To create your account choose the "Register" link on the header navigational bar or use any of the links available on the home page. When registering you will be asked to complete a short form which includes standard information such as your contact details, preferred login credentials etc. Mandatory fields include:-
Name
City
State/Province/county
Zip/Post Code
Phone Number
Birthday
Username & Password
E-Mail address
Confirmation of terms an conditions acceptance
Once registered you will receive E-Mail confirmation. Should you encounter any registration difficulties please contact us.
Placing a bid on an item you are interested in couldn't be easier, when viewing the item details page you will have two areas from where you can place your bid, one next to the item details and a second at the bottom of the page. To place your bid simply enter the amount you wish to bid e.g. 50.00. Please note no currency symbols are required. The bid will be placed in the auction currency. Once done you will be asked to review your bid and you will also be able to view vital item details such as the shipping conditions before confirming your bid. To submit your bid simply press the "Place Bid" button. If your bid is high enough to take the lead in the auction a confirmation message will be displayed to you, however if your bid has not taken the lead be it due to a higher proxy bid or not meeting the reserve price you will be invited to make a further bid. Should you decide to retract your bid this can be done via the "Current Bids" section of the member's area. You can also place a proxy bid, proxy bidding allows you to place your "High Bid". At all times you will only pay the lowest required bid should you win the auction. For example, if the current bid on an auction is 500.00 you can place a proxy bid of 2,000. Should you remain the only bidder you will only pay 500.00. However should the item receive other bids the site will automatically re-bid for you (upto 2,000 in this scenario) to ensure you remain in the lead.
simply click on the "Sell" link found on the header navigational bar. The listing process is split up into several main sections, notably:-
Category selection
Item Details
Auction Settings
Shipping and Payment
Listing preview
Listing confirmation
Step one - The listing process is developed in such a way that you are guided through every step seamlessly. The first part of the process is to choose the category you wish to list your item in, this can be revised at any time by using the "Previous Step" navigation button. There are additional secondary catagories you may also select. Each catagorie has sub-catagories for listing specifics. Step two enables you to enter your item title and description, a full editor is in place to enable you to use HTML descriptions. If you have a voucher code to redeem this can be entered just below the description field. Step three, this is the biggest stage of the listing process. On this step you can set the following:-
Auction type:- Standard Auction - This is a single quantity auction Dutch Auction - enables you to list a multiple quantity auction, for example if you have 100 pens to sell you can list all of these together in a single lot. Bidders will be able to select how many they wish to bid for.
*Currency:-You can select your preferred auction currency using the drop down menu available
* Quantity:-This field is only active if listing a Dutch auction, please see above for an explanation of this listing type
* Auction Starts At:-This requires you to enter the minimum bid you are willing to accept, you can also set a reserve price to ensure you do not sell the item for this amount. Please see below for more information on this.
* Reserve Price:-Enabling a reserve price affectively means you will not sell the item for less than the amount set, for example you can set the start price at 5.00 but only accept winning bids over 50.00, should a bid be placed for 49.99 the item will close without a winner.
* Buy out or Buy It Now (if available):-Buy out allows you to set an amount you are willing to sell the item for - straight out. For example you can set the start price to 10.00 but offer interested parties the option to buy the item immediately for 100.00. You can also list buy out only auctions, these auctions remove all bidding options meaning the listing can only be purchased for a set amount. To set a buy out only auction you need to set the buy out value to be exactly equal with the start bid. * Offer-Range (if available):- You can set a price bracket in which you are willing to listing to offer, for example if you set the price brackets from 15.00 to 100.00 interested parties will be able to offer you an amount within these brackets, you can opt whether to accept or decline these offers at any time via the members area. * Bid increment:-This option can be used to set your own custom bid increment if preferred.
* Item featuring (if available):-The following options are available to you (fees may apply), these will highlight your item on site to ensure they reach more visitors:-
~ Home page featured ~ Category featured ~ Bold text ~ Highlighted background
* Set start/end time:- You can either opt to list your item right away and set a defined number of days for it to be live for or you also have the option to define your own custom start/end time. * Image upload:-To accompany your item you can either upload images from your local computer or enter the URL of an image(s) hosted elsewhere * Media upload:-In addition to images you can also upload media files, please note only .avi/.mpeg/.mov are supported. * Auto Re-List - For convenience you can opt to have your items automatically re-listed for you, options are available to allow you to select whether the item should be re-listed if sold and how many re-list attempts should be made. On the next step you can set your shipping and payment preferences including your shipping rates and available methods of delivery. Proceeding on, you can then review the listing and make changes if required, please note you can still edit your listing once live via the members area. The final step provides you with listing confirmation.
