CAT’s mission is to work with our community to save the lives of homeless, sick and injured cats and kittens by offering shelter, adoption, foster, hospice, and veterinary services to end needless feline euthanasia in our community.
We have an exciting new addition to our silent auction this year! Text-to-bid!
That’s right. For a select group of silent auction packages and retail items, you will be able to text your bid, using your own cell phone!
The Text-To-Bid silent auction will open at 9 am on Saturday, November 5 (before Whisker starts). Check out the catalog of items.
Q: How do I get started?
A: The first step is to register your cell phone. Go to www.qtego.com/whisker and fill out the form. You should receive a confirmation text message in less than a minute.
Q: I submitted the form but did not receive a confirmation text message. What do I do now?
A: If you do not receive a confirmation within 10 minutes, please call Northwest Auction Support at 1-877-571-1516.
Q: Will I still need to register at the event?
A: Yes, you will still need to register to get your bid number. Text-to-bid is only for our Super Silent Auction items and retail items.
Q: Do I need to have a smart phone (Android or iPhone)?
A: Nope. If you can text on your cell phone, the Text-to-Bid platform will work.
Q: How will it work?
A: At the Super Silent Auction table you will see information sheets for each package number.
a.Text 86132 followed by the Package Number of the item you are interested in (Package numbers are found on the items; for example 419002) to find out what about the item and what the current bid amount is.
b.To place a bid, reply to 86132 with the Package Number and the amount you wish to bid. For example: to Bid $200 on item 419002, reply to 86132 with ‘419002200’ in the message.
c.You will receive a confirmation text that you are now the high bidder on Item 419002, congratulations! Or a text informing you that there is a higher bid and suggesting an amount to bid.
Q: Will there be someone there to help?
A: We will have staff available to help you place your text bid.
Q: How will I know if I am out bid?
A: Once you place a bid on a Package, you will be notified via text when another bidder out bids you. You will also be prompted to increase your bid.
Q: How can I make sure I get an item that I really want?
A: If item 419002 (for example) is an item you just can’t live without, there is a way to make sure you remain the high bidder.
Text to 86132 “419002” followed by the highest amount you wish to bid on the item followed by “m” to indicate maximum.
For example: Your maximum bid on item 419002 is $5,000, text “4190025000m” to 86132. Your bid will now increase at the minimum bid increments (pre-set on each item), with every bid someone else places. You might walk away with the item for $1,000 or someone might out bid you at $5,500 and you will have the opportunity to steal the item back!
Q: Will I be able to use Text-To-Bid on other items?
A: There are two other items utilizing the texting feature at Whisker.
You will have the opportunity to help some cats at our shelter with some of their medical costs. All you have to do is Text “GIVE” followed by the dollar amount to 86132 and you will have made a direct contribution to the cats in our care.
Several other Auction Packages and Retail Items can be purchased directly using the Text-to-Bid process. To participate just Text “BUY” followed by the item number and you will have purchased that item.
Note: All retail items will be available for pick up after check out.
Q: How will I know when the Super Silent Auction is over?
A: We will send out a broadcast text giving you amble time to bid on items you really want.
Q: How do I pay for items I “won” on the Super Silent auction?
A: At the end of the night, all your items, including your Text-To-Bid items, will be charged to your bidder number.
Q: Will I be charged anything else for texting?
A: Standard text messaging rates do apply, but your phone will NOT be charged for any purchases you make. If you do not have a cell phone, we will have Concierge bidders to help you. You do not need to have a Smart Phone to participate in the Text-To-Bid.
Q: Since this is texting, can I start bidding early?
A: We will send you an email on Saturday with the Text-To-Bid catalog. We plan to open the Super Silent Auction at 9 am on Saturday, November 5, so you can get some early bids in on items you like before you make your way down to the event.
Thank you for your participation and happy bidding!
You will notice a QR code on all of the items displays.
What is a QR code?
QR codes are only good for Smart Phones (iPhones and Android enabled). The best QR reader is Red Laser QR Reader from ebay. To access the QR code, open the QR reader app on your Smart Phone and scan the code displayed on the Super Silent Auction item. After that just reply with the bid you wish to place and you are on your way!
