Frequently Asked Questions on:

         MadBid.com - Must Knows

1. General queries
2. Bidding
3. Bid packages
4. Purchasing bids and payment for products
5. Delivery
6. Returns, replacement and Warranties
7. Bidding via SMS (mobile)
8. Tips – Do’s and Don’ts
9. Further read and information
10. Use of AOL Browser in MadBid.com
11. Auction Limits

MadBid.com - Must Knows

1. User must be over 16 years of age
2. To register, user must have a mobile phone for identification and security (e.g. registration confirmation code purpose and password reminder)
3. A user can win a maximum of 2 products a day and 10 products per 30 day rolling period. Special limits apply to high value items:
   
   (a) Platinum Products (RRP £4,000+): 1 auction win per any 90 day rolling period
   
   (b) Gold Products (RRP £1,000+): 2 auction win per any 30 day rolling period.
   
   (c) Silver Products (RRP £350+): 3 auction wins per any 30 day rolling period.
   
   Example: Should a user win 10 products in a 25 day period, he cannot bid for the 5 next days. Once the 30 day rolling window (observation period) has elapsed the user is allowed to bid again.
   
   Please refer to My MadBid in the Members Control Panel for information regarding your current auction limit status and allowances.
4. A user can bid via mobile phone or via on-line account
5. Payment of products won is made on-line using MyMadBid, where a PDF invoice can also be found
6. Products are usually shipped within one to two weeks of payment, but please allow up to three weeks
7. Bids are purchased via PayPal, Credit or Debit cards. Bids and products purchased via PayPal eCheques will have delayed delivery as clearance takes 7-10 working days
8. MadBid is operated by Marcandi Limited, a UK based and registered company (Co Reg No: 6609609 and VAT Reg No: 934 925792). Our customer care number is 0845 299 77 15 and email address is info@madbid.com. Please feel free to contact us should you have any further questions.
9. There are three types of Auctions - Regular, Bid 4 Free, and Rookie Auctions:
   
   (a) Regular Auction: Every auction has a countdown timer, usually between 1 and 8 minutes. When the timer reaches zero, the highest bidder wins. If someone bids, the timer restarts. Bid increases are made by only 1 penny at a time. You can bid by SMS (text message) from your UK mobile or through MadBid Online Account.
   
   (b) Bid 4 Free Auction: The mechanics of the auction is exactly the same as for the Regular auction, except bids for this auction are completely free of charge. The winner has the right to buy the product for the auction closing price (plus shipping and handling). Please note that autobids are not allowed in Bid 4 Free auctions.
   
   (c) Rookie Auctions (New 2 MadBid): At Madbid we like everyone to win! A Rookie Auction is exclusively for the users who haven’t won before. If you are new to Madbid this is the best way to learn how to bid and win. There is less competition on these auctions so you have a much better chance of winning your first auction. Once you have won an auction, you will not be able to participate in further Rookie auctions.
   
   
10. Send a photo of yourself with the product you won and get 15 free bids. Simply send the photo to sales@madbid.com. Please note that you can only claim 15 bids once. Unfortunately, this offer is only valid for tangible products and does not apply to winners of bid packages.

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1.1 How does MadBid work?

MadBid is a revolutionary penny auction concept in the UK. The basic idea is to offer brand new products at very attractive prices.

The auction works as follows: a bid is raised by one penny at a time, so when the current price of a product is £1.05 the next bid raises it to £1.06. There is no fixed closing time as such for when the auction will close, instead each auction has an auction specific time limit or 'auction time.' Whenever no additional bids are made during within the time limit (for example 3min) the auction is automatically closed. To give an example, if a bid is made at 3:03pm and there is a 3min time limit, at 3:06pm the auction is closed, assuming no other bids are made. The auction hours, during which an auction is available to receive bids, are also auction dependant, for example: 9am to midnight. Should the product not have been sold during that time period, the auction will continue the following morning. Please note that an autobid can be placed when the auction is sleeping. This way the autobid will be activated as soon as the auction resumes the following day.

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1.2 How do I participate in the auction?

In order to participate you need to submit a bid in an ongoing auction. You can either put in a bid by sending a text message from your mobile phone or by creating a MadBid account. To bid using text message, simply send a message with the code for a specific product to the relevant short code. To bid using a MadBid Account, simply click on ‘Register’ and follow the instructions

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1.3 Are the products being sold second hand?

All products sold are brand new and come from respected manufacturers. All products come with relevant warranties wherever applicable.

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1.4 Is it possible to bid with a foreign mobile number?

Unfortunately not, one can only participate with a UK mobile phone number.

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1.5 I don’t live in the UK can I still participate in MadBid.com?

No, currently MadBid.com is for UK residents only.

