IGFA AUCTION PARTICIPATION RULES
Bidding and Payments
1. BINDING NATURE OF BIDS: To ensure fairness for all participants, all bids are binding and sales are final. The IGFA is committed to working with winning bidders to resolve any concerns, though exchanges and refunds are not available.
2. BIDDING INCREMENTS: Bidders may raise the bid as high as desired, provided the minimum raise increment is maintained. Each incremental bid amount is displayed on the bidding platform and constitutes a valid bid.
3. BIDDER REGISTRATION: All bidders must complete registration and verification before participating. By registering, you consent to receive communications from the IGFA including auction updates, conservation news, event invitations, fundraising appeals, and other IGFA-related information via email, mail, and phone. You may opt out of these communications at any time. The IGFA reserves the right to require pre-authorization or deposit for high-value items exceeding $5,000.
4. CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION & PAYMENT TERMS: All bidders must provide a valid credit card during registration, which will be kept on file for payment processing. By registering to bid, you authorize the IGFA to charge your card on file for any winning bids, donations made during the event, purchases, processing fees, shipping fees, and any other auction-related charges. Payment by the winning bidder consents to being automatically charged on the Monday following the auction close by 5:00 PM EST. Please contact Kim Strong at [email protected] or 1-954-927-2628 as soon as possible after the auction if you would like to arrange an alternative payment. Payments can be made using cash, check, wire, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. If your card on file is declined at the time of payment processing, you will be immediately contacted to provide alternative payment. The IGFA understands that payment issues can arise unexpectedly. If we're unable to process your payment, we'll work with you to find a solution within 48 hours. However, if alternative payment cannot be arranged, we may need to forfeit the winning bid to ensure fairness to other bidders. It is your responsibility to ensure your card information is current and has sufficient available credit. The IGFA reserves the right to pre-authorize or place holds on credit cards for high-value items at our discretion.
5. BID NULLIFICATION: Only an authorized auction official may nullify a bid. In cases of technical difficulties during online bidding, the IGFA will make reasonable efforts to accommodate affected bidders but reserves final discretion on bid acceptance.
6. DISPUTE RESOLUTION: In the event of any dispute, IGFA Management shall act as the final authority and determine the winning bidder. All disputes must be reported within 24 hours of auction close. The IGFA's decision shall be final and binding.
7. WINNING BIDDER RESPONSIBILITIES: The winning bidder is responsible for applicable sales taxes, use taxes, title transfer fees, registration costs as required by law, and any other costs associated with winning auction bids. Payment processing fees for credit card transactions may apply and are the responsibility of the bidder. For items requiring special handling, additional costs such as custom crating or specialized shipping may be necessary and are the responsibility of the winning bidder. Such costs will be discussed with the winning bidder prior to processing. For questions regarding shipping or other costs, please contact IGFA Development Manager, Kim Strong at [email protected], or 1-954-927-2628.
8. NON-PAYMENT CONSEQUENCES: Failure to complete payment will result in forfeiture of the winning bid and potential exclusion from future IGFA auctions at the discretion of the IGFA.
Boats and Watercraft
1. DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE: For boats and watercraft (excluding kayaks), a non-refundable 20% deposit is due within three (3) business days of auction close. The remaining balance must be paid in full within thirty (30) days prior to title transfer and delivery. If additional time is needed to place a deposit or remit the balance, or for any other inquiry, please contact IGFA Development Director Eric Combast at [email protected], or (954)924-4325, and he will be glad to assist you. The IGFA is committed to working with winning bidders regarding the deposit and payment schedule when possible.
2. ADDITIONAL COSTS: The winning bidder is responsible for all costs and arrangements related to survey, marine inspection, transportation, launch, rigging, fuel, winterization, storage, delivery to their location of choice, and all other costs associated with the winning bid. The IGFA will work with winning bidders when possible to assist in coordinating these arrangements. Please contact IGFA Development Director Eric Combast at [email protected], or (954)924-4325, and he will be glad to assist the winning bidder when possible.
3. TAKING POSSESSION AND TRANSFER ARRANGEMENTS: The winning bidder is solely responsible for making all arrangements necessary to take possession of the boat or watercraft, including but not limited to coordinating pickup or delivery logistics, arranging transportation services, scheduling inspections, and managing all aspects of the transfer process and all other associated costs. This includes coordinating with current boat locations, marinas, storage facilities, or donors to facilitate possession transfer. While the IGFA will provide reasonable assistance and facilitate communication when possible, the logistics and costs associated with taking possession are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. We recommend contacting IGFA Development Director Eric Combast at [email protected], or (954) 924-4325, as soon as possible and he will be glad to assist the winning bidder when possible to facilitate a smooth transfer.
