One of the most exciting components of the Movable Book Society conventions is the silent auction, featuring untold numbers of great pop-up and movable books. This year, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to offer the same opportunity to those attending our convention virtually (as well as all others who wish to participate). Accordingly, here’s all you need to know about
The Movable Book Society Virtual Auction
The auction…featuring 50 wonderful and collectible pop-up and movable books and ephemera…is now open for preview (but not bidding). The 11 days of previews will provide ample time to leisurely view each item, check your wallets, purses, and bank accounts, and register for the auction. The auction will open for bidding at noon EST on Thursday, September 30 and run through noon EST on Saturday, October 2.
To access the site during either the preview or open auction, go to: https://app.galabid.com/
The auction is being run by GalaBid, a highly-rated and secure site that has been used by major corporations (including Ronald McDonald House Charities and Hilton Hotels). The platform itself is entirely free for the MBS to use, but you may be asked for a small contribution with a successful bid…entirely optional.
You’ll need to register for the MBS Virtual Auction on site. Required information includes your complete name, valid email address, password, phone number, and credit card information. You can choose to bid anonymously (your name will not be listed as the high bidder), otherwise, your name will appear next to your bid. Following the auction’s close, you’ll receive an email with your winning bids and amount due and a link to submit payment. ALL funds raised will go directly to the Movable Book Society to support conference scholarships.
To Register via browser
Visit: galabid.com/
Click on the ‘Register‘ button
Enter your details and click ‘Register’
You will then receive a text to your mobile phone with a verification link. Either enter the verification code into your device, or simply click the link in the SMS to login. You are now ready to bid.
As with the live auctions at the MBS conferences, the bid you submit is the bid listed. We’ve all become use to eBay-style “proxy bidding” where you name a maximum bid and the site will act as a proxy, upping your bid as other bids arrive. NOT HERE: if you bid $200 for an item starting at $2, a $200 bid is shown and the auction continues from that point.
All bids include FREE shipping in the United States. PLEASE NOTE: International shipping fees have increased dramatically within the past year or two. We welcome bids from other countries and will apply $5 per winning item to shipping, but you will receive a second invoice from the Movable Book Society to make up the difference between the invoice you receive from the auction and actual postage costs. Please do not bid unless you are willing to accept full international shipping fees.
If you have specific questions about any item or the auction in general, please contact Larry Rakow at wonderlandbooks100@gmail.