GAS
Auction Basics
What is the online UltimateAuctions™ Site?
The UltimateAuctions™ site is an online auction that allows you to use points to bid on incredible prizes. There is no fee to participate in the auctions, and points are only deducted from your account if you have the winning bid.
Why should I want to participate?
UltimateAuctions™ are a great way to redeem your points. You can win cool experiences, including hot consumer goods, tickets, collectibles, sports memorabilia and more.... why not?
Who is eligible to participate in the UltimateAuctions™?
Anyone who has earned points and has a registered account can participate in the UltimateAuctions™.
How do I use the UltimateAuctions™?
First, surf through the UltimateAuctions™ site and review the current highest bid(s). When you are ready to bid, select "Bid Now." Enter the required information and bid amount. Remember to check the Website often to see the latest bids, because you can bid as often as you'd like before the auction deadline. (However, after your first bid, you may only enter a higher bid). Once the auction closes and the verification process is completed, the winning bid will be sent a winner’s confirmation email.
Is it free to bid on UltimateAuctions™?
Yes, once you have a point account and have earned your points. No points will be deducted from your account unless you are the winner of an auction.
Is the UltimateAuctions™ site secure?
Yes, we take all reasonable steps to ensure that all data captured on the UltimateAuctions™ site is secure. We are committed to respecting and protecting your privacy at all times.
Auction Details
How often are new auctions posted?
On average, new auctions will be posted every week so that there are always exciting new prizes to bid on. You should check back often to see what's happening at the UltimateAuctions™.
How do I know when the auction is over? What happens next?
The date and time of the end of the auction will be posted before each auction goes live and will remain posted throughout the auction bidding period. Once the auction is live, the remaining time for the auction will be posted. Once the auction is over, you will no longer be able to place a bid. If you are a winner at the end of the auction period, we will attempt to send an E-mail, registered to your account, stating that you are the winner. If the address you entered during registration is a regular street address, we will send the package to that address. The "My Account" section of the UltimateAuctions™ site will state whether you made the winning bid or were outbid by another bidder. Once the auction closes and the verification process is completed, the winning bid will be posted on the site within 24 hours.
How do I know if I won the auction?
If you win, we will attempt to send you an e-mail stating that you are the
winner. The email will reference the item won and the order number
associated with it. Additionally, the winning bid information/confirmation
will be displayed in the "My Account" section of UBAuctions.com.
Please note: Only the auction winner will be awarded his prize.
If I do not win, will I lose my points?
No, non-winners will have their points reactivated onto their account and can use them in upcoming auctions. All non-winners will have their points reactivated within 48 hours after closing of an auction.
How much are points worth?
Each auction point is equal to one reward point. Points have no cash value.
Account Information
Do I have to register and agree to the UltimateAuctions™ Terms and Conditions each and every time that I bid on an auction?
No, by using this site you automatically agree to these terms of use. UltimateAuctions™ may revise these terms from time to time. If you continue to use our site after we post changes to these terms and conditions, it indicates you accept those changes.
Bidding
How do I Play?
It's easy to play! The auctions are broken out into different categories. You may browse through each of these categories to see both live and upcoming auctions. Go to the Live Auction™ page and review the live auctions and the highest bid(s). When you are ready to bid, select "Bid Now." Enter the required information and bid amount. (After your first bid, you may only enter a higher bid.)
At the end of the auction, if you are the winning bidder, you will be sent a winning confirmation email. You may also be contacted via phone within 48 hours to confirm your mailing address and review the next steps in the process of claiming the package.
Please note: The points you have chosen to bid will be placed on hold until you are outbid. Points will only be deducted from the winner's account after the close of the auction.
How does the bidding process work?
Any eligible participant who has the minimum number of points for the auction can place a bid during the auction period. At the close of the auction period, the highest bidder in the auction wins the gift, and the number of points in the winning bid will be deducted from the winner's account.
How do I know if someone bids above me?
During the auction, you will be able to check the UltimateAuctions™ Website to view the highest bid. You can also check your bid status by logging into your account and checking the "My Auctions" section.
How do I know if my bid went through?
When a bid is processed, you should see a Thank You Confirmation Page, which will confirm that a bid has gone through. If your bid is not valid, you should receive an immediate error message with an explanation why your bid cannot be accepted.
How many auctions can I bid on?
You can bid on as many auctions as you like as long as you have enough points. Always be sure that you have enough points in your account at the time of your bid. Visit your My Accounts page to view these details.
How often can I bid?
You can bid as often as you like. However, after your first bid in an auction you may only enter a higher bid that exceeds the current high bid plus the minimum bid increment, which is described in more detail in the next question. We will only accept the single highest bid made by any one individual as that person's final bid.
What is the bid increment for a particular auction and where can I find it?
The bid increment is the minimum amount that must be used to bid above the current bid to be eligible to win the auction. For example, if the bid increment is 5 points, you must bid at least 5 points above the current bid. So, if the current bid is 100 you must bid at least 105 but you could also bid 110 or 115, or 120, etc. This information can be found on the auction details page where you see the Minimum Bid Amount.
How can the same person keep outbidding me? What is Proxy Bidding?
The Proxy Bidding feature is one of the most exciting features of the Auction. This is how it works: The Auction software system will bid incrementally on your behalf up to your maximum bid, which is kept secret from other Auction players.