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1.6 What is the warranty I get on the goods I have won?

All products come with relevant warranties wherever applicable.

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2.1 What happens if at a brand new auction only one bid is being submitted and nobody else raises the bid?

The auction closes and the product is sold for one pence.

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2.2 Can I undo submitted bids?

Submitted bids cannot be undone.

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2.3 Can I bid for the same product more than once?

There is no limit to how many bids that are submitted on the same product. There might be limitations on the number of text messages operators allow per month. Please refer to information from the operator regarding such limits. Using an Auto-bid tool through the MadBid account allows automatic bids to be placed until a certain user pre-determined product price limit.

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2.4 What is the cost for placing a bid?

The cost of submitting a bid depends on whether you are using text message or a MadBid Account. Sending a text message costs £1.5 + any operator surcharges. To submit a bid through a MadBid Account costs between £1.3 and £0.75, depending on the package.

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2.5 What is Auto-bid? How does it work?

One of MadBid's functionalities is a so called Auto-bid tool. It bids automatically for you when you are unavailable to observe the MadBid auctions in person. Only registered users can use the Auto-bid tool.

Auto-bid is very simple to use:

1. Login to your account
2. Click on the green "Auto-bid" button in your member controls
3. Click on the green "New Auto-bid" button
4. Select the product that you want to place the Auto-bid on
5. Place the maximum number of bids you want to use and submit
6. To remove an Auto-bid, simply delete the auto-bid entry

Note: Auto-bids cannot be used via SMS (mobile phone)

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2.6 What is the difference between SMS bidding and online bidding?

• SMS bidders don’t need to buy bid packages while customers bidding online have to buy bid packages
• SMS bidders cannot use Auto-bid tool
• SMS bidders are charged at £1.5 + network surcharges while online bidders are charged in the range of £1.3 - £0.75 depending on the size of bid package bought

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2.7 Can I bid for many products at the same time?

Yes, there are no such limitations.

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2.8 Can I increase the bid by more than one penny?

In order to keep prices attractive, we only allow one pence increases.

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2.9 Can I bid during the night?

MadBid.com will at times have night auctions that run through the night, 24hrs. There are users that would like bid on exciting auctions during the night. Tune in on MadBid.com to check out the latest nights auctions. They sometimes come on a short notice!

Auctions running into the early morning will be paused for a short time, usually about 15 minutes, while server backups are done. These are usually scheduled for 5:30 or 6:30AM

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2.10 What are auction hours? What happens if I am the last bidder at the end of the day?

Auctions are only live during the time listed on the auction. This is usually 9am till Midnight. Outside of this timeframe the auction will be paused: the auction clock will not count down, and no new bids can be placed. However, at the appropriate time the next day the auction will resume and people may continue to bid. The last bidder of the evening will be listed as the highest bidder throughout the night, but anyone may place a counterbid in the morning when the auction resumes.

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2.11 What happens when I win?

When the auction ends, the winner will be contacted to arrange for delivery of the product. The product and delivery costs will be paid for by the winner. VAT will be added.

Note: Product cost refers to the final cost of product at which bidding stopped. It is not the retail price and is referred on MadBid.com as ‘Current bid’.

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2.12 Why does the auction timer show “Checking results” just before closing or resetting?

It is in MadBid.com’s interest (as well as in all MadBidders’ interest) to make sure that every auction is closed securely and accurately.
As the timer reaches zero the technical platform, on which MadBid.com runs, sends the server a request to make sure that no other bids have been received (text messages and online bids). During this time the user sees “Checking results” instead of the auction timer. The duration, for which the user sees “Checking results” on his/her screen, is dependent on the user’s CPU and the internet connection.

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2.13 What is a Rookie Auction (New2MadBid)?

At Madbid we like everyone to win! A Rookie Auction is exclusively for the users who haven’t won before. If you are new to Madbid, this is the best way to learn how to bid and win. There is less competition on these auctions so you have a much better chance of winning your first auction. Once you have won a Rookie auction, you will not be able to participate in further Rookie auctions.

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2.14 Who can bid on Rookie Auctions?

Rookie Auctions are only open to users who haven't won an auction on Madbid before. Once you win your first auction, you won't be able to bid anymore on a Rookie Auctions. Now you are a winner, it's time to test your skills against the other Mad Bidders.

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3.1 How can I buy bids on MadBid?

At present you can buy bid packages online. Bid packages can be purchased using PayPal, by Visa, Master Card or Debit Card.

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3.2 How long are the free bids valid for?

Duration of free bids vary and can range from 7 days to several months. The duration of free bid validity is at the discretion of the MadBid team. Customers will be informed of the duration at the time they are allocated free bids.

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3.3 Can I get a refund for unused bids?

