Description: Patron Registration

There are four basic methods to get patrons signed up for an auction:

1. Text-To Auction Phone Number:  Each organization is assigned a local dedicated 10-digit phone number.  Patrons can text this number from their phone, receive back a reply containing a link.  Clicking on the link takes them to a "sign-up" page, where they enter their name and notification options.  Then they are into the auction.  Generally, instructions for this method are printed on tent cards and displayed on tables and near the auction items.  The phone number is displayed on the auction dashboard.  THIS IS THE BEST AND RECOMMENDED WAY FOR GUESTS TO REGISTER THEMSELVES.  If they lose their place, they can text to the number and receive back a new unique link and are back into the auction.
2. Use a Generic URL:  Each auction is assigned a URL.  This is generally distributed by email to a mailing list the charity has in its internal records (But there is no reason the broadcast email can't describe option #1 above.)  Recipients of the email click on the link, which takes them to a "send me a link" page - they can choose to use their cell phone number or their email address, and receive a unique link to the chosen contact point.  The one-time use link takes them to the "sign-up" page, where they enter their name phone/email and notification options.  Then they are into the auction.  The URL is displayed on the auction dashboard.  USE THIS IF #1 DOES NOT WORK.  If they lose their place they have to request a unique link again - an extra step compared to option #1.
3. Individual registration by volunteers or administrators:  Volunteers who cruise around the venue during the auction can be armed with a phone or iPad with a specific function that allows them to key a person's name, cell phone and/or email, and the system will send them an invitation (same message as #4 Pre-Registration option) which gives them a one-time use link to directly access the auction.  Patrons will need to know either the text-to phone number or the generic URL to access the auction if they lose their place. 
4. Pre-Registration:  Collect patron names, emails and cell phone numbers before the event, and upload them from a spreadsheet.  The system itself can broadcast invitations to login to each patron by text message and/or email.  Patrons simply click the provided link and they're in.  This is only useful for in-person events that take place at a venue.  It is not recommended for virtual events, or when the auction spans multiple days.  If they lose their place they will need to know the text-to number, or the generic URL to get back into the auction.

In addition, an administrator can re-send an invitation to any patron registered in the system.  This is done from the auction dashboard >> left-side menu >> Patrons >> locate the patron in question >> use the "Invites" button within their profile.