How the BAP/HAP Auction works
- start of auction (Wednesday): MAS members may use the online system to register the species they are entering into the auction. Once an item is listed, members may bid on those items.
- Tuesday evening: All items need to be listed at least 24 hours before the auction closes. Fellow members may bid on these items until bidding is closed.
- Wednesday evening at 10:00pm (Central time): bidding is closed.
- Thursday: Winning bidders will be required to pay online at https://aquarium.mn/pay. They will have a link to view all the items they won. Note: there will be a $5 late fee applied to any late payments received after Thursday at midnight.
- BAP/HAP participant responsibilties: They will have access to a link to print MAS-formatted labels for what sold. These are to be attached to each bag. (This helps us sort the items to the correct buyer.)
- Saturday: BAP/HAP participants need to drop off the MAS-labeled bags between 10:00am and 11:00am. These persons may pick up their winnings a bit early once all their won items have been dropped off and sorted. All others should stop by to pick up their bags from 11:00am through 1:00pm. Due to the high number of buyers, we have extended pickup time to run until 1:00pm. Keep in mind that we may not have everyone's items sorted by 11:00, so if you arrive early, you may need to wait. Both parties will be sent the address of the drop-off/pickup location.
New this Auction:
- Pick-up time has been moved to 11:00am - 1:00pm. We will ask you to come during the first or second hour based upon your last name.
- In addition to BAP/HAP, this auction includes.
- Rare and Specialty Plants as part of the annual Plant Extravaganza.
- some donated items for members to bid on.
- BAP/HAP now includes an Autobid feature. Explanation and Rules of the Autobid feature.
- If you set an autobid on your own item, this will be considered your bid price to buy back the items you submitted.
- Due to the recent severity of the pandemic guidelines, all drop-offs and pick-ups will be curbside.
Guidelines - please read the sections for "Buyers" and Sellers" (below)
- If you are unable to drop off your bags at the given time/location, you should not be submitting items or bidding on items.
- If you fail to deliver or pickup your items, you will not be allowed to participate in future auctions.
- Any items not picked up during the pickup time are subject to being forfeited and without a refund. (We need to enforce this rule as those working the distribution event are volunteers and cannot be expected to wait for late-comers.)
- If you run into a problem or want more information, please contact us using the MAS contact form.
Social Distancing
Buyers
Sellers
Please provide as much information as possible to spotlight your item. You can also link to a site that provides more detailed information.
For 50/50 items, MAS will remit your portion of the sale via PayPal.
For this auction, volunteers will have to sort a large number of items in a very short amount of time. We ask that you help us by properly bagging your sales items. All fish and shrimp should be double bagged. Plants should be bagged just slightly damped, not floating in water. Items in glass or plastic containers will not be accepted.
We are providing a page of formatted labels for each seller to print and use. At the end of the auction, you will receive a link where you can print your set of labels for your bags. Please print them out and attach to each bag appropriately. We are using the Avery Presta® 94207 format, which prints 2 columns of 5 labels each. If you cannot access this format, just print the labels on plain paper, cut out the label and tape securely it to your bag. We need this label for proper sorting.
- Items submitted through BAP/HAP are dontations to MAS. MAS uses this money to fund the BAP/HAP programs including awards and recognition to participants and their accomplishements.
- For items submitted under the 50/50 program, the breeder/horticulturist will receive 50% of the proceeds.
- Sellers should not use the Autobid feature on their own items unless they are bidding to buy back their items. In other words, an autobid on your own item is considered a bid you will need to pay if you win.