The auction watch features notifies you of newly listed auctions which contain keywords you have chosen. For example if you are looking for a new Digital Camera you could enter in those keywords from within your members area area. Each time a new auction is listed containing those keywords you will be notified via email.
The item watch features lets you keep a close eye on any auction without having to place a bid on it. This feature means you can be kept up to date on how an auction is doing and prepares you to place a winning last minute bid. You can watch any auction by clicking on the "Watch this item" link on any auction page.
If the option is available you can use "Buy Out" to purchase the item immediately without having to place a bid. Some sellers offer such an option which can be used at any time until a bid has been placed over any applicable reserve price. The "Buy Out" option will appear on the item details page, you will be asked to confirm your intention to buy out the item before the sale is concluded. Buy out's cannot be retracted.
Pet ownership is a wonderful and rewarding experience, but the decision to bring a pet into your home should not be made without much consideration. Think as to what the best pet for your family and or housing situation might be before making your pet purchase. Below are some suggestions that may help you in making a final decision that you will be happy with both now and in the future.
All animals have different needs and temperaments. You should understand what is involved in taking care of your animal and how well that animal will fit into your home life. Common questions you should ask, is the animal good with children? If you live in a small home or apartment, how much space does the animal need? For those who work all day, how much attention does the animal require? Can the pet be left alone for long periods of time? What requirements will the new pet need? food, cage/bedding, supplies, and grooming/vet visits for the animal cost?
If you are unsure, you can find the answers to these questions with a little research. Visit web sites for a specific pet you are considering. There are also club websites for the specific breeds you may consider or organizations such as the American Kennel Club for dogs and the Cat Fanciers' Association for cats. Follow the links below to learn about the personalities, histories, and characteristics of various breeds for dogs and cats:
Buy your pet locally if possible. Buying a pet is a long-term commitment. Making the decision for the right pet for you depends on more than breed or appearance. It is important that you make a careful decision. Meeting a pet in person is the best way to gauge if there is a good personality match for you and or your family and the pet.
If you discover a seller is fraudulent or raising animals in unsanitary or unhealthy conditions, please notify MyPetBids so that we may suspend the accounts of proven offenders. You should also report the issues directly to your local Animal Control or the Humane Society. They are responsible for taking action to protect animals.
Local purchases are good because you will meet the breeder or owner and see the environment the animal has been raised in. Making a good decision requires considering all the facts. If a problem should come up later, it will be easier to resolve issues with a local breeder.
You basically have two main choices on MyPetBids - buying from a breeder who lists their animals or buying from non-breeders. Non-breeders are typically people in search of someone to take care of a pet they can no longer keep. Many people choose buying a pet from an ethical breeder. Breeders offer the certain advantages - the ability to select a pet of a particular breed whose lineage and health are documented.Ussually ethical breeders provide some animal training. This gives buyers greater predictability for their new pet's behavior and appearance. The breeder's experience, knowledge, and reputation become a wonderful resource after your pet is home with you. Ideally, you should find and visit a local breeder to meet the animals and check out their enviorment before you buy.
The non-breeder listings are the place to look if you are looking to adopt an animal looking for a home. Non-breeder may list in the auction catagories or the wanted classifieds. They may charge for their pet to ensure a good home or simply need someone to adopt their pet at no charge. There are wonderful companion animals available. Some come from loving homes whose can no longer provide for their pets needs. Often there is less known about the health, temperament, and enviorment of these pets. Personally meeting the current owner and the pet is an important part of a buying or adoption decision. You can browse the adoption category in the Wanted Ads or check out the auction listings.
All breeders should be able to provide you with references and refferals from new owners who have purchased pets from them. Ask for these! Don't forget to ask the breeder/sellers questions about the particular animal you are considering i.e. temperment, training, bad habits (if any such as chewing, housebroken). If your seller is hesitant to answer questions, consider this is a red flag. Reputable breeders/sellers should provide a lot of information up front and quickly answer specific questions. The American Kennel Club provides a wonderful resource refference guide with useful questions and tips.
It is financially stressful and heartbreaking when you discover after bring your pet home, that there is something medically wrong with them. Since no one can guarantee that your pet is, or will remain, healthy, take a few precautions before bringing a new animal into your home.
Check feedback of the seller: People whom had transactions with the seller will leave feedback discribing their satisfaction with the pet and transaction.
Know what problems are common in your pet/breed: Some breeds are more prone to certain illnesses or genetic disorders. Ask the seller if any tests have run on the pet you are considering buying.
Check the envirorment: Healthy pets come from healthy enviroments. Look at the conditions, are pets and housing dry, clean, and sanitary? Do the animals look happy, energetic, and well-fed?
