This is a collection of the most common requests we receive or have noted ourselves for clarification. Please contact us if you do not find your solution.
BXC Bidders/Sellers Kit (.pdf)
Registration
Why is there a membership fee?
There is a fee for several reasons:
1. To cover account management, support and admin
2. To reduce auction fees, eliminate commission
3. Identity verification/fraud deterrent
4. Legal/site policing funds
5. Eliminate site ads
6. Advertising/Marketing
A very large percentage of all subscription fees collected are and will continue to be funneled into marketing the site, promoting the service and especially the auctions currently running/closing.
Other chunks are devoted to member admin/support plus legal. Development eats another piece.
Finally, charging a membership rate allows us to keep ads off the site and eliminate the need for commissions or additional fees for both buyer/seller.
What does my membership include?
Each Boxcar membership entitles you to be buyer and seller - like on eBay. You can run auctions and bid on auctions at the same time, for one fee.
Do I need a separate membership to buy and/or sell?
No, one Boxcar membership allows to do both, buy and sell.
How long does my membership last?
Boxcar membership covers you for 365 days from the date you registered.
I paid but when I login, it asks me to subscribe again?
Our system relies on subscribers waiting until PayPal sends the information back to system for successful registration. We understand sometimes people don't or can't wait or connections go bad. It happens and we apologize for the inconvenience. In this case, feel free to contact us directly and we'll remedy the issue and get you logged in asap.
For Bidders
What is a Preview?
When an auction is in ‘Preview’ status, members can review and add names to their watchlist, but they cannot bid. This period also allows the seller to modify or edit their auction which can include adding or deleting names, changing dates or adjusting embed.
What is a Lot Auction?
A “Lot Auction” is a multiple domain name auction where members can bid on individual names.
What are Lot Intervals?
The time span between the end of names in the auction. For example, if set to “10 minutes”, all the domains in the auction will close ten minutes apart. Keep in mind auctions get extended by two minutes by any bids in the last two minutes.
Auction says “No Reserve” but there is a price?
“No Reserve” means that the one bid wins it, there is no additional price point to reach. So if a domain is listed at $1000 with ‘No Reserve’ than a $1000 bid can win the auction.
Do you offer purchase financing?
We do not offer financing of purchases. Sellers may offer them as part of the auction or you may use a company such as Domain Capital – that is the sellers and your discretion. Boxcar does not offer these services directly.
How Do I Bid?
1. Open a Boxcar membership account or login
2. Enter your maximum, proxy bid. Click - Bid Now
3. Confirm your binding bid.
4. A bid will be placed at the increment indicated. Your max bid will only be reached if someone places a higher bid OR if the reserve is met. You will be advised via email when this occurs.
5. You will receive a status message indicating success or failure of the bid plus whether or not it is the high bid.
6. Any bids received within the last two (2) minutes will automatically extend the auction an additional two (2) minutes.
7. You will be notified if/when you are out bid via email as well your Mailcar. You will receive notification on auction close if you won with specific instructions on how to proceed with your purchase.
I bid but get an error saying I was outbid?
In this case your bid matched the high bidders proxy bid so you must re-enter at a higher amount and resubmit.
Bid history shows two bids of mine?
As is the case with above, if the 'Bid History' shows two of your bids, one after the other, it means somebody attempted to bid the same amount. In this case, tie goes to current high bidder and the bid is increased (as per max) to match.
For example, if you are the high bidder at $400 and your maximum is $500 and someone else bids at $500, your bid is increased to match, $500. The other bidder is asked to increase their bid to surpass your bid.
Can I add to my bid to reach 'Reserve'?
In the case where you are already the high bidder but the name hasn't reached reserve, you can submit a new bid and it will treated as a fresh bid. Allows bidders to get a name to reserve if they choose.
If your new bid reaches the reserve - price is set at reserve. If your new bid does not reach reserve, it is treated as a new bid at the next minimum increment.
Bid again to attempt to reach 'Reserve'.
What happens when I win?
1. First, you'll receive email notification of your win and the amount.
2. To pay or start escrow, login to My Boxcar and select the Won tab. You can also find all outstanding invoices under My Bidding > Won.
3. Click the ‘Pay Now’ button and select the payment option, if available.
* NOTE that Boxcar Policy is to allow you five (5) business days to submit your payment via Escrow.com or Paypal.
Sellers get to choose which payment service to offer to winners: PayPal, Escrow.com or both. BC policy is for BUYER to pay transaction fees unless otherwise noted in auction. There are no fees or commissions due Boxcar.
Once you select the payment gateway, a transaction will be created and then it is up to the buyer and seller to complete the ownership transfer and complete the transaction.
NOTE: Since we do not charge commission it is up to the seller and buyer to communicate, manage, facilitate the entire transaction. Boxcar does not mediate or manage, our services are strictly for enforcement of site rules and terms.
How much time is seller given to transfer?
Given today's ease in pushing or transferring names today, we ask sellers to move the domain within two (2) business days of payment being secured. Please feel free to contact us at any time to assist in the process but please note that it is up to buyer and seller to complete deal once auction is closed - failure by either party results in severe penalties.
