How TheUniqueBid.com Works
Thank you for visiting The Unique Bid and taking the time to learn more about how it works. Our goal is simple. We strive to offer luxury products at more than affordable prices. So affordable in fact that the maximum bid on our listings average approximately 1% of market value.
TheUniqueBid.com features “unique bid” auctions. In these blind auctions the participants bid for a particular item by submitting blind or sealed bids. The winner is the bidder who places the highest unique bid. A unique bid means one in which the amount offered is the only one of that value, i.e. not duplicated. Each auction has a maximum number of bids that are accepted before it closes and the highest unique bidder gets to purchase the item for their bid amount. For every bid a participant places in an auction, they pay a non-refundable bidding fee.
All retail products listed on TheUniqueBid.com are brand new, unless otherwise stated, and carry the original manufacturer warranty unless otherwise indicated. We do occasionally list products or real estate which may be pre-owned. All shipping is free within the continental United States while both Alaska and Hawaii have a flat shipping fee regardless of size or weight. We reserve the right to select the shipping method of your product at our discretion. If a product arrives damaged, please make sure to photograph the shipping container and contact the shipping company for resolution. Depending on the item, we may purchase it and require a local pickup. An automobile for example may need to be picked up by the winning bidder at a local dealership.
All manufacturer warranties are in effect according to the product documentation. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any questions or claims.
We think we have answered any questions you may have below but if we missed something feel free to visit the contact us form and send us your questions or comments.
Thank you,
The Unique Bid Corporation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How do the auctions at www.theuniquebid.com work?
Before each auction, we will determine the maximum bid amount, the maximum number of bids that will be accepted for the auction and the bid fee along with any other relevant auction details. This group of auction details will be displayed for each and every auction listed
• In order to bid, users must register and setup a profile. Registering is free.
• After registering members may then participate in any listed auction as many times as they would like.
• To participate in an auction members submit bids, less than or equal to the maximum bid price in US dollars and cents and agree to pay the bidding fee for each submitted bid.
• Each Auction will close when it receives the maximum number of bids.
• After the auction closes, the participant that submitted the winning (unique) bid is determined. The successful bid is the highest unique bid out of all bids received for the auction.
• The successful participant may then purchase the product for the successful bid amount submitted by them in the Auction.
• After receiving payment for the successful bid amount, the product will be delivered to the member.
What is a unique bid?
A unique bid is exactly what it sounds like, unique! More specifically, it is a bid that is has not been duplicated by another bidder. For example, in a single auction the following bids are submitted:
Users "1" and “2” both bid $87.56
User "3" bids $87.88
User "4" bids $65.75
Users “1” and “2” submitted duplicate bids and are thus disqualified. User “4” bid is unique however in this example it is not the highest unique bid and thus disqualified. The bid submitted by User “3” is the highest unique bid and user 3 has won the auction and is awarded the right to purchase the item for their bid amount plus any additional fees listed in the auction!
All participants will be required to pay the bidding fees for the bids they submitted.
What if an auction closes and there is not a unique bid?
In the highly unlikely event this happens the auction will be left open in 24 hour increments until a unique bid is achieved. We will send an email to users to make them aware of this unique and time sensitive opportunity
What is the maximum bid?
The maximum bid is the maximum
price a member can bid on a product and/or service in an auction. The maximum
bid price is typically 1% or less of the suggested retail prices and is the
maximum price a product and/or service will be sold for.
Can I bid more than the maximum bid?
No. Your bid must be equal to or less than the maximum bid price. Bids greater than the maximum bid price will not be accepted.
How many total bids are allowed per auction?
The maximum number of bids allowed in any one auction is determined by us before the auction is posted to the site, and may vary between different auctions. The maximum number of bids that will be accepted for an auction will be specified on the auction page for each auction. Once an auction opens, the maximum number of bids will not be changed for that auction UNLESS the auction closes and does not have a unique bid which will initiate the process described previously.
How many bids can I place in a single auction?
You may bid as many times and as often as you would like! The more times you bid, the more chances you will have of becoming the successful bidder. You will be charged bidding fees for every bid you place in an auction.
How long will an auction remain open?
An auction will remain open until the maximum number of bids allocated for the auction is reached.
How will I know when an auction ends?
When an auction closes it will remain on the site but will say closed and will no longer accept bids. After the winning bidder is verified and has paid the necessary fees the auction will be removed from the site.
How is the auction winner determined?
When an auction closes, all duplicate bids are identified and disqualified. The unique bids are all sorted highest to lowest and the highest one wins. It’s that easy!
How will I know if I have the successful bid in an auction?
The user who’s highest unique bid is selected as the winner will be notified via the email address in their user account. It may be necessary for one of our customer service representatives to speak with the user live in order to secure final payments, set delivery windows, discuss auction or product specifics etc. in which case we will call you at the phone number in your profile
Can I participate in more auctions even though I've already been the successful bidder in another auction?
Absolutely! You may bid as often as you would like and in as many different auctions you would like. Please keep in mind you will be charged a bidding fee for each bid submitted.
How much does it cost to bid?
Every auction has a bid fee listed within the auction details. This is the fee you will be charged for every bid submitted for that auction.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and Paypal
How long do I have to pay?
The bid fee will be charged immediately to your credit card. In the case of a winning bid you have five (5) days from the time you receive notification from us via email to submit payment.
Are the products new or used?
Most of the products in our auction are new. We may occasionally list used items such as classic cars, real estate, etc. that are pre-owned but it will be clearly stated within the auction details. All pre-owned products are sold as is.
How will my product be shipped?
Product shipping will be based entirely on the product. In some cases it will be direct shipped from the manufacturer while in others it will require you to pick it up from a local manufacturer. A car for example may require you to pick up from the local dealer and sign some paperwork.
How much does shipping cost?
All shipping and handling charges are included with the exception of a flat $50 fee to residents of Alaska or Hawaii.
Can I have the product delivered to an address outside the USA?
No.
Can I change or cancel my bid once it has been submitted?
No.
Where can I go to review my bids or see the status of auctions I have participated in?
You may review your bids within your user profile simply by logging in. You may also refer to the email you receive from us upon submitting your bid.
What is your refund policy?
Refunds and credits for bidding fees will not be issued
Do I have to pay any taxes if I am the auction winner?
Residents of the State of Texas will be required to pay sales tax on retail items. Tax will be due based upon the winning bid amount, not the manufacturers suggested retail value.
How long will it take to receive the product?
Because of the luxury and custom nature of the products every auction lists the timeframes. In the event of a custom build product the manufacturer will determine the timing.
Do the products come with a warranty?
New retail products come with a manufacturer’s warranty however it is up to the bidder to determine whether or not the warranty is transferable. Pre-owned products are all sold as-is.
Who is considered the original owner of the products?
The Unique Bid Corporation is the original purchaser of every product auctioned on www.theuniquebid.com. In many cases the product will be direct shipped and we do not actually take possession but auction winners are purchasing items from The Unique Bid Corporation and not the original manufacturer.
Who can become a member and bid on theuniquebid.com?
Anyone who is old enough to sign a contract and has a credit card can become a member and bid on www.theuniquebid.com!
