Frequently Asked Questions
Auction
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Festival auction work?
Almost all of the beautiful trees, wreaths, centerpieces, nativities, and other holiday displays you see throughout the Georgia Festival of Trees are part of our online auction. Guests can browse the displays in person, place bids from their phones, and follow their favorite items throughout the Festival.
When does the auction begin and end?
The auction begins at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 21st and ends on Saturday, November 28th at 8:00 PM.
Do I need to attend the Festival to participate in the auction?
No. Our auction is online, so you can browse and bid even if you cannot attend the Festival. However, seeing the items in person is part of the fun and gives you the best opportunity to appreciate all the details before bidding.
What items are included in the auction?
Auction items may include:
- Designer large Christmas trees (6-9 feet)
- Small trees (3-5 feet)
- Wreaths and double-door wreaths
- Centerpieces
- Nativities
- Specialty holiday décor and other unique items
Each item is donated and decorated by members of our community, businesses, organizations, designers, and individuals.
How do I bid?
Bidding takes place through our online auction platform. You will need to create or sign into an auction account before placing a bid. QR codes and auction information will be available throughout the Festival, making it easy to find an item and bid while you’re standing right in front of it. Beginning November 21st at 10:00 AM, you will be able to access the auction from our homepage. https://gafestivaloftrees.org.
Does it cost anything to register for the auction?
No. There is no charge to create an account and browse the auction. You are only charged if you win an item.
Can I bid from my phone while I’m at the Festival?
Yes. In fact, that’s one of the easiest ways to participate. Scan the QR code, find the item you love, and place your bid right from your phone.
How will I know if someone outbids me?
Our auction platform will notify you when you have been outbid, giving you an opportunity to return and place another bid before the auction closes.
Can I bid more than the minimum amount?
Yes. You can increase your bid beyond the minimum required amount if you really have your eye on something.
How does Buy It Now work?
Some auction items include a Buy It Now option. This allows you to skip the bidding and purchase the item immediately for the listed Buy It Now price.
Once you select Buy It Now and complete your purchase, the item is yours and is removed from further bidding. The item will remain on display at the Festival until the designated pickup or delivery time. If you see something you absolutely love, Buy It Now is the best way to make sure someone else doesn’t take it home!
When does the auction close?
The auction closes on Saturday, November 28th at 8:00 PM. You will receive notifications leading up to the end of the auction so you won’t miss out on getting your final bids in place!
What happens if I win?
Winning bidders will be notified through the auction platform. Payment and pickup or delivery information will be provided after the auction closes. Please make sure the contact information associated with your auction account is correct so we can reach you.
When can I pick up my auction item?
Winning bidders will receive instructions with the designated pickup dates, times, and location. Because hundreds of auction items must be carefully removed from the Festival, please follow the pick-up and delivery instructions carefully.
Do you deliver winning auction items?
Delivery is available for all winners of large trees with a delivery address within 40 miles of the Festival venue. Delivery eligibility and any additional requirements will be included with the auction information for your item. If you have won smaller items along with the large tree, all your items will be delivered together.
Can I take my item home as soon as I win it?
No. Auction displays must remain at the Georgia Festival of Trees through their designated display period. Winning bidders will receive instructions about when their items are available for pickup or delivery.
What is included when I purchase a decorated tree?
Unless otherwise noted in the auction listing, the decorations displayed on the tree are included with the tree. Because every tree is unique, carefully review the individual auction listing for details about exactly what is included.
Are the gifts displayed under the trees included?
Only if they are specifically listed as part of the auction package. Some packages may include gifts, gift cards, merchandise, or other special additions. Always check the item’s auction listing rather than assuming everything displayed nearby is included.
Are all lights, ornaments, and decorations guaranteed to work?
Our donors and volunteers take great care in preparing each auction display. However, all auction items are donated and sold as-is, so we encourage you to review your item carefully before bidding whenever possible.
If your tree experiences lighting issues upon delivery, our Auction Team will work with you to help resolve the problem. We also take great care when wrapping and transporting decorated trees, but occasionally an ornament may become detached or break during delivery. Please follow the unwrapping instructions carefully, as loose ornaments may be inside the protective wrapping and can easily be missed.
Can I return an auction item or receive a refund?
No. Auction purchases are final and non-refundable. We encourage you to carefully review the item description and, whenever possible, see the item in person before bidding.
What if I can’t pick up my item during the scheduled pickup time?
Please contact the Auction Team as soon as possible if you are unable to pick up your item during the designated pickup period. Because the Festival must be completely removed from the venue on a tight schedule, we have limited ability to hold items at the Convention Center.
If necessary, we can transport your item to our warehouse for pickup at a later date. Warehouse pickups must be scheduled in advance, as our office and warehouse are not staffed full-time during December.
Will someone help me load my item?
Our team will have volunteers available to help coordinate auction pickup. If you decide to pick up your large tree
, we strongly recommend arriving with an appropriate vehicle and enough space to transport your purchase safely.
How are large decorated trees transported?
Our team has a process for preparing decorated trees for pickup and delivery while keeping as much of the design intact as possible. Some adjustments may still be necessary during transportation, so minor fluffing or repositioning of decorations may be needed once your tree arrives home. It is vitally important that you read and follow the unpacking instructions provided in your delivery/pick-up packet.
Where does the money from the auction go?
The auction is an important fundraiser for the Georgia Festival of Trees. Proceeds help support our nonprofit mission, including our work to raise awareness and funds to help end the sexual exploitation of children in Georgia, build community through volunteerism, and make the Festival possible each year.
Who do I contact if I have an auction question?
Our Auction Team will be available throughout the Festival to help with bidding, Buy It Now purchases, and general auction questions. Visit the Auction Tech Table located in front of the Large Tree display for assistance. You’ll also find Auction Ambassadors throughout the Festival. They’re there to answer questions, help you navigate the auction, and make bidding as easy as possible.
