FAQ: Incomplete Patron Profiles

Question:  What's with the patron profiles with no names that I see within my auction?

Answer: At the end of your list of patrons, you may see phone numbers or email addresses with no first/last name.  There are a number of reasons for this, including:

• Patrons have sent a text to the listed phone number to register, have received back the link, but have not yet proceeded to complete the registration process.  They may get around to it, or may forget!
• Patrons have used the URL/web form to key in their cell number or email.  Should they make a keying error (or enter a land-line number) and not receive an invitation, the profiles are effectively "abandoned" and will never be used.  The patrons generally try again and key the correct number or email, so a new profile will be created and completed.
• Patrons have used the URL/web form to key in their cell number or email, and received back a link - but have not yet proceeded to complete the registration process.  They may get around to it, or may forget.
• Patrons have clicked on the link in the received invitation, but when asked to enter their first/last name decide to go no further - perhaps for privacy reasons.
• Patrons have clicked on the link in the received invitation, but because their web browser is not configured with standard defaults (e.g. use of cookies is disabled) they can't access the next step in the registration process.
• Volunteers at in-person events have added many email addresses or cell numbers, but possibly gotten them incorrect.
• If you've broadcast the URL/web form address on social media - you may get a hacker adding random email addresses (for unknown reasons.)

It is normal to see approximately 5% of your total patron records as incomplete profiles.  If you see greater than 10%, you may wish to review the Message Templates to ensure the name of your organization and/or your auction is included in the various invitation/notifications - make sure when a patron receives an invitation they know it is legitimate and not spam.  Also verify the Messaging Settings to ensure the reply-to email address and name represent your brand.

Note: Incomplete profiles are never included in broadcasts such as preview and running notifications, and custom broadcasts.