Bid increments are, of course, a rule of the auction. It always has been. Ebay is no different; they use bid increments as do all online auctions. "Real" auction businesses don't allow you to bid by cents either. Maybe some of you have not been to a real auction but they would not accept a bid of $25.25 over a $25 bid. These businesses understand you can't have people bidding just a few cents over a high bid. Bid minimums are standard auction rules.
It has absolutely nothing to do with greed. It has to do with
practicality. Without that rule, in ANY auction situation, you would have
some people outbidding by a few cents. While the vast majority of people understand
this auction is a charity and many bid
very generously, we still need to set a minimum bid and I think the minimum bids are reasonable. They are similar or the same as what online auction sites use.
Joosa, we will have the rules posted in just a few days. Its really very easy. Items listed in the auction are the donations; those are the items that are GIVEN (donated). People are free to bid on the items which in turn raises money for NASC. Shipping fees, when asked for, go the person who is donating the item. The money for all the ITEMS goes to the NASC Treasurer. NASC does not receive shipping fees. But many people who donate items also offer to pay shipping. I've never asked anyone for shipping fees on my items.
Steve, I don't know exactly what happened to you. You didn't come to me about it so I don't know the details--who bid what and who said what. We have all the moderator/admins helping us during the auction, but if anyone has any problems or issues, it would be
best to contact me (I'm running the auction) or a moderator who is also a NASC member (Ozzy, Schloaty, Est). These are the people
MOST familiar with the rules and procedures.
If there are ever any questions or problems regarding bids, bid increments or any aspect of the auction, anyone can come to me and I'll help you.
The rules apply to everyone across the board. No one is exempt from them so its an even "playing field." This year it is
mandatory to read the rules before participating. Then you can decide if you want to donate/bid or not.
This is a totally voluntary, FUN event for those wishing to participate.