For example, you're willing to use 500 points for an auction, but the current bid is only 200. You could sit at your computer, outbidding everybody else until you reach your limit. Or, you could decide the maximum you're willing to bid and enter this amount. The auction system will then bid up to your maximum amount on your behalf - completely confidentially!
If other Players outbid your maximum, you can always decide to enter a higher maximum. If you're the winner, your final bid might be less than the maximum you had been willing to spend! Not to worry, the difference between your Proxy Bid and your Winning Bid amount will be returned to your account within 48hrs of the auction closing. This is an easier way to secure your chosen item and, the Auction system will use only as much of your maximum bid as is necessary to maintain your winning position.
Are there any limits to how many points I can bid?
There is no maximum limit for bids. You can bid as many points as you want during the auction period. Just be sure that you have enough available points in your account at the time of your bid and the close of the auction.
What is the difference between an Opening Bid and a Reserve Price?
Most auctions implement an opening bid, this is where all the bidding starts once the auction begins, it’s also the lowest amount the auctioneer is willing to accept for the item. This is not to be confused with a Reserve price that represents the lowest price at which a seller is willing to sell an item - even though the Opening Bid price may be much lower. If the bidding does not meet or exceed the Reserve price, there is no sale. The Reserve Price is never disclosed to bidders.
What happens if I bid more points than I have?
If you do not have an adequate number of points in your account at the time the bid is placed, then the bid will be rejected, and you should be notified via an error message.
I placed a bid but now have changed my mind. Can I cancel my bid?
Unfortunately, completed bids are final. However, points will only be deducted if you have placed the winning bid.
I won my bid! When do I receive my gift? Do I need to do anything else?
When you win an auction, you should receive a winner confirmation to the email address listed in your account. You must always use a street address as a delivery location because couriers will not deliver to P.O. boxes. If you do not enter a valid street address you may forfeit your prize. You may receive a telephone confirmation of your winning bid and next steps as well. This will probably occur when you win a travel package or concert event. Your gift should be delivered to your address within 4-6 weeks of the end of an auction. So look for the e-mail, and you will be on your way to experiencing your gift!
I bid on a live auction and I received a message stating the auction was canceled, how could this be?
From time to time auction items become unavailable or discontinued, so we
reserve the right to cancel an auction listing before the scheduled end
date. If there are bids on the item being canceled, the points used to bid
on the auction will be credited back to the bidders' account.
Auction Items
How long does it take to get my Auction Item?
It takes a few days to collect the shipping information, pack the item, and
ship it. It should take an Auction Item approximately 6-8 weeks to arrive.
Most items however, will reach you within two weeks if you live in the USA.
If you live outside the USA, please allow the additional time to receive
your prize.
What do I do if I have received a different item?
We make every effort to supply the exact auction item you bid on. If you
receive an incorrect auction item, please contact our customer service
department and we will do everything to get you the correct item you
originally bid on. You will be required to return the incorrect item. Once
the item is returned we will send you the correct item. Note: Some items may
not be available and UltimateAuctions™ may, at its discretion, substitute an
equivalent.
Can items be shipped to a P.O. Box Address?
No, please make sure to provide a physical address and telephone number for shipping. Couriers do not ship to P.O. Boxes; if you do not enter a valid street address you may forfeit your prize. Please ensure that a valid ship to address is registered in your main UB account.
I received my prize but it was broken or defective. What do I do?
If your prize is defective please contact the customer service department, within forty-eight (48) hours of having received your package. You can reach the customer service department via email here, or by visiting the Support page. You will be required to return the broken or defective item in its original shipping and manufacturer packaging. You must return the defective item to the Return Address on the original packaging. Once the item is received by our warehouse, your replacement package will be shipped promptly. If for some reason the identical item is no longer available, we will find a suitable alternative for you. If the item is not returned in its original shipping and manufacturer packaging a replacement is not possible. Note: If you do not return the defective item within two (2) weeks of receipt of package, you will forfeit the replacement of the item.
Is shipping included when I redeem with my points in the online auction?
Yes, however, depending on the country that the recipient lives in, you may have to pay obligatory customs and duties charged by your country. Usually this will be communicated to you by the courier or customs/duties office in your country.
If I am not satisfied with my order, can I return the item and get my points refunded?
No, customers are given every opportunity to review their orders prior to bidding on an item. Please make sure to carefully review all product information before submitting your order. Orders cannot be returned or replaced unless they are damaged.
How do I view a list of all the items I have won?
Click on ‘My Account’ on the UltimateAuctions™ site and scroll down to ‘Winning Bid History’. This section of the page shows all of your winning transactions for the last 180 days.
How do I know if I have won an auction?
You will receive a Winners Email. You will find a link to your auction fulfillment page in the email. Please fill out the form and include your shipping address so that your item can be shipped to you immediately. You must enter a valid street address; no P.O. Boxes or military address will be accepted. If you did not receive your email confirmation, check your Account History (go to the "My Account" link at the top of each page). Your Account History will contain links to all of your auction fulfillment pages. Click on the link and fill out the form to redeem your item. Print out your auction fulfillment form and retain it for any future customer service inquiries.
How do I check if I have won an auction?
You have access to the auctions you've won in your Account History. You can check your Account History at any time and view all the auctions you have won in the last 60 days. (Visit the "My Account" link at the top of each page to start).
