Frequently asked questions

Have you got questions? We’re here to answer them! Here are responses to our most frequently asked questions. If yours isn’t on the list, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

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General information

What is an online auction platform?

An online auction platform is a web application that allows you to create your own online auction. From a participant's 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 an auction where registration, bids, and payments are all made through a personalized website.

In what languages is the platform available?

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.

Who developed Followmybid?

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

For the past 20 years, Nmédia has been guiding clients in achieving web, mobile, and software projects. Today, the company boasts over 750 successful projects and a team of nearly 100 professionals, gathering specialists in all web, mobile, and software development industries.

The company has evolved to the beat of innovation and is 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 its fundamental business culture, 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.

What is the average length of an online auction?

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

A classic auction closes the moment when the final bid for an item becomes the winning bid, but we also offer the possibility of creating a soft auction closure.

Soft closing allows the auction to be extended 1 minute after each bid, allowing participants 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.

Should I expect changes to be made to the platform?

Yes, it’s possible. Followmybid is a platform in constant evolution. We add, modify, and improve features as we judge necessary, and are reactive to client needs. If you have a Followmybid account, we will communicate with you via email to inform you of any changes made to the platform.

Is it easy for participants to make the transition from a traditional silent auction to an interactive digital one?

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

In addition, if you are holding an in-person event to accompany the online auction, having assistants present may help reassure less tech-savvy people, those who may have a problem with their cell phone, or individuals who would like someone to follow up on an item for them. Assistants may also bid on behalf of participants who wish simply by giving them “assistant” access.

What if a participant doesn’t have a cell phone?

It is always good to anticipate the possibility of someone not having a cell phone before the auction. Various options are available to you, depending on the chosen format.

If you create an auction that is 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 cell phone could use a tablet in such a case or ask an assistant to bid in their place. We suggest having at least one on-site coordinator to administer the platform, as this person can also be authorized to bid on behalf of a participant. In any case, it’s important to think about this question before beginning the auction.

Payments

Does Followmybid take a percentage of revenues generated by auctions?

It depends on the plan you choose:

If you choose the Ready to Launch plan, there are 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 participant’s credit card and the type of organization that receives the funds raised during the auction.

If the Ready to launch plan is not quite what you’re looking for, we also have the Customized launch plan. We recommend contacting our team of fundraising experts so they can provide you with the ideal solution for your fundraising activity.*

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

With the Customized launch plan, you will be able to manage payments outside the Followmybid platform if you are not using the integrated Stripe payment processor. Each participant who places a winning bid will receive an invoice automatically. You will also receive a detailed list of all invoices issued to auction participants. You can easily reconcile these invoices with the payments received.

How can participants pay items and make donations?

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.

Customized launch plan

If you use the Stripe payment processor, participants can pay their invoices in the same way as with the Ready to launch plan.

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

What is Stripe, and how does a payment processor work?

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 online invoice payment
  • Automatic deposit of funds

An online payment provider 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 correct account, depending on the services or products offered. The processor also confirms that transactions have been completed successfully or have failed to process.

Plans

What is included in the plan?

All our plans include the following:

  • Access to the platform
  • Auction with the duration of your choice
  • Unlimited number of items, participants, and partners
  • Giant screen interface for in-person events
  • Technical support as long as you need it!

Is it possible to have an annual subscription?

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!

How do I get access to the platform?

We are honoured that you asked! To get access, contact us.

How do I pay for services?

Ready to launch plan

The Stripe platform enables you to process payments.

Invoices are generated and sent automatically to winners and donors when the auction ends. They can then pay by credit card directly on the platform.

Customized launch plan

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

Technical assistance

Is the platform compatible with all operating systems?

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

Can I get a demonstration?

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

What is included under technical assistance?

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

Auction set-up

Is there a limited number of items or participants?

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

As the organizer, what are my responsibilities?

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 create partnerships
  • Import item images and descriptions
  • Import participant list and send out invitations
  • Set up the platform to meet your needs
  • Manage payments

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

How can the platform be customized?

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

Do I need to contact technical assistance every time I want to modify my auction?

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

Will my auction be online while I prepare the configuration?

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

Can I change items once they are created?

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

Talk to a
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