For Sellers
Why sell on Boxcar?
Boxcar lets sellers and auctioneers do things they’ve never been able to before:
- Add embeds such as video, Twitter, Facebook, Flash and more
- Hold a live auction
- Sell up to 100 names to multiple buyers in a single lot auction
- Set different variables for each name like bid increments, reserve, etc.
- Beta and Preview periods: review and edit or add names to your auction
- Bulk upload using our Excel template
- Select closing-time intervals for lot auctions
- No commission on sales, no hidden fees, no exclusivity contracts or periods
- Simple payment gateways, PayPal and Escrow.com auto-invoicing
- Large, pre-existing buyers network
- Promotional tools such as our free Seller’s Kit
- Flat fee: whether it is one name or 100.
- Promotional Flash widgets
- One-click relisting
- My Mailcar: easily connect with other members with our internal mail system.
- Simple and intuitive menus, layout and features.
- Easy, fun and secured by GlobalSign
Dozens of ways to make your auction stand out!
Boxcar is a member of a large network of sites that includes Oneofakind.com, DomainConsultant.com and more. Sellers benefit from our ability to reach out to the active domain community and promote the site or the names or the auctions. We have a record of doing just that with over $5m in public, live auction sales to date.
How do I price my domains?
Below what buyers would expect. This creates desire which feeds the hand that bids and ultimately competes. You want at least two parties bidding, consider pricing it thusly to attract multiple bidders, interest and buzz.
If you need assistance, please contact Domainconsultant.com.
How do I create an auction?
1. First choose what type you would like to run: single or lot auction. Once selected you can create your auction – and edit it later during the ‘Beta’ or ‘Preview’ period.
2. Fill in the auction form with as much information as you can and then choose your Preview date, Open date and Closing date.
Note that any time BEFORE your Preview opens is known as ‘Beta’ – a period where you can edit and view but the membership cannot. Please consider am adequate Beta period before starting the Preview period.
For LOT or multiple name auctions, you can add domains individually via the form or bulk upload using our Excel template.
How do I Bulk Upload?
Bulk uploading is easy and efficient - add up to 100 names. Here's how to create your auction for upload:
1. Download the Excel Template. The first row is pre-filled as a sample.
2. Add your domain names, noting REQUIRED fields. Do not include dollar sign ($) or cents (.00) in any of the fields.
Required fields:
a. Name
b. Minimum Bid - must be at least one dollar ($1)
c. Minimum Increment
Optional fields:
a. Description
b. Reserve Price
c. Buy it Now Price
d. Screenshots
Reserve Price - If you do not enter a value/leave blank, the name will be listed as NO RESERVE. Do not enter zero (0) or you will receive an error.
3. Double-check and review, make sure all required fields are filled.
4. Click on SAVE AS in Excel and select Comma Delimited (CSV). Make sure it is a .csv file before attempting to upload.
5. Login to your Boxcar account.
6. Click SELL DOMAINS and select MULTIPLE LOT.
7. First item on multi-lot auction form asks whether you want to bulk upload. Select YES and then BROWSE for the file on your desktop.
8. Fill in the rest of your auction information including preview and open and close times plus the intervals you would like the names to close at.
9. Click SAVE AUCTION and pay.
What are Bid Increments?
Boxcar is one of the first to allow you to set your own minimum bid increment for each name in your auction, and usually based on the price. For example, a high priced name might have a higher increment then a low one.
What is the Embed Code area for?
You can add any embed or API code such as Twitter or Facebook widgets or a YouTube video or a live feed, a flash intro or presentation or just an image. Sky is the limit, use the space to add and attract to your auction, make it viral. Misuse will result in severe penalties.
Create your own widgets:
* Note: you can add/modify the embed code in ANY of the auction stages - beta, preview and open.
What is a Timed versus a Manual closing?
If running a LOT auction, you have the choice to close it yourself or have the system do it for you.
If you select 'timed' as your type, the auction will close in intervals set by you beginning at the closing time.
If you choose 'manual', you can close your auction manually, in order, beginning at the Close date and time selected.
How do I close a Manual/Live auction?
Login to your account and go directly to your auction page.
Once time expires on the auction (based on your close date and time), you will see three buttons under the Action heading on the first name in the auction. Your three choices are Close, Pass, Manage.
Close: Click close and the name closes and moves to the next on the list.
Pass: Pass it and it goes to the bottom and remains open for an additional 24 hours (24 hrs from the set close date and time).
Manage: Allows you to delete the name if need be or adjust information and descriptions.
Please note that once you 'pass' or 'close', you will not get the option again.
What happens after 24 hour Extended?
Your names will close automatically 24 hours after your original close date and time. They will close all at the same time BUT if any get a bid n the last two minutes, the auction is extended automatically for an additional two minutes.
How do I add a Live Feed to my Manual auction?
As with all other media, get an embed code from your provider that you can then simply paste into the auction. Viewers can then 'detach' it and bid and watch simultaneously.
