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  • Rules & Guidelines for BAP/HAP Auctions

Rules & Guidelines for BAP/HAP Auctions

The BAP/HAP auction is a members-only event.  Please refer to the BAP and HAP rules of each program.  BAP/HAP items are dontated to these programs (unless the submission qualifies for the BAP/HAP seller-split program)

How the BAP/HAP Auction works

Any MAS member may submit fry from spawns or plants that he/she propogated.  So as a bidder of a BAP item, expect that you are bidding on fry unless the listing states otherwise.  The 75/25 program allows a breeder to also submit juveniles, adults, and even a proven pair.  (Please read the BAP/HAP rules about the 75/25 program before submitting.)
  • 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 9:30am and 10:15am.  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 noon.  Keep in mind that due to unforeseen circumstances, 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.
The June BAP/HAP Distribution Day will be held in Roseville, near Hwy 36 and Dale.  Those who are to drop off or pick-up will be sent the address in advance.

New this Auction:

  • The June auction includes a "garage sale" of extra items that BAP/HAP members would like to make available to other MAS members.  This will be held at the distribution event, 10:30am through 1:00pm.
  • 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 relaxing of state guidelines, masks are not required at distribution, but please respect those who prefer to practice mask-wearing and other safety recaustions.
  • This is the last scheduld BAP/HAP-only auction.  Starting with the summer/July auction, BAP/HAP items will be merged into the full auctions.

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.

Buyers

All BAP/HAP items begin at $2.  Buyers must pay the total amount of their winning bids at https://aquarium.mn/pay before the end of day Thursday, June 10.  Payments made after Thursday will incur a $5 late fee - as late payments create more work as we prepare for Saturday.  The website's payment portal accepts either credit card or PayPal payment.  

Sellers

Please submit questions here.

Please provide as much information as possible to spotlight your item. You can also link to a site that provides more detailed information. 

For 75/25 items, MAS will remit your portion of the sale via PayPal. (Let us know if we need to remit through a different means.)

Volunteers 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 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 75/25 program, the breeder/horticulturist will receive 75% of the proceeds.  Items qualify only if the seller has submitted this same species in a previous BAP/HAP auction.
  • 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.