ISPA Foundation Auction Guidelines

Donations 

• The ISPA Foundation must receive all Silent Auction donor forms, donated items and displays by Monday, Oct. 6, 2008. Incomplete items will not be listed on the ISPA Web site or printed materials.
• Donor forms, items, gift certificates and displays received after Monday, Oct. 6, 2008, may not be printed in the Auction Catalog and may not receive associated publicity.  Donations arriving after the required date may appear in an addendum, which is printed on-site at Conference.
• All certificates must be valid through Dec. 31, 2009.  Please clearly list any restrictions, such as expiration and black-out dates.
• All donations must meet the minimum retail value requirement of $50 (USD).
• A selection committee will review all contributions for Live Auction consideration.  The committee will consider items that include, but are not limited to, the following characteristics:  uniqueness, retail value, all-inclusive packages, bidder appeal and demand.
• Live Auction resorts will be requested to submit additional video footage and/or pictures for on-site promotional purposes.
• Tax information will be mailed to all donors following the ISPA Conference & Expo.
• All displays included with donations will be kept by the ISPA Foundation (and/or the high bidder), unless the donor notifies the ISPA Foundation in writing that they wish to have the display returned.  If the donor wishes to have the display returned, they must pick up the display on-site after the close of the Silent & Live Auctions. 
• Baskets that are shipped in cellophane wrap will be opened on-site for display purposes.  We find that items are better received when every item included in the basket can be clearly seen. 
• Donor forms that were submitted by Friday, May 16, 2008 were included in the August Conference Preview edition of Pulse as an "early bird" donor.  Donations received after that date were not be eligible for this additional exposure.
• Donor forms and tangible items must be submitted by Monday, Sept. 8, 2008 to be considered for Live auction inclusion. 

Bidding

• Bid sales are final - no exchanges or refunds.
• Certificates must be used as stipulated and copies are available for review at the Silent & Live Auction display.  These certificates indicate any special blackouts or restrictions.  While every effort will be made to include all restrictions and blackout dates in the catalog information, bidders are encouraged to review the copy of the certificate before bidding.
• The donor determines values set on items and provides all descriptions.
• Items must be paid for in U.S. funds by cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.
• All bids must be written on bid slips.  Bidders must identify his/her name and company name as they appear on his/her badge, and the amount of the bid.  Illegible bids will be disqualified.
• The minimum starting bids are set at 20% of the item's retail value.
• Bids are accepted in $10 (USD) increments only.  High bidder names will be displayed upon opening of the auction payment center.
• Auction items not paid for within 30 days will be charged to the high bidders personal or corporate credit card on file.  Items not picked up during the Conference will be subject to a $30 handling fee, in addition to shipping charges. 
• Bidding on an item authorizes the ISPA Foundation to release your contact information to the donor of the item on which you bid.
• Tax information will be mailed to all high bidders following the ISPA Conference & Expo.

If you have questions or comments regarding the ISPA Foundation Auction Guidelines, please contact Pam Hale.

The ISPA Foundation Silent & Live auctions are sponsored by