Bidder Numbers Within Households

Before version 12.0 (released March 30th, 2026), household members automatically shared the same bidder number. Starting with version 12.0, household members can either share one bidder number or each have their own unique bidder number, giving you more flexibility for different event scenarios.

RETAIN BIDDER NUMBER SETTING

Navigate to Auction Conductor > Setup > App Settings and look for the "Retain Bidder#" checkbox.

Disabled (default setting):

• When households are formed, all members use the billing contact's bidder number
• Reduces the number of bid paddles needed for printing
• Best used during the setup phase before printing bid paddles

Enabled:

• Each person keeps their original bidder number, even when added to a household
• Allows household formation after bid paddles are printed and distributed
• Prevents the need to reprint paddles when forming households during check-in

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

During ticket sales with "Retain Bidder#" disabled:

• #101 Homer & Marge Simpson (household formed when Homer bought tickets)
• #102 Guest of Simpson, Homer (placeholder for third ticket with no guest details provided)

On event day, bid paddles are printed and placed on tables. You then enable "Retain Bidder#" before check-in begins.

When Homer checks in, he identifies bidder #102 as Lisa Simpson and requests she join The Simpson Family household. Staff can now:

1. Update bidder #102's name to Lisa Simpson
2. Add Lisa to The Simpson Family household
3. Complete check-in for the entire household

Lisa keeps bidder #102 and can use the paddle already on her table. Her auction activities will be linked to The Simpson Family household for consolidated billing and checkout.