Purchased bids are non refundable and hence users should only buy as many bids as they are comfortable spending on MadBid.com.

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4.1 How can I purchase bid packages?

You can pay for your choice of bid package via credit or debit card or via PayPal. All transactions take place under secured SSL connection using 128 to 256 bit encryption. MadBid at no time will store your card details for security reasons.

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4.2 How secure are your payment methods?

We use high-security encoding (SSL) to protect your payment details when processing the online payment.

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4.3 How do I pay for the product that I have won?

You can pay for your item via credit or debit card, or via PayPal. Please make sure that you pay within 30 days of the auction closing.

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4.4 Is the cost of the product added to my phone bill if I win a product?

No, only the costs of the bids + any operator surcharges are added to the phone bill (if text messaging is used for bidding). The product winner will be contacted and the product (including delivery) will be paid for separately.

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4.5 Will you store my credit or debit card details?

No, we will not store your card details.

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4.6 How much time do I have to pay for my winnings?

MadBid reserves the right to withdraw an offer after 10 days unless the winner contacts MadBid with a specific reason to delay payment and MadBid agrees to hold the item. In all cases an item must be paid for within 30 days.

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5.1 How long does it take until the product is delivered?

The product is normally shipped within one to two weeks after the payment has been received, but can take up to three weeks.

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5.2 What happens when I win?

When the auction ends, the you will be contacted via email. You will then make the payment and enter the shipping address in the "My MadBid" -section of the MadBid.com website. You have to be logged in in order to complete those actions. The product, the delivery costs and the VAT will be paid for by the winner.

Note: Product cost refers to the auction closing price.

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5.3 I have won a product using SMS? What’s next?

Once a bidder win’s a product using SMS, MadBid contacts the winner via SMS. SMS bidders are required to register online so that they can make payment for the product they have won. Once payment is received the product is normally dispatched within one to two weeks.

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5.4 What is the cost of delivery?

The winner of the product pays for the shipping and handling fees. For specific costs please refer to the red 'More Info' tab next to each product or click on the photo of the auction item.

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5.5 Is the cost of the product added to my phone bill if I win an auction?

No, only the costs of the bids + any operator surcharges are added to the phone bill (if text messaging is used for bidding). The product winner will be contacted and the product (including delivery) will be paid for separately.

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5.6 How long before I get my product?

MadBid will strive to dispatch products as soon as possible. Products are dispatched normally within 14 working days of receipt of payment. Our delivery timeline is not binding. Customers should contact customer service at customer@madbid.com should they not have received the product within 21 working days of the payment

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5.7 Does MadBid deliver everywhere in the UK?

Deliveries are made solely within the UK (exclusively on the mainland, otherwise only upon enquiry). In case of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, the Scilly Isles, Scottish Islands and BFPO please contact our customer service team for delivery timelines.

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5.8 Is it ok to give an item I won to someone else, or to store it for a period of time until I need it?

Once you have received an item you are welcome to do with it as you please. However, you should open and inspect it immediately before or after delivery for damaged, defective or incorrect items. Failure to notify MadBid of a problem with your item within 5 days of signing for it constitutes acceptance of the item as it is.

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6.1 I have received a faulty product, what should I do?

Apologies for the inconvenience caused. On rare occasions an item might not work or may get damaged in transit. If a package shows indication of damage do not sign for the item without verifying the contents are intact. Please note that you must inform us about damaged or faulty goods within 5 days of receipt. MadBid cannot accept responsibility for damaged or faulty goods once 5 days have lapsed. If you notify us within this time, we will solve your problem as quickly as possible.

It can sometimes be useful to check the manufacturer’s website or call their helpline – many of the most common problems are easily solved without having to return the product.

In the event that the product you received is faulty, please contact us at returns@madbid.com and we’ll tell you what to do next. Please, let us know the Product ID and the serial number of the product, as these help us to deal with your problem more quickly.

We work with a range of different suppliers who are happy to help identify any problems and to replace faulty items, if necessary.

Please don’t send the item back to us without contacting us – this could result in a delay between return of your item and a replacement being despatched. If your product does need replacing, we’ll contact you and let you know what to do.

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6.2 Can I return the product I have won?

Yes you can return the product you won. Please get in touch with the returns department at returns@madbid.com and mail them following information:

• User ID
• Product ID and product details
• Reason for returning the product

Note: Please note that we only can offer a refund on the final price of the item you won, not on the cost of the bids placed (on that product), nor on the delivery costs

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6.3 Will I get a refund if I return the product?

We can only offer a refund on the final price of the item, not on the cost of the bids placed on that auction.

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7.1 How much does it cost me when I bid via SMS?

Sending a text message costs £1.50 + any operator surcharges

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7.2 Why should I use SMS for bidding?

