Auction Procedures, Rules & Terms
Thank you for participating in the auction and supporting the mission of The Helm. By placing a bid, the bidder agrees to the applicable auction procedures and terms outlined below.
Bidder Identification
- Each registered bidder will be assigned a bidder or paddle number. Please use this number when participating in live and silent auctions and, when applicable, for raffle or other event purchases.
- Bidders are responsible for activity associated with their bidder number and should notify an event representative if assistance is needed.
Silent Auction
- Silent auction bidding will close at the time designated by the event. The official countdown and closing time will be displayed on the bidder’s device.
- The highest eligible bid successfully received before the auction closes will be considered the winning bid.
- Bidders are responsible for confirming that their bids have been successfully submitted. In the event of a bidding discrepancy, technical irregularity, or dispute, the designated auction official will determine the successful bidder. Auction officials may withdraw an item when necessary to resolve a bidding irregularity.
Live Auction
- Live auction bidding is conducted by the auctioneer. In-person guests may bid by raising their assigned paddle while a package is being offered.
- The auctioneer may establish the opening bid and bidding increments and may accept or reject bids at their discretion in conducting the auction.
- An item is considered sold when announced by the auctioneer.
- In the event of a bidding discrepancy or dispute, the auctioneer will determine the successful bidder. The auctioneer or designated auction officials may withdraw an item or decline to sell an item when an appropriate bid is not received.
Package Descriptions & Restrictions
- Every reasonable effort has been made to accurately describe the items, services, experiences, and restrictions included in each auction package.
- Bidders are responsible for reviewing package descriptions, restrictions, expiration dates, availability requirements, blackout dates, and other applicable terms before bidding.
- Photographs and promotional images may be representative and are not necessarily intended to depict every component of a package.
- Unless otherwise specifically stated, auction items and experiences are offered “as is.”
Experiences, Services & Certificates
- Experiences, services, travel, dining, accommodations, and other certificate-based packages must be arranged directly with the provider or designated fulfillment contact.
- Reservations and redemptions are subject to provider availability and to all restrictions, expiration dates, blackout dates, and other terms associated with the package.
- Unless specifically included in the package description, incidental expenses and costs associated with redeeming an experience are the responsibility of the winning bidder.
Final Sales & Payment
- All auction sales are final unless otherwise specifically noted. Refunds, exchanges, or substitutions cannot be provided.
- Winning bidders are responsible for payment of their purchases using the payment methods accepted by the event.
- A winning bid constitutes a commitment to purchase the item or package at the final bid amount.
Item Pickup & Fulfillment
- Unless otherwise noted, physical auction items should be taken home by the winning bidder at the conclusion of the event.
- Certificates, electronic vouchers, and other redemption information will be distributed according to the fulfillment instructions associated with each package.
- If alternate pickup arrangements are offered, items must be collected within the designated pickup period. Items remaining after that period may be considered forfeited and may be returned to the organization, donated, or resold without refund.
Auction Administration
- The auctioneer and designated auction officials are responsible for administering the auction and resolving bidding discrepancies or other issues that may arise during the event.
- Auction officials reserve the right to correct administrative or clerical errors, withdraw an item when appropriate, and make determinations necessary for the orderly administration of the auction.
Thank you for participating, bidding generously, and supporting our community through The Helm.