

2.2 Payment Method Requirements

Before you can place your first bid, you must save a valid payment method. GiveAuction uses automatic "off-session" payment processing:

• You must save a valid credit or debit card before bidding
• Your card must have sufficient available credit/funds to cover your bids
• You authorize GiveAuction to charge your card automatically when you win
• Payment processing occurs off-session (you do not need to be online)
• You must keep your payment method current and not expired
• Failed payment attempts may result in account restrictions

2.3 Dynamic Bid Increments

GiveAuction uses an intelligent dynamic bidding system that automatically determines minimum bid increments based on the current bid amount:

• $0-$50: Minimum increment of $1
• $51-$200: Minimum increment of $5
• $201-$500: Minimum increment of $10
• $501-$1,000: Minimum increment of $25
• $1,001+: Minimum increment of $50

The platform automatically calculates and displays the minimum next bid amount. You cannot place a bid below this threshold.

2.4 Anti-Snipe Protection

For some auctions, placing a bid in the final minutes may extend the auction timer to allow other bidders to respond. This anti-snipe feature helps ensure fair bidding opportunities for all participants.

3.2 Recurring Donations

You may set up monthly or yearly recurring donations:

• Recurring donations are charged automatically on each billing cycle
• You may cancel recurring donations at any time through your account settings
• Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period
• You authorize all scheduled charges until you cancel

3.3 Platform Tips

An optional platform tip may be offered during checkout. Tips help support GiveAuction's operations and are separate from the donation to the nonprofit. Tips are voluntary and can be adjusted or removed.

4.1 Bid Visibility

By placing a bid on GiveAuction, you acknowledge and consent that:

• Your username and bid amount will be publicly visible on the auction page
• Bid history showing all bids may be displayed
• Your username may appear on leaderboards and activity feeds
• Winning bidder information is shared with the Fundraiser for fulfillment

4.2 Donation Visibility

For Donation Campaigns:

• Your name/username and donation amount may appear on campaign leaderboards
• You may opt to donate anonymously during checkout
• Anonymous donations still share necessary information with the Fundraiser

6.1 Auction Visibility Settings

Fundraisers can set their auctions to three visibility levels:

• Public: Anyone can view and bid on these auctions
• Followers Only: Only users who follow the Fundraiser can view and bid
• Connections Only: Only mutual connections of the Fundraiser can view and bid

You can only place bids on auctions you have permission to access. Follow Fundraisers or send connection requests to access their restricted auctions.

6.2 Watchlist Feature

Add auction items to your watchlist to track them without bidding. Watchlist items appear in your "My Bids" dashboard under the Watchlist tab. You'll receive notifications before watched auctions end.

9.1 Inspection Period

Buyers should inspect items immediately upon receipt. Any issues must be reported to the Fundraiser within 48 hours. GiveAuction is not responsible for resolving disputes or mediating between buyers and Fundraisers.

9.2 Platform Limitations

GiveAuction is NOT responsible for:

• Items not received, delayed, or received damaged
• Items not matching descriptions or photographs
• Shipping delays, lost packages, or carrier issues
• Fundraiser's failure to fulfill orders
• Counterfeit, damaged, or misrepresented items
• Disputes between buyers and Fundraisers
• Refunds or returns (handled by Fundraisers only)
• Tax documentation or receipt accuracy

9.3 Resolution Center

GiveAuction provides a Resolution Center to help facilitate communication between buyers and Fundraisers, but we do not arbitrate, mediate, or guarantee dispute outcomes. All disputes must ultimately be resolved between the parties.

10.1 Auction End Times

Auctions close at the specified date and time with real-time countdown timers. Last-second bids ("sniping") are permitted unless anti-snipe protection extends the timer. GiveAuction is not responsible for technical issues that prevent bid placement.

10.3 Payment Failure

If automatic payment fails, you must update your payment method immediately. Failure to resolve payment issues within 24 hours may result in account suspension, forfeiture of the item, and negative account standing.

10.4 No Extensions or Second Chances

GiveAuction does not extend auction deadlines or provide second chances to bidders who miss auctions. All times displayed are based on the platform's server time. Enable notifications to avoid missing auction endings.

11.1 Violation Penalties

Violations of these guidelines may result in:

• Immediate account suspension or permanent termination
• Forfeiture of active bids and winning positions
• Permanent ban from the Platform
• Legal action for fraud, breach of contract, or damages
• Reporting to law enforcement for suspected illegal activity
• Collection actions for unpaid winning bids

11.2 Non-Payment Consequences

Failure to complete payment for a winning bid is a breach of contract and may result in: (a) account termination; (b) referral to collection agencies; (c) negative credit reporting; (d) legal proceedings; and (e) inability to use GiveAuction or similar platforms.