Consumer FAQ     |     Charity FAQ
 

CONSUMER FAQ

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.
 
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How do I bid on an item?
In order to bid on an item, you will first need to register for a user account. Once your registration is complete, enter your Login ID and password as well as your "Maximum Bid" (the most you are willing to pay) in the box below and click "Bid" to submit your request. You will then see a request to review and confirm this Bid. You must make any changes prior to confirming your bid. Once you confirm your bid you will receive an email documenting your bid. If you are outbid, you will receive an outbid notice by email. When the auction listing expires, you will receive a final email indicating whether you have won the item or not.
 
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I'm nervous about using e-commerce sites. Is CharityBids secure?
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 with 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.
 
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Can I watch an item before I bid?
You may choose to watch an item by adding an item to your "Watchlist." In order to add an item to your "Watchlist," you will need to register for a user account first. Once your registration is complete, enter your Login ID and password. Once you are successfully logged in, you may add as many items as you like to your "Watchlist." To add an item to your "Watchlist" simply click on the "Add to Watchlist" link on the left of the item listing page. Once added, you may view your Watchlist summary by clicking"My Account" on the top menu bar.
 
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How can I get more information about an item or experience?
You may request more information about a specific item or experience by clicking the "Ask a question about this listing" link on the left of the item listing page. Once clicked, fill out your contact information and question. A CharityBids representative will contact you with a response. Alternatively, you may contact CharityBids customer service by emailing service@CharityBids.org. Please make sure you include the item number in your email request.
 
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How much will the shipping cost me?
Each auction listing's "Auction Details" section will provide information about the cost of shipping if any.
 
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How do I pay for my auction item or experience?
After you win an auction, you will have 72 hours to modify your payment information. If no change is made, the credit card originally assigned to your account will be charged. To modify your payment information, you must enter your Login ID and password to login to your user account. Once logged in, click "My Account" on the top menu bar to view your Account Summary and then click "Change Payment Information" at which point you will be prompted to enter and validate your new payment information.
 
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I bought an experience. Who do I schedule the arrangements with?
Upon being notified that you have won an auction for travel, tickets and/or any other experience, you will be emailed the necessary contact information to arrange your experience directly.
 
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How do I change my profile?
To modify your account details including your address, email and credit card information, you must enter your Login ID and password to login to your user account. Once logged in, click "My Account" on the top menu bar to view your Account Summary. You may choose to modify specific segments of your profile (i.e. address or primary email) at which point you will be prompted to enter and save your new profile information.
 
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How can I tell my friends about CharityBids?
To tell your friends about CharityBids, Click the "Refer a Friend" link in the menu bar at the top of the page. With this feature you can notify up to 100 friends and family members at a time about CharityBids' fundraising auctions You will be prompted to complete a form which includes your first name, last name and email address as well as your friends' information and a message. In addition, you can tell your friends about specific auction items or experiences by clicking "Email this item to a friend" located on the left side of each item listing page.
 
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Which non-profit does my item benefit?
Each item listing identifies the non-profit that will benefit from the proceeds of the auction at the bottom left of each item listing page. You will also be able to learn more about the non-profit by linking to the non-profit's information home page.