🔐 Sign In / Sign Up Feature for Bidders
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The Sign In / Sign Up link gives bidders access to log in or create an account for your auction. This feature automatically adjusts based on your event’s settings, no manual toggle required.
This article explains when the link appears, how it behaves in different event states, and what determines whether bidders can sign in or register.
⏱️ When Bidders Can Sign In
The Sign In option will appear under these conditions:
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Open Early is set to Yes, or
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The auction is open, or
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The auction is closed (even if no items are active)
📝 When Bidders Can Sign Up
To allow self-registration for new bidders:
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Go to Auction Settings > Bidder Settings
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Set Allow Bidder Registration to Yes
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When enabled, bidders can register before or during the auction.
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If disabled, only invited bidders can log in, new users won't see the registration option.
This setting gives you control over how open or restricted your auction participation is.
👀 How the Link Appears
The Sign In / Sign Up link automatically updates based on your configuration:
| Condition | Display Text |
|---|---|
| Bidders can sign in only | Sign In |
| Bidders can register only | Sign Up |
| Bidders can sign in and register | Sign In / Sign Up |
| Neither sign in nor sign up is allowed | (No link shown) |
Once the event start date has passed, the Sign In link cannot be hidden.
However, you can still hide the Auction link by disabling Show Auction Link under Auction Settings.
📊 Example Scenarios
| Start | End | Items | Open Early | Allow Registration | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Future | Future | Active | No | No | None |
| Future | Future | Active | Yes | Yes | Sign In / Sign Up |
| Future | Future | Active | No | Yes | Sign Up |
| Future | Future | Active | Yes | No | Sign In |
| Future | Future | Closed | No | No | None |
| Future | Future | Closed | Yes | Yes | Sign In / Sign Up |
| Future | Future | Closed | Yes | No | Sign In |
| Future | Future | Closed | No | Yes | Sign Up |
| Past | Future | Active | Any | Any | Sign In / Sign Up |
| Past | Past | Closed | Any | Any | Sign In / Sign Up |
🛑 Additional Notes & Behaviors
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The Sign In link is automatically controlled, there is no manual toggle to show or hide it.
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If a bidder tries to sign in while the event is closed, they’ll see a message like:
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“Event is closed” or
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Your custom message under Software Settings > Auction Settings > Bidder Settings > Registration Message (Event Closed)
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Use the Registration Message (Event Closed) field to inform late visitors about future events or redirect them to donation opportunities.
✅ Why This Feature Helps
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Ensures access to login, even after the event closes.
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Updates in real time based on your event and registration settings.
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Simplifies setup, no manual updates needed as your event progresses.