Even though SMS bidding is costlier than online bidding it has its own advantages:

1. One does not have to buy a whole bid package and it's convenient if you want to make a limited number of bids.
2. It’s a good way to test our platform before moving on to online bidding. But remember that the SMS bidding is slightly slower than the online bidding, so make sure you bid early enough!
3. You may not have access to credit or debit cards
4. You are bidding for your favourite product and you have finished all your bids and you can’t find your credit or debit card!

Note: Please remember that SMS Bidders are restricted to 100 SMS bids per month. Other restrictions may also be enforced by your individual telephone service provider, MadBid is not responsible for any such restrictions.

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7.3 What happens if I win while bidding via SMS?

1. You will get an SMS stating that you have won the product.
2. You should register at MadBid.com.
3. While registering you will be asked to enter a mobile number, register the mobile number you used to win the product; and
4. After you complete the registration process you will receive an email explaining the steps to follow to have the product sent to you.

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8.1 What can I do to improve my chances of winning?

1. Get comfortable with the site; read the FAQ's and the Terms and Conditions. They include very useful information. Try out our Auto-bid function, where you can set your personal MadBid account to bid for you. Have also a look at the 'My MadBid' section of the website, once you are logged in.
2. Choose a view that you are comfortable with. As a customer one can choose to view the regular home page view, easy view and the product view.

   1. Home page view is the page that is displayed when one sees the page for the first time. For a larger viewing area press F11 to view MadBid in a full screen.
   2. Easy view is developed for viewers who wish to bid on multiple products at the same time or wish to have a better overview of the products that are being auctioned.
   3. Under our product view users can inform themselves about specific product information such as product specifications, shipping & handling fees or other useful information. Here you can also find more pictures of the product. A very interesting information here is also the last ten bidders that have bid for the product. This list can be reloaded by pressing 'F5'.

3. Place your bids using a certain strategy; bid early, late or always on top. Keep your eyes always focussed on the countdown timer. Don’t bid too late though - you might miss out on a mega deal!
4. Use Auto-bid to your advantage, leave it on at times when you are away from your PC. It is also a useful tool to exhaust the competition.
5. Remember that you can view the last ten bidders from the products specific page. You can observe and even record that data in order to know your competition better. Understanding your competition is a very important aspect of winning, we advise you to:

   1. Start bidding with less valuable products as fewer number of bidders tend to be interested in lower value products.
   2. Try to concentrate your bidding on one or a few items. Placing bids randomly is not a good strategy.
   3. Understand how other bidders place their bids and what time of the day they are bidding. MadBid is to a large extent about timing, so perhaps you can work out the best time to come and win a bargain!
   4. Bid at the right time of day because the number of bidders varies throughout the day. Bidders can use this to pick up bargains by bidding when others are busy having breakfast or taking the dog for a walk.

6. Free-bids are very useful to win more products. Few people find them interesting and they can be won at cheap prices.

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8.2 What I should not do on MadBid?

1. Do not start bidding without having read the responsible bidding guide. Its very important to have a bidding budget and to follow it systematically.
2. Be careful when using the Auto-bid function. Plan and execute the auto bidding strategy with care.

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9.1 Is there a risk of addiction to the service?

Please refer to section Responsible Bidding

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9.2 Where can I read the terms and conditions?

The terms and conditions can be read under the section Terms and Conditions

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9.3 If I have additional questions, how do I contact MadBid?

If you any additional questions please e-mail us at: info@madbid.com

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10.1 I am using an AOL browser and every time I try to bid I am referred back to the login screen

Unfortunately, as a standard setting, AOL does not allow cookies to be stored - a security function MadBid uses to identify users. We therefore recommend our clients to use either Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.

Additionally, in Internet Explorer, under "Tools" -> "Internet Options", tab "Privacy" please make sure that the security level is set to "MEDIUM". In Mozilla Firefox, the equivalent setting is found under Tools -> Privacy, please make sure that the "Accept cookies from sites" is selected.

11.1 Auction Limits

Note: Until the First of March all Auction Limits are Suspended as part of our Winter Olympic Madness Promotion.

A user can win a maximum of 2 products a day and 10 products per 30 day rolling period. Special limits apply to high value items:

(a) Platinum Products (RRP £4,000+): 1 auction win per any 90 day rolling period

(b) Gold Products (RRP £1,000+): 2 auction win per any 30 day rolling period.

(c) Silver Products (RRP £350+): 3 auction wins per any 30 day rolling period.

Example: Should a user win 10 products in a 25 day period, he cannot bid for the 5 next days. Once the 30 day rolling window (observation period) has elapsed the user is allowed to bid again.

Please refer to My MadBid in the Members Control Panel for information regarding your current auction limit status and allowances.

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