SMS Opt-In Policy & Consent Process

Last Updated: November 21, 2025

Overview

CareToBid provides an opt-in SMS reminder service that allows users to receive text message notifications before auction items they're interested in are about to end. This service is entirely voluntary and requires explicit user consent.

How Users Opt-In

CareToBid provides two methods for users to opt-in to SMS auction reminders. Both methods collect the same information and require the same explicit consent - the only difference is how users select which auction item they want to be reminded about:

Method 1: Registered Users (via Auction Item Cards)

When logged-in users browse auction items on https://caretobid.com, they can click "Set SMS Reminder" directly on an auction item card. The system already knows which fundraiser and auction item the user wants a reminder for based on the card they clicked. The opt-in process is:

1. User browses auction items on https://caretobid.com while logged in
2. User clicks "Set SMS Reminder" button on the specific auction item card they're interested in
3. A modal dialog appears requesting:
   • Phone number (validated E.164 format)
   • Reminder timing preference (5, 15, 30, or 60 minutes before auction ends)
   • Explicit consent checkbox stating "I hereby agree to receive SMS reminders from CareToBid" (required)
4. User submits the form to receive one SMS reminder at the selected time before the auction ends

Method 2: Public Users (via This Page)

Non-registered or public users opt-in using the form below. Because they're not clicking from a specific auction item card, they must manually select which fundraiser and auction item they want to be reminded about. The opt-in process is:

1. User selects a fundraiser from the dropdown list of active auctions
2. User chooses a specific auction item from that fundraiser
3. User selects reminder timing preference (5, 15, 30, or 60 minutes before auction ends)
4. User enters their phone number (validated E.164 format)
5. User checks the required consent checkbox stating "I hereby agree to receive SMS reminders from CareToBid" along with STOP instructions, HELP instructions, message and data rates disclosure, and links to our Privacy Policy and SMS Terms
6. User submits the form to receive one SMS reminder at the selected time before the auction ends

Important: Both methods collect identical information (phone number, reminder timing, auction item selection, and explicit consent) and use the same backend system. The only difference is that Method 1 pre-fills the auction item selection based on which card the user clicked, while Method 2 requires manual selection via dropdowns. In both cases, users must check the mandatory consent checkbox to proceed. Each reminder is a one-time notification per user request.

Sample Messages

Users who opt-in will receive messages in the following format:

Message Frequency

• Users receive one SMS per reminder request
• Users control frequency by choosing which auctions to set reminders for

How Users Opt-Out

Users can opt out at any time through the following methods:

• Reply STOP: Users can reply STOP to any message to immediately unsubscribe (handled automatically)
• Account Settings: Users can manage their phone number and SMS preferences in their account dashboard
• Per-Reminder: Each reminder is for a specific fundraiser item; once sent or auction ends, no further messages are sent for that item

Privacy & Data

• Phone numbers are stored securely and used solely for reminder notifications
• We do not sell or share phone numbers with third parties
• Messages contain only auction information the user explicitly requested
• Standard carrier messaging rates may apply to recipients

Compliance

CareToBid's SMS reminder service complies with:

• TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) requirements
• CTIA messaging guidelines
• All messages include sender identification and opt-out instructions

Contact Information

For questions about SMS reminders or to opt out via email:

CareToBid
Website: https://caretobid.com
Support: Available through website contact form

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This page serves as documentation of CareToBid's SMS opt-in process for regulatory compliance purposes.