Overview - READ ME !!!

• A MobilBid account has many features that allow you to configure your auctions the way you need, rather than having to adapt to the way MobilBid works. The downside is that with flexibility comes choice, and some find the process and options initially overwhelming. Hang in there - it’s not that bad!
• A few notes to get started (see the video!):
  • The system allows you to create multiple organizations under your account. Think of an organization as container for auctions and guests (we call them "patrons".)
  • Most of our clients only need one organization (e.g. they run one fundraiser a year), but if you want to separate different events (gala vs. golf tournament) you can have multiple organizations - the auctions and patrons will be walled off and never interact with each other.
  • Within each organization you can have multiple auctions. You can have auctions in various stages (Planning >> Preview >> Running >> Postview >> Archived) but only run one at a time. 
  • The status of auctions can only move “forward” - you cannot move the status back.
  • You can duplicate existing auctions (within an organization), which will copy the entire configuration and items.  The copy can access the existing list of patrons (guests) which are shared across all auctions in an organization. This allows the system to remember patron contact and payment information from auction to auction.
  • You set up organization-level configurations, as well as auction-level configurations:
    • As a general rule, the org-level settings are on the right-side drop-down menu ("head & shoulders" icon at top right of all admin pages.)
    • The auction-level settings are on the left-side menu accessed via the auction dashboard
  • You can connect a STRIPE credit card payment account from the right-side menu, under the Account Settings:
    • Stripe does not charge a fee for you to set up an account, and there are no monthly or annual fees, so there is no downside to using it only for your event, however infrequently you may run it.
    • MobilBid does not get any revenue from Stripe, and any funds processed by Stripe go directly to a bank account of your choice.
• The Auction Dashboard allows you to set and see at a glance the auction parameters (such as scheduled Preview, Run and End times, and what notifications are enabled) as well as access the leaderboards (for display on a large screen.)  The left-side menu is accessed from the dashboard view.
• The Settings area allows you to configure the various elements that go into customizing an auction to your needs:
  • Pay particular attention to the contents of the MESSAGE TEMPLATES, as they are what your patrons will receive, and you want them to portray your event in an accurate and professional manner, as well as give them the correct information and instructions. 
  • Settings is where you set the auto-run dates and times, so that your auction can open and end automatically (and generate invoices, and process payments automatically.)
• The Categories area, on the left-side menu, allows you to set up the item category headings (e.g. Travel, Sports, Jewelry, Home, etc) and range of lot numbers. This will visually separate items into common themes for patrons when they view the list of items on their phones
• It is important/easier (but not mandatory) to set up categories BEFORE entering item details. Use of categories is optional, but recommended if you have more than 25 items.
• Auction Items relate to a specific auction, so they are managed on the left-side menu (e.g. upload from a spreadsheet, upload images, edit items in bulk or individually.)
• Things like Patrons relate across multiple auctions, so are managed from the Contact Manager on the right-side menu (e.g. upload a list from a spreadsheet, edit individuals, export a list, etc.)  Just to confuse the issue, you can access patrons from within a running auction, so that you can manage bids and payments (if needed.)
• The Patrons area allows you to add/edit/delete individual patron profiles as well as send them auction invites via SMS or email.
• The Reports and Invoices sections are primarily used after the auction ends.  Invoices will show you who has paid or unpaid accounts.
• The Broadcasts area is where you can send non-scheduled or pre-scheduled messages before, during, or after your event.