Potential providers include StreamCasting.com and USstream.tv.
Do I need a permit or license to run a live auction?
Ask your attorney this question as each state is different. But generally if you plan on taking in-room bids, then yes you likely need a licensed and bonded auctioneer to run it.
Thus, we highly recommend consulting with any and all local jurisdictions before embarking on a live event.
What are Intervals?
If you are holding a lot auction, you must designate your ‘interval’ – the time between the end of names in the auction. For example, if set it to “10 minutes”, all the domains in your auction will close ten minutes apart. *Keep in mind auctions get extended by two minutes by any bids in the last two minutes.
What are the Payment Gateways?
We have automated the payment process, all you need is a PayPal and an Escrow.com account. This option asks you to select which gateway or gateways to allow your buyers to use if they win. We highly suggest you open an account with both and offer both to buyers. Seller is responsible for fees.
I messed up my auction before paying, can I start over?
Yes, if you tried to add a single or lot domain auction and left before paying - you can either delete the auction to start fresh or you can click 'Pay Now' to launch.
Visit the Non-Paid Auction page to delete or pay for yor auction.
How do I share my names/auction?
Two options: You can share individual names or all your auctions.
For individual names, simply add it to boxcar.com/www.NAME.com
This will redirect right to the auction for that name but note it MUST include 'www' on your name to work properly.
Or you can share your Boxcar URL - a profile page containing all the auctions you are currently running.
Your Boxcar page can be found and shared by adding your username to boxcar.com/. Or for example, boxcar.com/USERNAME
What is My Boxcar URL?
This is your own personal page which displays your logo, a description, site link, Twitter, Facebook, email plus any and all auctions you have in either Preview or Open status. Beta does not appear.
You can easily give out your Boxcar Url and post and link it anywhere, it is easy to remember, short and recognizable.
The address is simply http://www.boxcar.com/USERNAME
Change ‘USERNAME’ with your own Boxcar ID used to login.
To customize your Boxcar URL, login to your boxcar and go to My Account > My Boxcar URL
How can I promote My Boxcar/Auctions?
1. BC Badges
First off, add one of our badges to your site, blog, profile - anywhere. Insert next to your Twitter, FB and other badge and link it directly to your Boxcar URL.
2. Flash Widgets
But there's more, we have three updating Flash widgets for your to add to your blog, profile, site and keep everyone updated on your latest auctions.
To receive the embed codes for your own widgets, simply login and go to My Boxcar > Widgets
3. Sellers Kit
There is a promotional section is the Sellers Kit that describes MANY ways for you to promote your names and auctions - both conventional and unconventional, yet proven successful. We encourage you to review and implement at least two to three of our recommendations. Besides, they are so easy and pay off big!
What happens when I sell a name?
Buyer is sent an email with instructions on how to pay - which is dependent on the payment gateway you offered, PayPal or Escrow.com. They must either pay the Paypal invoice or create a new transaction with you at Escrow.com.
For a full list of the domains you have sold plus buyer emails and price, login and got to Auctions > Sold
Once payment is complete or funds are secure, you must contact the buyer to transfer ownership.
Note that buyer has five (5) business days to submit payment, seller then has two (2) business days to transfer.
NOTE: Since we do not charge commission it is up to the seller and buyer to communicate, manage, facilitate the entire transaction. Boxcar does not mediate or manage, our services are strictly for enforcement of site rules and terms.
How do I relist my unsold names?
We offer you a great deal - relist unsold names for only $1 per name.
And its automated too. Simply login and go to My Boxcar > Auctions > Didnt Sell.
Youll find all your auctions with unsold names, simply click the Relist button and pay for your listing and thats it. Auction will go immediately into PREVIEW mode. You can then manage and edit names and dates, etc as needed.
General/Account
Can brokers use Boxcar?
YES! In fact, it was designed in part for domain brokers – collect your names together and hold a single lot auction. Like the pros do!
Since we do not charge a commission, brokers can offer their customers their regular commission rate.
Brokers running auctions would then collect payments via Escrow or PayPal, facilitate transfer and then disburse funds to your sellers – minus your commission. So start gathering your names together – you too can make commissions like the big dogs.
Auction winner won’t pay (seller won’t transfer purchase), what do I do?
Boxcar takes this situation very seriously and maintains legal on staff to handle just this situation. Please contact us immediately and we will encourage, warn and then take action. Sellers will benefit from monetary penalties incurred. Boxcar will take numerous steps to insure auctions are completed as agreed by BOTH parties. We reserve the right take the following action:
- Account deletion
- Permanent site ban
- Disclosure to buyer/seller
But we are not limited by the above. Bottom line is, do not auction if you do not intend to sell and do not bid if you do not intend to pay.
Please contact our legal department at legal@boxcar.com
Who are you?
Most of the people involved in Boxcar have been working on domains and the web since the mid 1990’s. They all have proven track records of success within and outside the industry, with particular attention on domain auctions – these are the buyers and sellers, on Boxcar and the web at large for the last ten years+ with over $40m in sales and acquisitions. Read more in the About Us section.
