Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone participate in the Online Auction?
The auction is open to everyone 18 years and older. You must be 21 years and older to bid on any alcohol-related auction package. We encourage you to share the link with your friends and family.
To participate in the Auction from the convenience of your home, you just need to register on EveningIN2023.givesmart.com. Bidders will be responsible for paying immediately upon winning, and must cover shipping costs or coordinate pick-up of their items/certificates from Erik's Retreat at 3420 Heritage Drive, Edina, MN. Instructions will be sent to the winners after the auction closes. (Only domestic shipping can be provided.)
Can my spouse/partner and I share an account and make one payment on GiveSmart?
Because the main driver of the GiveSmart platform is a cell phone number, each individual must create his/her own account. Each person will take actions such as bidding, donating, etc on a personal device (laptop, cell phone, etc) and close out the account on that device. The same credit card can be used as the payment source on multiple accounts, but individual statements will be generated for each account and separate charges will be applied to the card for each account.
May I pay by check or other methods of payment?
Upon registering, you will be asked to provide credit card information. Bidders will need to authorize their winning bid charges to that credit card immediately after the auction closes. Any remaining balances will be charged to your card on file on Monday, October 30, 2023.
If you would like to make an alternate payment method please contact contact@eriksranch.org prior to Monday, October 30, 2023. Erik's Retreat accepts cash, check, stock and bank transfers. Please send check payments to Erik's Ranch & Retreats, 3420 Heritage Drive, Edina MN 55435.
How do I pick up my items or have them shipped to me?
To receive your items, payment must be received in order to coordinate delivery/pick-up of your item. Within the week following the closing of the auction, we will contact you regarding your preference for delivery versus in-person pick-up.
Pick-up of items will be available during designated times. We will require a signature upon pick-up. Instructions will be sent to winners after the auction closes.
For Minnesota pick-up - pick up at Erik's Retreat in Edina, Minnesota.
Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 5:00PM-7:00PM (CST) or
Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 10:00AM-12:00PM (CST)
For Montana pick-up after November 15 - Arrange for pick up by calling Mary at 612-850-1240 or see delivery information below.
For delivery to anywhere in the United States, we will add any shipping and handling costs to your balance on GiveSmart for you to authorize payment. Once we have received payment confirmation for the shipping costs, we will package the item and choose the mail carrier at our discretion. If you would like to add insurance for the shipment, please let us know and we will add the incremental charge to your GiveSmart card on file.
**If Erik's Ranch & Retreats is not contacted by 11/30/23 for pick-up, delivery or shipping on an item, the item will be forfeited and will be used again to benefit ERR.**
Can I still donate an item to the auction?
Thank you for your interest. We are accepting auction item donations for the 2023 auction until October 7. If you'd like to donate something, please contact Brenda Fischer at 612-720-7925.
How do I start and continue my bidding?
Browse the Silent Auction and start bidding on your favorite items when the auction opens in the afternoon of Wednesday, October 25 and will remain open through 8:30PM (CST) on Saturday, October 28. Place your bid on selected items, set a maximum bid if desired, and GiveSmart will continue to keep you in the running until you reach your maximum bid.
How can I keep active and know if I am outbid or have won an item?
You will be notified via text if you have been outbid. Keep an eye on your favorite items! If you are NOT receiving the text messages, make sure you have the correct mobile number under your profile. The texts will continue to notify you when you have been outbid or reached your maximum bid. When the silent auction closes, you will also receive a text message if you won any items.
I've mistakenly placed a bid. What do I do?
Please ask for assistance from our team by emailing contact@eriksranch.org or call 612-401-3080 for assistance.
I'm having difficulties using GiveSmart. Are there steps I can follow to make sure I'm able to bid?
Please see the GiveSmart video and information below to view instructions for registering and making auction bids.
Thank you for your support of Erik's Ranch & Retreats' An Evening IN With Tyler Thoresen & Nick Dircz
Please check back for updates. For all other questions, please email contact@eriksranch.org.
