Terms of Use

Last Updated: March 6, 2026

Welcome to AES PTA Auction Website ("we," "our," or "us"). By accessing or using our website, registering for an account, or participating in any auction, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account, you agree to these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. You must be at least 18 years old, or the age of legal majority in your jurisdiction, to create an account and place bids.

2. User Accounts & Security

  • Account Creation: You must provide accurate and complete information, including your real First Name, Last Name, and Email Address. You may optionally register via third-party providers (Google).
  • Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password and account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.
  • Account Termination: We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or fail to complete payments for won items.

3. Bidding and Purchasing Rules

  • Binding Contract: Placing a bid is a legally binding contract. If you are the highest bidder at the close of an auction, or if you utilize the "Buy Now" feature, you are obligated to purchase the item at that price.
  • Proxy Bidding (Maximum Bids): Our system allows you to enter a "Maximum Bid." By using this feature, you authorize the system to automatically place bids on your behalf in set increments, only up to your specified maximum, to maintain your position as the highest bidder.
  • Auction Auto-Extension (Soft Close): To prevent last-second "sniping," auctions may automatically extend by a set number of minutes if a bid is placed within the final moments of the auction. The auction will only officially close when no further bids are placed within the extended timeframe.
  • Shill Bidding: Bidding on your own items, or colluding with others to artificially inflate the price of an item, is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate account termination.

4. Payments and Checkout

  • Payment Methods: We accept major credit cards (processed securely via Stripe) and pre-approved Cash/In-Person payments.
  • Cash Payments: Selecting "Cash" during checkout places your item in a "Pending" status. The transaction is not considered complete until an Administrator manually verifies the receipt of funds.
  • Donations: All charitable donations made through the platform are final and non-refundable.
  • Failure to Pay: Winning bidders must complete the checkout process within 48 hours of the auction closing. Failure to pay may result in the item being awarded to the next highest bidder or relisted.

5. Item Descriptions and Warranties

  • "As-Is" Condition: All items are sold "as-is, where-is" without any warranties, express or implied.
  • Descriptions: We strive to accurately describe all items, including the "Fair Market Value." However, we do not guarantee the condition, authenticity, or value of any item. Users bid at their own risk.

6. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, AES PTA Auction Website and its administrators shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of your use of the platform, your inability to access the platform, or the purchase of any auction item.