Givesmart Online Auction FAQ


When will bidding begin and when does the auction close?

  • Auction bidding will open April 19 at 10am and close Saturday, April 26 at 9:30pm.
  • Registered Bidders will receive some text notifications when they have been outbid, or if they are watching an item.  Also, some alerts will go out as the end of the auction nears.
  • For information on winning, and item pickup - see detailed questions below.


How do I reset my username and password? 

If you have participated in the auction over the past few years, you may have an existing profile. If you need to reset your username and password, here are the easy steps:

  • Click 'Sign In' within a campaign site
  • Click the blue 'Forgot Username or Password'
  • Enter your mobile number used with previous registration
  • Click 'Send Pin'
  • Enter the pin set to you via text
  • Update username and/or password
  • Click 'Save and Sign In'
  • Once updated and saved you will land on the auction home page as a registered user and will not need to sign-in.


If you need assistance logging in, there is a Live Chat button to the bottom left of the screen available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


Why do I need to put my credit card on file?

  • Credit cards are required to ensure all pledged proceeds are received by GMoA.
  • If you did not add a credit card when registering, you will be prompted to do so when you make your first bid or instant buy purchase. Visit the auction site, sign in with your username and password or follow the link you received from GiveSmart when you registered to add a credit card. You can add or remove credit cards attached to your user account at any time.


How do I bid anonymously? 

ALL BIDS ARE SET TO BE SEEN ANONYMOUSLY TO THE PUBLIC - only you will see your name on the list of bidders, other will show as anonymous. So no need to make up nicknames to be mysterious. Of course, for contact purposes, GMoA will have name and contact information, but will not be given your credit card information. 


Who can participate in bidding?

Anyone can participate! Share GMoAArtBall2025.givesmart.com with friends, neighbors, and family members - and on social media too!  Caution: Do not share the link you receive from Givesmart once you register, this is a personal link, and it may include some of your bidding information.


What should I know before bidding?

  • Descriptions provide you with a brief overview of the item. Every effort has been made to describe the auction items accurately. All items are sold "as is" and all sales are final. Please read all descriptions carefully and take note of conditions and limitations.
  • If an item you won is canceled with no plan to reschedule, please contact us immediately. We will work with you to provide an alternate resolution if rescheduling is not feasible.


How do I Browse, Bid, & Buy?

If you haven't yet, register for mobile bidding, text GMoAArtBall2025 to 76278.  All bidding will be done electronically on any mobile device or computer. If you are pre-registered, You will receive a text or email when the auction is open for bidding. Simply click on the link, sign in if necessary and start bidding.

Important Notes: 

  • Opening Bid: An opening bid is a starting point, it is most often set at 35-50% of the fair market value of the donated item. During Preview, it reads as "current bid" however no bids have yet been placed. Some Donors have requested certain opening bids. Once bidding opens, bid often and bid big to support GMoA!
  • Place Bid: The system automatically enters the next minimum bid amount. You may choose to enter a bid amount higher than the minimum raise. Click the green "Bid" button to place your bid.
  • Auto Bid: An auto bid can be placed and set at the maximum amount you are willing to spend. With Auto Bid, the system will place your bid at the minimum amount needed to lead. When you are outbid, the system will bid automatically for you until your maximum is reached or the auction ends. Click the green "Bid" button to place your bid. You may change your maximum bid at any time. - Note, if two bidders place auto bids on one item, the price will move fast until it reaches one of the top bids. ALSO NOTE -  if two auto bids are for the same amount, the one which was set up earliest (timestamped) will be designated the winner.  So set your auto bids early!
  • Watch this Item: Clicking the star by "Watch this Item" will add the item to the "My Activity" list.
    • My Activity: Clicking on the "My Activity" button will give you a snapshot of the bids you have placed and the items in which you are interested.
    • Timestamps are set when the initial bid is placed; for auto-bids, this is when a maximum was set.
    • When two bids are placed for the same amount, the bid placed first based on the timestamp takes precedence. 


How will I know if I won an item?

  • Winners will be notified via text after the auction category closes on Saturday, April 26 at 9:30pm.
  • Information about auction item pickup will be emailed the next week. 


How do I make payment for items I won? 
Immediately following the close of all auction categories, winners will receive a text message. They should proceed to the Auction Area for check out. Once closed, payments will be automatically charged to the card on file for the winning bidder.


How will I obtain an item I won?

An email will be sent out to winning bidders shortly after the auction closes. They should proceed to the Auction Area for check out if present at the event. If not present, we may be able to mail or email you a winning certificate or gift certificate, however physical auction items cannot be mailed or shipped, unless you are willing to pay for that service. GMoA will email or call you to schedule pick-up times for auction items. If you haven't heard from us, feel free to contact us at 252.758.1946 or email info@gmoa.org to arrange or for more information.

  • For certificate items, winners must contact donors to redeem prizes in a timely manner.  We encourage redemption of any experience or service prior to the start of the next auction cycle (one year) unless otherwise noted. Contact information will be provided.
  • The dates and times of "mutually agreed upon" prizes should be arranged directly between the donor and the buyer, not through GMoA.
  • Certificates and gift cards are original documents and cannot be replaced if lost.


Anything else?

  • GMoA has the option to withdraw or make changes to any item from the auction at any time. If this happens while bidding is taking place, bidders will be alerted.
  • Please keep in mind that all of the items in our auction were generously donated. Please respect our donors and do not ask them to duplicate or alter the terms of their donation in any way.
  • Thank you for supporting the Greenville Museum of Art!
  • For more questions or concerns, please email us at info@gmoa.org or call us at 252.758.1946.