VIVA! Napa Valley Frequently Asked Questions
How do I participate in the auction?
Sign up to participate! Click the yellow 'REGISTER HERE' button on the auction homepage and fill out your bidder information. Create a password, check the boxes for terms and conditions and text messages (you will want to be notified about items you bid on), and then click 'Create my GiveSmart account'!
Or, if you've participated in VIVA! before and you already have a GiveSmart account, simply click to register and log into your existing account.
All participants must be age 21 or older.
Do I have to use a phone to bid or can I participate using my computer?
You can participate in the auction from a computer, tablet or phone, it's up to you! After you sign in to your GiveSmart account, click "items" to view the auction and start bidding. You can filter these by type of item by clicking the 'categories' button.
Click the item you'd like to bid on, then enter your bid in the open text field (make sure it is higher than the current minimum amount) and click "Bid". If you have opted in to receive text messages, you will receive a text if you are outbid.
Will you need my credit card information?
Yes, a credit card number will be required to bid.
I'm not very tech-savvy, will I have a hard time participating?
We don't think so! The bidding platform is very user-friendly and will walk you through the entire process. If you need help, though, please contact Cambria Kirby at ckirby@upvalleyfamilycenters.org.
Can I bid even if I don't live in the Napa Valley?
Yes! We have bidders from all over the country. Join the fun!
If I win, how will I get my items?
Gift Cards and Certificates will be mailed to winners and other physical items may be picked up at our St. Helena office or shipped at the winner's expense.
Wine will be available for pick-up or shipment: Wine shipping costs are the sole responsibility of the winner and will be paid separately to The Packaging Company.
Non-Napa County winners must arrange for their wines to be shipped from The Packaging Company, beginning Wednesday, March 6th. If you're the lucky winner, we'll call or email you with directions for making this happen.
Napa County winners may pick up their wines at the UpValley Family Centers' St. Helena office beginning Wednesday, March 6th. If you're the lucky winner, we'll call or email you with directions and details.
If you win an item in the auction, we will contact you to determine how you will receive your item(s). Please be patient as pick-up arrangements are dependent upon office hours. Thank you for your understanding. If you have a question, please contact Cambria Kirby at ckirby@upvalleyfamilycenters.org.
No items will be available for pick-up or shipping until payment is secured.
How does Checkout work?
If you are the lucky winner of an auction lot, you will hear from us by the end of the day on Tuesday, February 27th, with more information about closing out your purchase. A text with the link to pay will also be sent to all users with a balance after the auction has been reconciled. If you have any questions before then, please don't hesitate to reach out to Cambria Kirby at ckirby@upvalleyfamilycenters.org.
Checkout directions: Once the auction is reconciled, you can securely check yourself out from your GiveSmart user account by clicking the 'pay' button in the top left corner, and following the prompts from there. Prefer to pay by check or wire transfer? We'd love to help you set that up! Please reach out to Cambria Kirby at ckirby@upvalleyfamilycenters.org, and she'll help you with any next steps.
Following the closeout of your items, you'll receive more information from us about your winnings, as well as instructions for redemption, any shipping that may be involved, and so on.
Any unpaid balances will be charged to the card on file beginning Thursday, February 29th at 4pm.
Email ckirby@upvalleyfamilycenters.org to arrange an alternate form of payment before that time. We will mail out thank you letters with tax information and receipts within the next 2 to 3 weeks.
How is tax calculated?
Collection of California Sales Tax:
Unless a valid resale permit is presented to the seller prior to the sale, the purchaser will be required to pay all state and local retail sales taxes applicable on the date of sale - amounting to 8.25%. Resale permits will be accepted only for businesses that are reasonably expected to buy and sell wine. Sales tax will be collected on the purchase price of each tangible item included in an auction lot.