4. TITLE AND REGISTRATION: All title transfers, registration, documentation with Coast Guard (if applicable), and related paperwork are the sole responsibility of the winning bidder. The IGFA will provide available documentation but makes no warranties regarding title clarity or registration status. For questions regarding title, registration, or other documentation, please contact IGFA Development Director Eric Combast at [email protected], or (954)924-4325.
5. CONDITION AND INSPECTION: Boats & watercraft are sold strictly "as-is, where-is" with all faults. Winning bidders are strongly encouraged to arrange independent marine surveys at their own expense. The IGFA provides no warranties or guarantees regarding mechanical condition, seaworthiness, or compliance with safety regulations, or any other warranty or guarantee. The IGFA encourages all winning bidders to check directly with the manufacturer(s) where applicable for any warranties or guarantees that may exist through the manufacturer(s).
6. DELIVERY AND REMOVAL: Winning bidders must arrange removal of boats within sixty (60) days of full payment. Storage fees of $25 per day may be charged for boats not removed within this timeframe. If additional time is needed, please contact IGFA Development Director Eric Combast at [email protected], or (954)924-4325, and the IGFA will attempt to accommodate requests for additional time when possible.
Trip and Experience Terms
1. BOOKING REQUIREMENTS: Fishing charters and vacation packages must be booked within one (1) month of the auction closing. Failure to book within this timeframe may result in forfeiture of the trip with no refund. If additional time is needed to book the trip, the IGFA recommends contacting the donor immediately and within one (1) month to request an extension of time to book as may be mutually agreed between the winning bidder and trip donor. The IGFA encourages all donors to work with winning bidders whenever possible, but the IGFA cannot guarantee the winning bidder an extension of time to book. If you would like to discuss the booking requirement in advance of placing your bid, please contact IGFA Development Manager, Kim Strong at [email protected], or 1-954-927-2628, and she’ll be glad to assist you.
2. SCHEDULING: Unless otherwise specified, dates and times of charters or trips should be arranged at the mutual convenience of both the winning bidder and the donor, subject to seasonal availability and donor scheduling constraints. "Mutual convenience" requires good faith efforts by both parties to schedule within reasonable timeframes. The IGFA understands that coordinating travel can be complex, and the IGFA is available to help facilitate communication between winning bidders and trip donors when possible. Please contact IGFA Development Manager, Kim Strong at [email protected], or 1-954-927-2628, and she’ll be glad to assist you.
3. RESALE OR TRANSFER NOT GUARANTEED: The resell or transfer of fishing charters, trips, and vacation packages cannot be guaranteed. Please consult with the entity from whom the trip was won as to whether resell or transfer is allowed. If you would like to discuss whether resell or transfer is allowed in advance of placing your bid, please contact IGFA Development Manager, Kim Strong at [email protected], or 1-954-927-2628.
4. EXPIRATION: Please review all expiration dates and stipulations on trips. Gift certificates and trip vouchers are valid for one (1) year from auction close date unless otherwise specified and cannot be replaced if lost.
5. NO WARRANTIES OR GUARANTEES: All fishing charters, vacation packages, guided trips, and experiential items are sold "AS-IS" with no warranties, guarantees, or representations of any kind. The IGFA makes no guarantees regarding weather conditions, fish availability, trip quality, accommodations, guide performance, or any other aspect of the experience.
6. TRIP CANCELLATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS: The IGFA is not liable for trip cancellations, postponements, or modifications due to weather, natural disasters, government restrictions, health emergencies, equipment failure, guide availability, or any other circumstances beyond the IGFA's control. Such matters are solely between the winning bidder and the trip donor/provider. The IGFA strongly encourages all donors to work with winning bidders whenever possible should an unexpected event occur.
7. THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS: All trips and experiences are provided by third-party donors. The IGFA acts solely as a facilitator and assumes no responsibility for the actions, omissions, or performance of trip providers, guides, charter operators, hotels, or other service providers.
8. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: Winning bidders participate in all trips and experiences at their own risk and are responsible for obtaining appropriate travel insurance, medical clearances, travel documents, and safety equipment as required.
9. NO REFUNDS FOR TRIP ISSUES: No refunds will be provided for weather-related cancellations, poor fishing conditions, equipment problems, disappointing experiences, or any other trip-related issues.
10. INCIDENTAL EXPENSES AND TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS: Unless specifically included in the auction lot description, winning bidders are responsible for all travel expenses, accommodations, meals, ground transportation, airfare, visas, travel insurance, and any other costs associated with participating in trips, charters, or experiences. The IGFA is not responsible for reimbursing or compensating winning bidders for any incidental expenses incurred, including but not limited to non-refundable hotel reservations, flight bookings, meal reservations, car rentals, or other travel arrangements made in conjunction with auction items, even if the trip, charter, or experience is cancelled, postponed, or modified for any reason. Winning bidders assume full financial responsibility for all arrangements they make related to auction items and are strongly encouraged to purchase appropriate travel insurance and make refundable reservations when possible.
