General Auction Rules

  1. In order to participate in the auction, each bidder must agree to the rules and regulations provided. By completing your registration for the event, you are stating that you have read, understand, and accept those rules.

  2. The PES Education Foundation reserves the right to add or withdraw auction items, without notice, to or from the organization.

  3. A valid bid is considered made by clicking on the desired item, entering a bid in the proper increment, and pressing submit.

  4. The silent auction will close at 12:00 pm (noon) on Friday, May 12, 2023. Additional bids will not be accepted or valid after the silent auction has been declared “closed”, even if, for example, a software glitch allows bids after the closing time.

  5. The highest qualifying bid (i.e. a bid that complies with these auction rules) at the time of closing is the winning bid. 

  6. Once the silent auction is declared “closed”, the winning bidder will receive an electronic notification and will be instructed to collect their item(s). Pick-up will occur between 3:30-6:00 pm on Friday, May 12, 2023. 

  7. If you cannot pick up your item during this window, you must coordinate an alternate time with the Silent Auction Chairs (potomac.elementary.auction@gmail.com) prior to the pick-up window. Any items left unclaimed after seven calendar days–i.e. Friday, May 19th at 3:30 pm–will become the property of the PES Education Foundation, even if the bidder has paid for them, and no refunds will be given. The items will be sold, and the proceeds will go to the PES Education Foundation for use as the organization sees fit.

  8. Auction participants must place a credit card on file during registration and before the event. Your credit card may be automatically charged at auction closing. If not automatically charged, you will need to manually check out your items using the auction site. 

  9. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges will be permitted. No item is redeemable for cash. You are responsible for the safety and security of the item(s) once claimed. No items, including gift cards/certificates, are replaceable if lost or stolen. (A sign-out sheet will be required at checkout prior to releasing the item(s).)

  10. Each person bidding assumes all risks and hazards related to the auction and associated with the item(s) or experience(s) obtained at the auction. Each bidder agrees to hold harmless from any liability arising indirectly from the PES Education Foundation , their elected and appointed officials, members and employees, volunteers, auction chairs, the auction company and its agents or employees, the event organizers, sponsors, and donors connected with the auction.

  11. Some items are subject to additional limitations/restrictions, as documented on the individual item’s description on the auction website. These might include blackout dates, expiration dates, age limitations, etc. Bidders are responsible for reading these restrictions and accepting them in full. A submitted bid is proof of this acceptance. In the case of an age restriction, bidders may be required to show identification/proof of age at checkout.

  12. Auction items which are services to be performed or items to be ordered: it is the responsibility of the buyer to make arrangements directly with the donor as indicated.

  13. The auction item value listed is the estimated Fair Market Value (FMV); for items marked “priceless”, please see exceptions for a FMV estimate of tangible items. Items have not been appraised unless noted. The PES Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Any bid over the estimated value of the item is considered a donation and may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor to clarify the amount of the deduction.

  14. The silent auction sales are exempt from sales tax under Maryland law.  See  https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/business/sales-use/special-situations/sales-by-pto.php

  15. A copy of the current financial statement of PES Education Foundation, Inc. is available by writing 10311 River Rd, Potomac, MD 20854 or by calling (240) 242-9078. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (410) 974-5534.