Newspaper Auction FAQ

How can I protect my relationship with current clients who wish to participate in the newspaper auction?
There are two ways to protect your current client base: First, concentrate on selling mainly to new and inactive clients. Second, the newspaper auction has developed a proven formula for selling to current clients and you can use this formula to safely sell to your existing customers.

Do the auction items ever leave the retailers store?
All auction items remain at the store until the winning bidder arrives with a paid certificate.

Are the items new?
Yes, all items in the auction are brand new unless otherwise indicated on the item page or in the auction rules.

Who is eligible to participate?
Bidding is open to anyone 18 years of age or over. Employees of participating businesses may bid, but not on items that are provided by their respective companies.

Why is there an 'opening bid' when the item cannot be sold for less than the reserve price?
Our auction is set up much the same way as many 'live auctions' where the items must reach the reserve price in order to be sold. Traditionally these 'live auctions' have an opening bid less then the reserve price to initiate bidding.

Are bidders bound in any way when placing a bid?
Yes, each individual bid is considered a legally binding offer to purchase the particular item at a price NOT exceeding the maximum secret bid.

Can bidders retract a bid?
No, under no circumstances will retraction of a bid be allowed.

Does the bid include tax?
No, successful bidders will be responsible for all applicable taxes on the items they purchase at their winning bid.

Why do you require a valid credit card to set up an account?
The Auction Committee requires a valid credit card to secure bids however the credit card is not processed at that time. Upon winning an item(s) at the end of the auction, bidders are contacted by the Auction Committee. At that time they may make a payment using the credit card or through other means.

How do bidders know if they are the winning bidder?
There are several ways to find the results of the auction. Bidders may go on-line and check 'My Bid History'. Other alternates are to contact the call center or check printed results in the newspaper, which are generally published shortly following the auction. Winning bidders may pay by certified cheque, money order, VISA, Mastercard or AMEX. (For larger ticket items winners are expected to make the appropriate arrangements for payment/financing).

Do we (the Newspaper) have to install any software on our computers to run a newspaper auction?
No , The entire application is served up by Auction Media from our powerful servers across the Internet. All you need is a good computer, a recent Internet browser and Internet access - you can track the newspaper auction and administer the system from just about anywhere.

Our newspaper does not have a web site, can we still use the newspaper auction system?
Yes, we have performed many sucessfull newspaper auctions for newspapers who do not have their own web site.

What is the second place bidder principle?
This is when bidders who had their heart set on a particular item did not win the bid for that item. They then go to the business and purchase that product or service anyway.

Isn't this barter?
Our system is loosely based on barter, but with the addition of the auction feature and the use of our powerful web based newspaper auction software, it so much more than that. Have a look at the many features, advantages and benefits of holding a newspaper auction and you will see what we mean.

Can Auction Media process credit cards on our newspapers behalf?
Yes, we can if we use the merchant account(s) of the newspaper and act as a "3rd party processor". Auction Media is not allowed to process credit card transactions for auction items through our own merchant account - then send you payment. This is called "factoring" and is not tolerated by the Credit Card Companies and Acquiring (Merchant) Banks. Fines of up to $100,000 can be levied and your merchant account can be revoked. If you feel that a separate merchant account is required for accounting needs then we suggest that your newspaper open a second merchant account specifically for auction funds.

How is your system different than an "e-bay" style auction?
A Newspaper Auction is different than an "E-Bay Style" auction. On E-bay, most items are "used" or "re-conditioned" and are often being sold to you by someone across the country. A Newspaper Auction is different because all of the items up for auction are brand new products, still under warranty, supplied by local businesses. The reader/bidders can also visit the store to see the article(s) on display and ask questions. Furthermore, the Newspaper Auction is provided by the local newspaper - a name your readers know and trust. Internet auction fraud was the top consumer complaint in 2001, according to figures released by the FBI. The Newspaper Auction system does away with all of this! Not to mention the overwhelming benefits and low cost of the program.

How are Newspaper Sales Reps Paid?
It's up to your individual newspaper to decide exactly how your sales reps will be paid. Some newspapers have paid based on rate card value of the advertising sold, others pay based on the price of the winning bid but either way, all are paid only for items that meet reserve. If an item does not meet it's reserve, then there is no sale and no exchange of advertising.