Contact references: Ask for names and numbers of other pet owners who have purchased from this seller Ask how their pet is doing currently and the pets state of health since they brought them home.
Consult a vet: Know the signs of healthy animal (shiny fur, bright eyes, energetic) and the signs of trouble (lethargy, indications of mange, etc.) so that you can measure the animal's health yourself.
Written contract : Reputable breeders/sellers will be willing to work with you if problems should be discovered. Put in writing specifically what will occur if the animal becomes ill in transit or during the first weeks or months after you have received the animal.
Before you make your final decision to purchase a pet from a breeder/seller, look red flags such as:
Sellers who do not respond in a timely manner to questions: You should take time to get to know the seller. Most seller welcome this interaction and want to know how their animal is doing atfer you take them home. Seller who are active and interested are attentive and will be there later should a problem arise.
High prices do not mean high quality: Do your due diligence investigation on the breeder/seller and animals before making a bid or payment.
Paperwork (i.e. AKC ,CKC registration ect.) being sent "at a later date ": Paperwork and/or a contract should be recieved at the time of purchase when you take posession of your new animal. Avoid surprises get it in writing, especially if you intend to show the animal.
Non-responsive breeders/sellers: Breeders and sellers should not be reluctant to talk about the pet's health history, answer questions or to have you visit their facility. They should welcome questions about their animal care and facility and supply refferences.
Local pet purchases: Once you have made your decision, MyPetBids promotes buying animals locally - This allows you to meet the animal, inspect the enviormental conditions, meet the breeder/seller face to face. We encourage payment at the time of pickup or delivery - We belive this ensures the safest transaction as well as ensures your new pet is not from a "animal mill".
National pet purchases: When your pet will have to be shipped, MyPetBids still suggest visiting the breeder. If you absolutely can not meet the breeder/seller face to face, then we recommend the following measures to make your transaction smooth:
Use our online system: When communicating with sellers on MyPetBids.com always communicate using the "Ask Seller a Question" link. Then if we are notified of a fraudulent breeder/seller activites, we will provide that information to you by email.
Make sure you know what you are buying: The saying, "Buyer Beware," is true in any purchasing transaction. Before making any offers or bids to a breeder/seller, ask questions. Remember the saying, "if the price looks too good to be true, it probably is."!
Require the breeder/seller's address and telephone number: Call breeders/sellers at random time to make sure they are receiving the calls. Reputable breeders/sellers should be willing to provide this information. All ending breeder/seller auctions exchange buyer and seller phone numbers. Registered telephone numbers will make the seller more traceable and less likely to be fraudulent.
See Payment tips, things to consider, below for more information
Track your pet shipment in transit: Be familiar with the seller's animal shipper, check that they are reputable, experienced and specializing in animal transport for your particular pet. Be sure you able to track and monitor your pet while in transit.
MyPetBis advises AGAINST processing payment via "wire transfer", "Money Gram", or with a bank transfers. With these methods buyers may not recieve their money back and sellers may not be tracked. If you are buying within the US and requires payment by money order, MyPetBids suggests payment methods with a Postal Money Order issued by the US Postal Service, These can be investigated, other money orders methods cannot be.
Do not ever send your financial banking or checking account information to anyone. This information could provide a avenue for anyone to take money directly from your account without your knowlegde.
Credit card payments are probably the safest method to send payment: Most credit cards have a 60-day protection on each transaction. Some offer more protection for individual online purchases.
Online payment service (such as PayPal) offer limited protection: Each payment service is different regarding their fraud protection. Please contact your preferred payment service to find out about the protection they offer their participants.
Cash on Delivery (C.O.D.), offers the greatest amount of protection to the buyer.
It is the breeder/sellers and buyers responsibility to comply with all applicable laws, statutes, ordinances and regulations regarding your use of MyPetBids services and their bidding on, listing, purchase and sale of items through our site. *Please read the Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act Guidelines for Dealers, Exhibitors, Transporters, and Researchers
If you find a breeder/seller is fraudulent or raising animals in unsanitary or unhealthy conditions such as animal mills, please notify MyPetBids.com so that we may remove the accounts of offenders. Please also report your concerns directly to a local Humane Society. They are responsible to the facility to investigate and have the authority to take action to protect animals in need..
Whether you are an experienced and licensed breeder or a family who needs to find a home for your pet's litter, it is important to consider the following tips to help ensure that you find happy, healthy, and loving homes for your animals and that you provide pet owners with every bit of information they will need to make an educated decision when choosing their future pet.
