Setting Up Access To Bid/Vote/Virtual Online

This article provides guidance on setting up access for online bidding, voting, and virtual events.

Supporters can participate either by receiving invitations via email or SMS text, or by clicking a signup link to create an account (user record). Invitations can be sent to any user record with a valid email address and/or a mobile phone number on your site.  

You can promote your online auction by sharing a link or QR code to the public facing catalog page. While supporters can browse the catalog, they must be signed into their account to place bids.

View the video for step-by-step guidance on setting  up access to bid: Watch Video

Promoting a link/QR code to the catalog will allow the user to browse the catalog, but they will not be able to place bids until they are signed into their account.

There are two options for signing in:

  1. Invitations provide a link/token to sign in without a password.  
  2. Your supporters can signup for an account  (choosing a password).  

Invitations can be emailed to any User Record with an email address and/or texted to any user record that has provided a mobile phone number.

  • Returning customers can migrate their User records from previous event site(s),  all customers can upload a spreadsheet of potential supporters, and user records are created (as needed) for new transactions (eg ticket sales, purchases, donations etc)
  • Once User records are in the software, you can send Invitations to any or all Users. (Note:  Bulk SMS/Text messages can only be sent to users that have "opted in" to receive bulk mailings).
  • Each invitation contains a token. When the user clicks on the link/token, they are automatically logged in to their account, and brought to a Welcome page to choose an online name, store a credit card (if requested or required), and opt in to receive SMS/text messages (if requested) before being directed to the catalog/voting platform/virtual event.
  • The message text for emailed invitations is editable.   SMS/Text invitations are limited in length and are not editable.
  • Invitations can be sent manually, multiple times, if desired and/or auto-invites to bid/vote can be enabled to be sent when a ticket is issued or during gala check-in.  Auto-invites are also triggered if someone that already has an account tries to signup for a new account with the same email (to prevent dups by providing access to their existing account.)

Signup buttons/links provide access to participants that can't be sent invitations because they don't have user records on your event site.    

  • When enabled, a Signup link displays in the Menu bar on your site (only to users that are not already logged in).  A Signup button can be displayed on the homepage (optional).  The button/link text for these two locations is customizable.
  • When browsing your public catalog, each item will display a "Sign in or Signup to Bid" link (instead of Place a Bid) for users that are not logged in.  This link brings them to a page that asks for their email. If their email is recognized - an email will be sent to allow them access without having to sign in. If their email is not recognized, they will be directed to the signup form to create an account.  After creating their account, they will be brought back to the item they wanted to bid on - and will remain logged in on that device.
  • If you don't want the general public to participate, you can restrict bidding to users with invitations or ticketed guests only with a single setting change. Choosing either of the Restrict Bidding options automatically removes the Signup to Bid buttons.

To Setup Signup Links and Form:

Go To: Site Settings > Registration > Signup > Signup Settings:

Help icons are placed throughout the site and provide tips in a convenient pop-up window. Click any Help Icon “?” to view additional details.

To Setup Invitations and Welcome Page:

Go to: Site Settings > Click on the desired event type (Virtual Event, Online Auction/Mobile Bidding, or Voting Contests):

  • Online Auction/Mobile Bidding > Invitations
  • Voting Contests > Voting Settings > Invitations
  • Virtual Event > Attendance & Access

To Request or Require Stored Credit Card Prior to Online Bidding/Voting:

Go to: Site Settings > Customize Your Site > Payments/Credit Card > Online Payment Options:

You have the option of Requesting or Requiring supporters to Store a Credit Card prior to placing Online Bids or Votes. When required, a store card form will be provided when users signup and/or use their Invitation to participate.