The process is simple. First you need to register by creating a Smokoo account and purchase a bid package. Next find an auction item that appeals to you and, when you feel the time is right, simply click the bid button to join in. Each bid will result in the item price increasing by a predetermined price increment while the countdown is also extended by a predetermined number of seconds. Wait your time and bid again as often as you wish.
How does the AutoBidder work?
The AutoBidder is a simple function that can be programmed to place bids for you while you are busy with something else.
If there is just one AutoBidder loaded to bid in an auction, the bids will be placed automatically within final 10 seconds. The countdown will be extended by the predefined time shift for that auction.
If there are two or more active AutoBidders on an auction, all the consecutive AutoBidder bids are placed instantly, and the price and countdown increase with each AutoBidder bid placed. The countdown will extend by the maximum predefined time-shift for that auction.
To setup an AutoBidder you need to enter 2 fields:
At what price should bidding automatically start?
(Value must be equal to or higher than current price)
How many bids should be placed?
(The number of automatic bids you want to be made)
In addition there are a few guidelines to be observed...
Only one active AutoBidder should be used per auction. It is possible to setup multiple AutoBidders for an auction, however we strongly advise that any auction in which you are using BidButlers should be monitored as frequently as is convenient and possible.
You may not load more bids than you have available credits on your account.
You may remove or stop any AutoBidder at any time by you through My Account / BidButler.
Why did the auction end before my Autobid bids were placed?
The auction can end before the start price/ activation price for your Autobidder has been reached. The AutoBidder will only activate when the price entered for activation has been reached. No credits will be deducted from your account where AutoBidders have not activated.
How do I buy bids?
Once registered and logged into the site you will be able to access the secure payments area. Click the Buy Credits link and select the credit pack that best suits you and your preferred method of payment. Your credits will be applied to your account at the time the transaction is processed.
Do you have any tips on bidding?
Bidding to win in a pay-to-bid auction involves the use of several simple strategies that would need to be varied depending upon the type of auction you are bidding in. For more information click HERE to view the Smokoo User’s Guide.
How can I monitor how many bids I’ve made in an auction?
When you are logged-in you can check this and most other aspects of your activities on the Smokoo site. Just click the My Bids tab which will display a summary of the auctions you have participated in.
How can I check the AutoBidders loaded?
From My Account, select BidButler a summary of your active and completed/ stopped AutoBidders will be displayed.
How can I check my spending during an auction?
Every customer is able to monitor their spending during a live auction by navigating to the auction detail screen. The total number of credits and potential savings is calculated and displayed there.
How can I check who else is bidding?
Clicking on the image of the item on auction or the auction title, you will navigate to the auction detail screen which displays additional information about that auction and product. It also shows a history of the last ten bids and user names of the bidders placing them, customers making using of the AutoBidder can be identified here as well.
You may also monitor the auction countdown and continue to place your bids from the auction detail screen.
Why was my bid not the last?
The software registers each bid in precisely the order that they are received by the server. External factors such as the response time of your PC and variable associated with bandwidth and line speed all influence the time taken for you bid to arrive at the Smokoo server. Although it may appear locally that your bid must have been the last, it is quite possible for one or more other bids to arrive on the server before yours or even for yours to be too late to be accepted as a valid bid.
Can I bid on a future auction?
No. Bidding is only possible on live auction, these are where the countdown has started.
What must I do when I secure an auction?
When you secure an auction an e-mail notification is sent to you automatically by the system. You will need to finalise your order by completing your shipping address information and then paying the final sale price and the associated delivery charge.
Once your order has been received by Smokoo it is first passed through the Verifications team who will request, on your first order only, a recent utility bill and copy of your photo ID or Passport. After successful account verification your order is passed to the Shipping Department who arrange the packaging and dispatch of your order.
If I win a TV, will I need to show my license?
Yes. Under the prevailing laws of different territories, no supplier may sell a TV appliance without first confirming that the purchaser has a current TV license. You will need to fax or email us copies of the licence, your photo ID and provide the full residential address on record at the the TV licensing authority in your jurisdiction, as well as your Smokoo username.
