FAQ: Why should I enable "Send Preview Notifications"?

Question:  Within the Auction Settings, there is a checkbox to "Auto send notifications on preview" - what does it do?

Answer:  When the auction transitions from Planning to Preview (whether done manually or on a preset schedule) a number of processes happen:

1. Bidding remains closed, but the items are opened for viewing, and marking as favourites
2. Individualized invitations are sent, each containing a personalized direct link to access the auction

If you check off the "auto send notifications on preview" tickbox, then email and/or SMS messages will be sent to:

• All patrons listed in the Contact Manager for the Organization (same as the list of Patrons for the auction)

Patrons who have opted out of "General Notifications" in their profile will not receive these invitations.  Patrons who have an invalid phone number, or have previously texted STOP to the platform, will receive no invitations. 

If you do not check the tickbox, then no preview invitations are sent.

By default, when an auction is initially created, or if one is duplicated, this option is not enabled - the checkbox must always be manually ticked should you want to use this feature.

An administrator can manually Broadcast to all Patrons, selecting the "Auction Preview" Message Template (e.g. if the checkbox was not enabled at the time of auction start.)