Frequently asked questions

An online auction platform is a web application that allows you to create your own online auction. From the participants' perspective, the platform allows you to create an account, place bids and win items from a cell phone or laptop computer.

A Followmybid online auction is, therefore an auction where the registration, bids, and payments are made through a personalized website.

Followmybid offers all services in English and French.

You may choose to hold the auction in just one language or to make it bilingual so participants may view it in the language of their choice.

Followmybid was developed by Nmédia, who built the architecture and application structure based on their experience and knowledge of the web sector.

Nmédia has been guiding clients in achieving their web, mobile, and software projects for the past 20 years. Today, the company boasts more than 750 project accomplishments and a team of nearly 100 professionals, gathering specialists in all specialties relating to web, mobile, and software development.

The company has evolved to the rhythm of innovation while driven by the values of creativity, discipline, collaboration, responsibility, and fun. Though the past few years have been synonymous with growth, Nmédia has succeeded in preserving the fundamental culture of the business, namely the high value it places on human capital and skills.

Today, a complete multidisciplinary team is designated to Followmybid. More than 20 professionals from varied fields of expertise are working hard to improve the platform and maximize your user experience.

To learn more about this terrific team, please visit the website of Nmédia, our digital ally.

We suggest holding 2-week auctions. However, you are free to decide the optimal timeframe for your event.

The closing of a classic auction designates the moment when the last bid placed on an item transforms into the winning bid, but we also offer the possibility to create a soft closure.

The soft closing allows the auction to be extended 1 minute after each bid, allowing participants the opportunity to continue bidding on a coveted item until no one else bids. This feature also prevents participants from only bidding at the last second to obtain the item.

Yes, it's possible. Followmybid is a platform that constantly evolves. We add, modify, and improve features as we judge necessary, and we are reactive to our clients' needs. If you have a Followmybid account, we will communicate with you via email to inform you of any changes made to the platform.

Yes. Our application is very simple to use. Guests need to follow the instructions sent to them by email or telephone to create their accounts. However, we recommend naming someone who can respond to participants' questions as they arise.

In addition, if you are holding a physical event to accompany the online auction, having assistants present may help reassure those who are resistant to change, those who may have a problem with their cell phone or those who would like someone to follow up on an item for them. It is also possible to give assistants the ability to bid in the name of participants who wish to do so, simply by giving them the “assistant” access.

The possibility of someone not having a cell phone must be anticipated prior to the auction. Various options are available to you, depending on the chosen format.

If you create an auction 100% online, know that the platform is accessible via the Internet from any device, such as a computer or tablet. If a participant does not supply a telephone number, communications will be sent by email.

If an in-person event accompanies your auction, the participant who does not have a phone could use a tablet for such a case or ask an assistant to bid in their place. If not, we strongly suggest having at least one on-site coordinator to administer the platform, as this person can also be authorized to bid on someone's behalf. In all cases, it's important to think about this question before the auction is held.

It depends on the plan you choose:

If you choose the Ready to launch plan, there is no membership or upfront fees, but the cost per transaction is 8% + $0.30. The cost per transaction collected by Followmybid is 5.1% for using the platform and 2.9% + $0.30 collected by Stripe, our payment processor. Please note that the cost per transaction may vary depending on the credit card of the participants and the type of the organization that receives the funds raised during the auction.

If the Ready to launch plan is different from what you're looking for we also have the Tailored launch plan. We recommend contacting our team of fundraising experts so they can provide you with the ideal solution for your fundraising activity.*

*However, if you use Stripe, a payment processor, this provider applies a per-transaction fee.

With the Tailored launch plan, you will be able to manage the payments outside the Followmybid platform if you are not using the integrated solution of the payment processor Stripe. Each participant who wins an item will receive an invoice automatically. Furthermore, you will receive a detailed list of all the invoices issued to your auction participants. It will then be possible to reconcile these invoices with the payments received.

Ready to launch plan

When the auction is over, invoices are generated and sent automatically to the winners and donors. They can then pay by credit card directly on the platform.

Tailored launch plan

If you use Stripe, the payment processor, participants will be able to pay their bill in the same way as with the Ready to launch plan.

You may also collect payments independently if you prefer not to use Stripe.

A payment processor is a service that allows you to manage, make and settle payments and purchases online.

To facilitate the payment management process, Followmybid decided to go with the solutions offered by the payment processor Stripe.

If you use Stripe with Followmybid, this payment processor offers the following solutions:

• Online payment platform
• Simple pricing
• Secure way to pay online bill
• Automatic deposit of money

A provider that offers online payment solutions handles card transactions between a buyer (user or customer) and a vendor (company offering products or services).

The payment processor simultaneously and securely connects to the vendor's account and the payment gateway to exchange transaction information. Once the transaction information is processed and validated, the processor deposits the funds into the seller's or buyer's account, depending on the services or products offered. The processor's role also includes confirming the transaction's success or failure.

All our plans include the following:

• Access to the platform
• An auction of the duration of your choice
• An unlimited number of items, participants, and partners
• A giant screen interface for in-person events
• And technical support as long as you need it!

Not at the moment.

However, we have a dedicated team that is constantly improving the platform and user experience. So, stay tuned to what is coming next!

We are honoured that you asked this question! To get your own access, contact us.

Ready to launch plan

The Stripe platform enables you to process payments.

When the auction is over, invoices are generated and sent automatically to the winners and donors. They can then pay by credit card directly on the platform.

Tailored launch plan

You will need to make your auction payment online during your registration process with a member of our team.

Yes. You can access Followmybid from a computer, tablet or cell phone, regardless of whether you use iOS, Android, Microsoft, or another OS.

Are you still hesitating? Contact us for a demo and discover how the platform works before making a decision.

Find answers to all your questions in our Help Center or get support from our team if you have technical questions along the way.

No. The possibilities are ENDLESS. You can add as many items as you want and invite as many participants as you so desire.

Our platform takes on a large part of the work associated with organizing an online auction, but unfortunately, it cannot do everything! So, you must:

• Solicit items and partners
• Import images and item descriptions
• Import your participant base and send invitations
• Set up the platform to meet your needs
• Manage payments

The good news is we have all the tools needed, so your work remains as fun and easy as possible!

You can add your logo, change the platform to your colours, import images, and more.

No! Absolutely everything can be modified completely autonomously at all times.

No. Your auction will not be online until you publish it.

Yes. You can change, remove or add items throughout your auction.