Shipping
1. SHIPPING RESPONSIBILITY: Shipping charges are the responsibility of the winning bidder and calculated based on the size, weight, and location of the item(s) being shipped. Winning bidders will be notified of estimated shipping charges, which will be processed within 2 weeks after the auction closes. Shipping fees over $50 must be approved by the winning bidder before item(s) are processed and shipped. For questions regarding shipping, please contact IGFA Development Manager, Kim Strong at [email protected], or 1-954-927-2628.
2. SHIPPING INFORMATION: It is the winning bidder's responsibility to make any necessary updates to his/her bidding profile with correct shipping and payment information within this time.
3. SHIPPING PROCESSING & DELIVERY: Please allow 2-3 weeks after payment confirmation for items to be processed and shipped. Items requiring special handling or international shipping may take longer. For questions, please contact IGFA Development Manager, Kim Strong at [email protected], or 1-954-927-2628.
4. SHIPPING INSURANCE: Upon request, shipping insurance may be added. The IGFA is not responsible for damage caused by shipping. To validate an insurance claim per UPS/USPS/FedEx requirements, any reported damage due to shipping requires photo documentation or physical inspection of the packaging the item was shipped in. The IGFA is not responsible for items damaged or lost in the shipping process.
Additional Terms
1. AGE RESTRICTIONS: Winning bidders must meet legal age requirements for any age-restricted items: 21+ for alcohol, 18+ for tobacco/firearms, etc. Valid ID required for verification. Failure to provide proper age verification results in forfeiture with no refund.
2. TECHNICAL ISSUES: The IGFA is not responsible for technical difficulties, internet outages, platform malfunctions, or other technology-related problems that may prevent or delay bidding. In the event of platform crashes, system failures, or disputed final bid times during auction closing, the IGFA reserves the right to extend bidding periods, accept late bids at management's discretion, or make other final determinations solely at the IGFA’s discretion. For hybrid auctions, technical issues affecting online bidders will not invalidate in-person bids placed simultaneously. Bidders experiencing technical difficulties should immediately contact IGFA staff at [email protected] or 1-954-927-2628. All decisions regarding technical issues and disputed bid timing are at the sole discretion of IGFA Management and are final. Bidders are encouraged to place bids well in advance of auction closing to avoid last-minute technical complications.
3. ITEM CONDITION: All items are sold "as-is, where-is" with no warranties, guarantees, or representations of any kind through the IGFA. Item descriptions are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed. The IGFA makes no representations regarding condition, authenticity, or value. The IGFA encourages all winning bidders to check directly with the item(s) manufacturer(s) where applicable for any warranties or guarantees that may exist through the item(s) manufacturer(s).
4. IGFA ASSISTANCE: While the IGFA is not liable for issues related to auction items or trips, the IGFA may, at its sole discretion, provide reasonable assistance to help resolve disputes or problems that arise between winning bidders, trip donors, or item donors. This may include facilitating communication, providing clarification, or suggesting solutions. However, the IGFA makes no guarantees that such assistance will be successful, and all final arrangements remain the responsibility of the winning bidder(s) and donor(s). Any assistance provided by the IGFA does not waive any of the terms and limitations set forth in these rules.
5. IGFA BIDDING RIGHTS: The IGFA reserves the right to withdraw any item at any time before the actual sale. The IGFA reserves the right to reject a bid from any bidder. The IGFA reserves the right to bid on any lot either (1) on behalf of consignors, or (2) on behalf of the IGFA's interests when the IGFA is the consignor or when items are donated directly to the IGFA. Such bidding will be conducted in accordance with applicable laws and the terms of our auction platform provider.
6. TAX DEDUCTIBLE PURCHASES: The values of items are not warranted by the International Game Fish Association for tax purposes or general value. Items purchased may be deductible to the extent that the price paid exceeds their market value. It is the responsibility of the winning bidder to check with their tax professional for specific advice. The IGFA makes no guarantee of tax deductibility.
7. GOVERNING LAW: These rules and all auction transactions are governed by the laws of Florida. Any legal disputes will be resolved in the appropriate courts of Broward County, Florida.
8. MODIFICATION OF RULES: The IGFA reserves the right to modify these rules at any time without notice. Updated rules will be posted on the auction platform and take effect immediately.
For questions, please contact IGFA Development Manager, Kim Strong at [email protected], or 1-954-927-2628.