Being responsible, before you list. This is pretty common knowledge, but it is very important that you make sure your animals are healthy and socialable creatures. There are many things you can do to assure you have healthy animals that will adapt well to their new homes. The ASPCA provides a " criteria for responsible breeding " which includes all the following guidelines: make sure you screen your pet for inheritable diseases, understand any genetic issues they may have and avoid inbreeding, ensure the highest level of care, exercise, and socialization. Never breed extremely young or old animals and never breed them too often. Ensure animals are weaned before placement or issues will arise. Bottom line? The animals in your care should be considered and treated as part of the family.
To find people interested in your pets, you need to show your animals at their very best. Be sure to include photo's and a complete description of the animal in your listing. Most Listing of domestic animals on MyPetBids.com are divided into groups with breeds included in each group as a sub catagorie. Listing your animal in the correct group saves your buyers time in finding your pet for sale.
Your title should include the species of animal (cat, dog, snake, etc.), the specific breed (if known), the approximate age, and gender. Many buyers when searching online tend to have a specific type of animal in mind and may search for those details, so you should include them to ensure your listing shows up in their search.
In your description, go into more detail about the weight and maximus possible weight of the animal (now and when full grown), personality (does he/she do well with children, cats, other dogs, etc.), particular space and exercise needs, and any information you have about the lineage and health of the animal. If the animal has any pedigrees be sure to list them. The more information you provide, the fewer questions you will have to answer later and the more genuinely interested buyers will contact you.
Include a good photo ONLY of the animal, taken with good lighting, focus, close-up, and without a noisy background. You want the focus to be on the animal. not what is around it. Be sure to specify whether the animal pictured with your listing is the exact animal the buyer will get, or if it will be one from the same litter, or a similar animal from the same parents as the animal shown. This will avoid any problems and disappointment. MyPetBids also offers the ability to upload a video of your pet, this can be a good avenue to show off your pet as well.
To further raise your reputation, consider including a testimonial from a previous buyer or pictures of your home or facility. Your listing on MyPetBids.com is not just a way to find a home for one animal, but an advertisement for those who may not be ready to buy today but may want to contact you in the future.
To make sure you pet goes to a good home, explain the qualities (good and bad) of your animal to ensure that your animal is a good match for the buyer. Make sure they understand the responsibilities and commitment necessary to raise this specific animal. We encourage conversations with potential buyers. They will not only help the buyer make a good decision, but it will also give you a good sense of whether the buyer will provide a good home for your animal. If possible, verify the buyer's information, this includes: Addresses, telephone numbers, etc.
An educated seller is a successful seller. Your thoroughness and truthfullness will surely boost the confidence of your buyers.
Know your pets problems, diseases, and disorders. If you know your breed's as well and can explain them, as well as the steps you have taken to ensure the animals you breed are healthy, buyers will be reassured.
Be sure to share any information you have on the pedigree or lineage of your pet and its parents. An "objective evaluation of health" of your pet given by a veteranarian will have more credibility than your own assessment of your pet, so be sure to have your animal evaluated.
Take pictures to show the conditions of your home or facility or offer a tour. Discuss how you socialize and train the young animals. Inform the buyer how much time, attention, and exercise you provide the animal.
Provide a few testimonials or references from people who have purchased pets from you before. That was prospective buyers can find out how the transaction went and how the animal is doing several months after the owner brings them home.
Encourage the new owners to have their pets spayed or neutered if not already done. As a breeder you can require this by contract. If you choose this it can prevent irresponsible or accidental breeding.
Encourage new owners to register their new pet with a National Registry. Such registries include, the nonprofit registry run by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Continental Kennel Club (CKC), and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), to help collect information and promote the health of each breed.
Most breeders have written contracts with the buyer. A fair contract helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that the buyer and seller are clear on the responsibilities.
When your animal leaves your custody and moves to its new home, it will be an adjustment for both the pet and the new owner. Consider possibly including a "New pet starter kit" with the purchase of ther new pet or review with the new owner everything they will need when they bring their new pet home.
When it comes to transportation of the animal have the buyer pick up the animal in person or use a reputable animal shipping company that specializes in transporting your type of animal. If you choose to ship the animal, make sure to provide the new pet owner with tracking information and any shipping details throughout the process. Be sure to check in with the buyer after the animal gets there.
Offer your contact information incase the buyer needs any extra information about behavior once the animal gets there. This is a good idea especially if they are first time pet owners. They may have more questions about the raising, training, and care of their new pet that were not included in previous conversations or in your listing. This will help ensure the welfare of the animals you have brought into the world, and is a great way to build word of mouth referrals to new buyers and your MyPetBids reputation as well!
