faqs

Login and Registration

Yes. We have a one-time registration that makes it easy for you to place bids and, should you get bidding fever, come back again and again. If you have any questions, drop us a line at (403) 287-8439 / info@elevateauctions.com.

Do I have to include my credit card information when registering? 

No. All we need from you at that time is a valid e-mail address. There is only one account issued per e-mail address. Once you register, we’ll send you a confirmation e-mail with a link that you will need to click in order to activate your account. If you are the winning bidder, you can pay online through the checkout.

I forgot my password. How do I log in?

In order to retrieve your password, you will have to complete three challenges, each more daunting than the last…just kidding. There is an automated “Forgot Password” functionality that you can use to get your password e-mailed to you. 

Can I change my password? 

Any time you want, just go to the ‘myAccount’ page by clicking on your name in the top right-hand corner of the page.

Will other users be able to see my information? 

No. The only information that will be posted publicly is your bidding number. So feel free to bid vehemently against your mother-in-law, she’ll never know it was you.

What security measures does Elevate Auctions use to keep my personal and credit card information safe? 

We do not store your credit card information. All transactions are conducted via a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encrypted channel and only after you’ve won an item. Your credit card information and other personally identifiable information (PII) is never sent in plain unencrypted text; in addition, transaction information is stored in a secure and encrypted manner. From a physical security standpoint, our servers are maintained in a secured, limited-access data center.

Bidding On & Paying for Auction Items 

How do I bid on an item? 

We’ve made it an easy, three step process to get the auction item of your dreams:

First, you need to register and login. You don’t need to give us your credit card information, just a valid e-mail address. Unlike some sites, we don’t require a catalogue of your personal information or the rights to your first born child. You’re welcome.

Next, carefully look over the item listing, making sure to read not only the title and description, but also the terms so you are aware of any restrictions. We ensure our items are authentic, but we can’t turn that Bobby Orr signature into Justin Bieber.

If you’re good to go, click BID NOW, enter the amount that you would like to bid and then click the BID NOW button. You can also enter a proxy bid, if that’s your bag. More information on proxy bids below.

And that's it! You'll get an e-mail confirming your bid and an additional e-mail if you are "outbid," which means you don’t have to feverishly press ‘refresh’ and ignore the needs of your family until the auction wraps up…not that, uh, that happens…they were fine, we had snack packs. 

Anyway, at the end of the auction, you'll receive another e-mail indicating whether you've won. The organization hosting the charity will contact you at their discretion.

If the item is going to the live event, you will get an email at the end of the auction indicating that you are the high bidder. You will get instructions regarding increasing your bid before it goes the event if desired. 

Do you offer tech support? 

Yes. E-mail us at info@elevateauctions.com anytime.

Can I watch an item without bidding? 

Absolutely. We call it the “stalker strategy.” Click the “Add to watchlist” button on the item that you would like to add. Items will automatically be added to your watchlist when you submit bids. 

What is a Proxy Bid? 

Choosing a Proxy Bid is a good way to indicate the maximum amount you are willing to bid, without necessarily spending the maximum, or having to monitor the auction and increasing your bid. Auctioning without effort, if you will.  

You indicate the highest bid you are willing to pay for an item by placing a Proxy Bid. Your Proxy Bid will automatically increase in the minimum bid increments, up to the maximum that you have indicated, but only if and when you have been outbid -- so your winning bid may end up less than your designated maximum. Which is exciting, everyone likes a deal. The use of a Proxy Bid means not having to check your e-mail or watch the auction to see if your bid needs to be raised 

In order to place a proxy bid, please check off the “Proxy bid” checkbox when you are submitting a bid on the item that you would like.

What is a Watch list? 

A watch list displays items you wish to monitor. Watching an item helps you keep track of it without having to bid or buy it immediately. If you decide to bid or buy it, you can do it quickly by clicking the watched listing in my Watch list under account menu.

To watch an item from an Elevate Auction:

1. Go to the item you are interested in.

2. Click on the Add to Watch list button.

To View your Watch list:

1. Go to My Watch list.

2. You'll see a list of all the items you're watching.

* The Watch list can span over multiple auctions.

Why did the auction closing time extend by 10 minutes after I placed my bid?

This is called "Popcorn" Bidding and it’s just as delicious as it sounds. Bids placed within 10 minutes prior to an item scheduled closing time will extend the closing time on that item an additional 10 minutes. This gives all bidders an opportunity to place a competing bid. All items will close when there have been no bids placed within the last remaining 10 minutes. Think of it as sudden death overtime in the auction world.

What is a reserve?

A reserve price is the minimum price the organizer is willing to accept for the item. It usually means that it’s a pretty amazing item and you should bid. 

What are live items?

Items marked as “Live” mean the item will be carrying on to the physical auction event most likely with the assistance of a professional auctioneer. The highest online bidder will begin the live event bidding. 

How do I know if I'm a winning bidder on an item?

We’re working on having sparkles shoot out of your computer but until technology catches up with us, “You are currently the high bidder on this item” will appear on the item details above “Current Bid.”

Will I get notified if I am outbid?

Yes. You will receive an e-mail once you have been outbid.

How do I pay for an item?

Once you “win” an item, payment is due within 24 hours of purchase. We accept payment through Visa or Mastercard. When you would like to pay, login to the system and under the “myAccount” header, click the “Checkout” link and follow instructions from there. Again, we don’t store your credit card information and our checkout process is secure.

How do I get my item?

Shipping is at the discretion of the non-profit hosting the auction. After we’ve received payment, you will receive an e-mail or phone call with shipping information. If you have any questions about the status of your item, please contact us at info@elevateauctions.com or via phone at (403) 287-8439. 

How do I see how much an item closed for?

At the request of a significant number of our donors and winners, we do not disclose the final auction price of closed items.

Can I retract a bid?

There are no “take backs.” All bids placed on our website are legally binding. If you are the successful bidder, you enter into a legal contract to purchase the item and will be considered the buyer of the item. Please consider your bids carefully before placing them.

FAQ’s for Non-Profits

Where is our online auction hosted and do you provide uptime guarantees?

Providing a secure, no-risk auction is our commitment. Your auction is hosted in a secure data centre in downtown Calgary and we guarantee 99.9% uptime for your auction. We are available to meet in person and invite you to our showroom to view our no-risk consignment items at any time.

What graphics do I need to supply for my auction?

Most events already have their graphic materials finalized so this part is easy. Contact your designer and ask them to provide #1 and #2.  The rest of the list can be sent over by your organization. 

1. Event Banner  (845px x 300px jpg format)

2. Event Thumbnail (140px x 130px jpg format)

3. Event Description

4. Any sponsor logos you would like to include

5. Item names and descriptions

        - Starting bid amount

        - Picture of item (jpg format)

Click here to download a sample. ** Coming Soon**

If you don’t have banner graphics available, let us know and we can help you out. We have some amazing design talent on staff that can help you create graphics that really stand out.

Who do I contact for help?

We’re available anytime to answer your questions. Our general e-mail is info@elevateauctions.com or you can call (403) 287-8439.