How to Place a Bid on Behalf of a Bidder Who Has No Internet Access

An absentee bidder with no internet access can still bid in a BidWrangler timed auction if an auction admin or clerk places a bid for them. You create a user account for the bidder in the admin portal, register that account for the auction, and give the account a password, and then place a max bid for the amount the bidder authorizes. The system bids in the auction increments up to that amount and never more.

Use this method when a bidder wants to bid in a timed online auction but cannot get online. A bidder without internet service, a bidder who is traveling, and a bidder who is not comfortable with the app all fit this case.

• You need admin access to your BidWrangler admin portal.

• Get the bidder's authorization and signing of terms in writing before the sale. Write down the lot numbers and the maximum amount for each lot.

• Plan how you will collect payment. A registration that you create in the admin portal does not run a credit card check, so the account will have no card on file.

NOTE: A card is stored on a bidder's account only when the bidder completes registration on your bidding platform under terms with Credit Card Check set to ALWAYS or REUSE.

1. Log in to your BidWrangler admin portal with clerking, admin+clerking, or full-admin permissions, but don't open the Admin Portal.

2. Click "View Auction" on the appropriate auction.

3. Click "Clerk" on the desired item. You may also click "Clerk" on any item, find the correct item on the left side of the screen, click on it, click "Manage Item".

4. Click on the Plus icon on the right side under "Bidders".

5. Search for then click on the bidder's name if they are in the system already, or click "Create a new bidder".

   1. They will need at least a first name, last name, and email (for online bidding). It is recommended to add a phone number and address as well.

6. Scroll down and click "Register".

The account is now registered and can bid in the auction. An approved registration that you create is already approved, even when your auction needs manual approval for new bidders.

1. In the Online Clerking Panel (follow steps 1 through 3 above if you aren't there already).

2. Click on the desired lot, then "Manage Item".

3. Make sure you are on the right lot via the lot number and name near the top of the clerking panel.

4. Click "Max" (in between the Ask amount and Settings).

5. Click "NEW MAXBID".

6. Search for and select the appropriate bidder's name.

7. Enter the desired maxbid amount.

8. "Save".

9. Repeat steps 2 through 7 again for each authorized lot.

CAUTION: Place a max bid only for the amount the bidder authorized in writing. The system will bid up to that full amount against a competing bidder.

A max bid authorizes the system to bid in the auctioneer's increments up to the maximum amount. The system bids only as high as competing bids force it to bid. When a competing bid passes the maximum amount, the account is no longer the high bidder, and the system places no more bids for it. To go higher, get new authorization from the bidder, then place a new max bid on that lot.

Can I enter the bidder's credit card for him?
A registration that you create in the admin portal does not run a card check, so no card is stored on the account. A card is stored only when the bidder completes registration on your bidding platform under terms with Credit Card Check set to ALWAYS or REUSE. For an absentee bidder, collect payment directly at settlement. You may choose to open the user's settings, "Payment Method", then add a credit card on-file for them.

Does the bidder need to log in himself?
No. The account works whether or not the bidder ever signs in. If he later wants access to the account, give him the email address and password that you created, or point him to the article on how to claim an account and set a password.

Will the bidder get outbid emails?
The "Receive Emails?" field controls whether the account gets email from your platform. A bidder with no internet access or without a real email will not receive or read that email, so you may plan to call him when a competing bid passes his maximum amount.

Can I do this after the auction opens?
Yes. You can create the account and the registration at any point before the lot closes. Leave enough time to place the max bid, because a lot closes on its own schedule.

Is this the same as a phone bid in a live auction?
Yes. In a live or simulcast sale, a clerk may enter the maxbid in the clerking panel while the auctioneer sells the lot.

Who is the winning bidder on the invoice?
The account that placed the bid. The invoice carries the name and the address on that user account, so enter the bidder's real details when you create the account.

• How can I bid?

• Registering Bidders in BidWrangler: The Complete Guide

• How do I manually register a bidder for my auction?

• Reserve Guide

• Why Are Some Bidders Missing a Credit Card on File at Invoicing?

If you have a question before a sale closes, please contact helpdesk@bidwrangler.com.