Auction Rules

Auction Rules & FAQ

Thank you for supporting the Sloppy Joe’s Foundation! Every dollar raised in this online auction helps the Foundation support the Key West community. Please read these rules before bidding. By placing a bid, you agree to them.

Auction Dates

When does the auction start and end?
Bidding opens at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, October 18, 2026, and closes at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, October 24, 2026. All times are Eastern Time (Key West time).

Do all items close at the same time?
Yes. All items are scheduled to close at 9:00 p.m. ET on October 24.

Bidding

Do I need an account to bid?
Yes. You need to register and log in to place a bid. Please use a valid email address and phone number so we can reach you if you win.

How do I place a bid?
Open the item you want, enter an amount that meets the minimum bid shown, and click “Bid.” Each new bid must be at least the current bid plus the minimum bid increment for that item.

What is automatic (proxy) bidding?
You can enter the most you’re willing to pay. The system will then bid for you, only as much as needed to keep you in the lead, up to your maximum. Other bidders can’t see your maximum.

Are bids binding?
Yes. Every bid is a commitment to buy the item at that price if you win. Bids can’t be withdrawn or canceled once placed, so please bid carefully.

Do items have a reserve price?
[Some items may have a reserve, a hidden minimum price. If the reserve isn’t met by the close of the auction, the item will not be sold.] [Or: “No items have a reserve.”]

How will I know if I’ve been outbid?
You’ll get an email notice when someone outbids you. You can also check “My Auctions” in your account at any time.

Winning & Payment

How will I know if I won?
You’ll receive an email after the auction closes with a link to complete your payment.

When is payment due?
Payment is due within 48 hours of the auction’s close. If payment isn’t received in time, the Foundation may cancel the sale and offer the item to the next highest bidder.

How can I pay?
We accept credit/debit cards and PayPal through our secure online checkout.

Shipping & Pickup

How much is shipping?
Shipping is in addition to the winning bid. The shipping cost for each item is listed in that item’s description, so you’ll know the total before you bid.

Where do you ship?
We ship to addresses within the United States only.

When will my item ship?
Items ship within 2 business days after payment is received. You’ll get tracking information by email once your item ships.

Can I pick up my item instead?
Local pickup is available at Sloppy Joe’s Apparel & Gifts, 506 Greene Street, Key West, by arrangement. Choose “Local Pickup” at checkout, and we’ll contact you to schedule a time.

Items

What condition are the items in?
All items are sold as-is. We do our best to describe and photograph each item accurately, including any wear. Dimensions and details are listed in each description. If you have a question about an item, please contact us before you bid.

Can I return an item?
All sales are final. Because this is a charity auction, we can’t accept returns or exchanges. If an item arrives damaged in shipping, please contact us within 3 days of delivery with photos.

Are items guaranteed authentic?
Items are described to the best of the Foundation’s knowledge. Unless a description specifically says an item is original or vintage, it should be treated as a print or reproduction.

Donations & Taxes

Is my winning bid tax-deductible?
The Sloppy Joe’s Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 99-4771566. In general, only the amount you pay above an item’s fair market value may be tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor.

Can I donate without bidding?
Absolutely! You can donate now on our website.

Questions

Who do I contact with questions?
Email auction@sloppyjoesfoundation.org or call 305-294-5717. We’re happy to help.

The Sloppy Joe’s Foundation reserves the right to remove items, cancel bids, or change these rules if needed to keep the auction fair.

Rules of the Competition

1) Each dog you nominate must be nominated on a separate entry form and entry fee paid.

2) Each dog nominated can have up to three photos or 2 photos & a short video (Up to 30 seconds) uploaded to show their best style or tricks. 

3) OPTIONAL: Each dog nominated may have (not required) a short description of why their dog is Top Dog and what about his or her personality makes them the ideal face of Dog Days of Summer.

4) Nominations open July 15th, 2026, and dogs can be nominated at any time during the contest. 

5) Voting begins on August 1 and continues until the contest ends on August 31, 2026. Results are featured in live time on the Sloppy Joe’s Foundation website. 

6) Votes are cast by the donations you raise for the Sloppy Joe’s Charitable Foundation! All donations are recognized by the IRS as charitable contributions, as Sloppy Joe’s Foundation is a 501c3 charity.

7) Winner(s) will be notified in early September, 2026 and the winning dogs(s) will be featured during our 2027 Dog Days of Summer along with a featured post. Winners will receive a great swag package filled with Sloppy Joe’s and American Dog Outfitters merch – along with bragging rights. 

8) The Sloppy Joe’s Foundation Board of Directors reserves all rights to make all decisions about the competition and any winner(s).