FAQ

What kind of items are available at auction?

College Nation Authentics specializes in authenticated signed memorabilia — think signed jerseys, equipment, photographs, prints, and collectibles from your favorite teams and athletes. 

How do I place a bid?

To place a bid, simply navigate to the auction listing you're interested in and enter your bid amount in the bidding field. You'll need to be logged into your account to participate. Once your bid is submitted, you'll receive a confirmation and will be notified if you're outbid.

What is a popcorn bidding auction?

Popcorn bidding is our auction format that keeps things fair for every participant. Instead of ending at a hard stop time, our auctions automatically extend by 5 minutes any time a new bid is placed within the final 5 minutes of the countdown. This prevents last-second sniping and gives all active bidders a fair chance to respond. The auction closes naturally once a full 5 minutes passes with no new bids — just like popcorn finishing popping, it ends when things go quiet.

What are bid increments and do they apply to every auction?

Some of our auction listings will have set bid increments, meaning each new bid must meet a minimum amount above the current highest bid. For example, if the increment is $10 and the current bid is $150, the next valid bid must be at least $160. Bid increments vary by listing and will always be clearly displayed on the auction page before you bid. Not every item will have a set increment, so be sure to check the individual listing for details.

How will I know if I've been outbid?

You'll receive an email notification any time another bidder surpasses your bid. We recommend keeping an eye on your inbox — and checking your spam folder just in case — especially as an auction approaches its closing window.

What happens when I win an auction?

Congratulations! When an auction closes with your bid on top, you'll receive a winner notification by email with instructions to complete your purchase. You'll be taken through our checkout process to finalize payment for your item.

How long do I have to pay after winning?

All winning bids must be paid within 1 hour of the auction closing. This ensures a smooth and timely process for everyone involved. If payment is not completed within that window, your win may be forfeited and the item may be offered to the next highest bidder. Keep an eye on your email right after an auction you've entered wraps up so you don't miss your window.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept all major credit and debit cards as well as other payment options available at checkout. All transactions are processed through a secure checkout — your payment information is encrypted and protected every step of the way.

Is my personal and payment information secure?

Yes. College Nation Authentics uses industry-standard SSL encryption to protect your data. You can shop and bid with confidence knowing your information is safe.

Are all items authenticated?

Yes. Authentication and provenance are extremely important to us at College Nation Authentics. Signed memorabilia listings will include details about how the item was signed and, where applicable, will come with a certificate of authenticity. We encourage you to review the item description thoroughly before bidding.

Can I retract a bid once it's been placed?

Bids are considered binding once submitted. We strongly encourage you to bid only on items you fully intend to purchase. In exceptional circumstances, please contact us directly and we will review the situation on a case-by-case basis.

Are auction sales final?

Yes, all auction sales are final. Because memorabilia items are one-of-a-kind or limited in nature, we are unable to accept returns or exchanges. However, if your item arrives damaged or is significantly different from what was described in the listing, please reach out to our support team right away and we will do everything we can to resolve the issue.

What are my options for receiving my item after winning?

College Nation Authentics offers two convenient options for getting your item to you. You can choose to have it shipped directly to your door, or if you prefer, you're welcome to pick it up in person at our store. You'll be able to select your preferred option during checkout after winning your auction. If you have any questions about pickup availability or hours, don't hesitate to reach out to our team before completing your purchase.

How do I stay up to date on upcoming auctions?

The best way to stay in the loop is to create an account, sign up for our email list, and follow us on social media. We announce new auction listings, upcoming items, and closing reminders across all of our channels.

Who do I contact if I have a question or problem?

Our support team is here to help. You can reach us through the contact page on our website and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible. Whether it's a question about an item, a bidding issue, or a concern with your order, College Nation Authentics is committed to making sure every experience is a great one.