FAQ

Q: What does “no risk packages” mean?

“No Risk Packages” mean that you have no financial obligation to Philantopia unless the packages used at your event sell above our reserve price. It is important to remember to ALWAYS SET YOUR OPENING BID HIGHER THAN THE RESERVE PRICE.  Our auction advisors can assist you in which packages to choose and where to set your opening bid prices.

Q:  How many packages can I choose? 

You may choose as many packages as are appropriate for your live or silent auction. In addition, you have the option to offer the same package at the same auction, to anyone who bids over your reserve, if you choose to run your silent auction that way. The packages we offer can accommodate multiple winning bidders.

Q: What do your packages include? 

Our packages include all lodging, all stated inclusions, fees, taxes, and parking, except when explicitly stated otherwise.  For example, Philantopia may include access to a private ski club in our ski packages, however après ski cocktails in the club lounge would not be included in the package.

Q: What kind of promotional materials does Philantopia offer?

Philantopia will provide all of the materials you need for forward promotion (your website & email blasts) as well as all material needed for actual “day of event”. We provide digital, quality photos of all our trips as well as all the information about each package and attractive table displays. We also provide black out dates, restrictions, retail value, etc… Our auction advisors can guide you through what your event will need to be successful!

Q: How do winning bidders receive their packages?

After your event, you simply provide payment for the packages that have sold above your set reserve price, along with the winning bidder (or bidders’) names. Once payment is processed, Philantopia will provide the winner(s) with their certificates and handle the entire process, from receiving their winning certificate, to booking and redemption.

Q:  Do your packages have blackout dates?

The packages we have put together have minimal blackout dates, which generally include the high-peak weeks such as Christmas and New Year’s weeks, President’s Weekend, and a summer holiday such as the 4th of July week. We strive to strictly minimize blackout periods, and the blackout dates for each package we offer are clearly delineated for you at the bottom of each catalog page.

Q: How does the European tourist tax work with Philantopia packages?

The European Union charges a tourist tax on all recreational travel in the EU (with the exception of Iceland). The rate is about 2-3€ per person per day. Here at Philantopia, we do our best to include taxes and fees in all our packages, but sometimes that isn’t possible due to circumstances beyond our control. In that case, it will be the responsibility of the traveler to pay this tax upon check-out. Please check the terms and inclusions of each package to find out which include the European travel tax and which do not.

Q:  How do we pay Philantopia? 

Upon event conclusion, your non-profit will collect payment from highest bid winner and notify Philantopia of the package sale. Philantopia will then invoice your organization for the Reserve Price of the packages. We accept checks, ACH, Visa, Mastercard and AMEX.

Q. Can a donor claim a charitable contribution deduction?

Donors who purchase items at a charity auction may claim a charitable contribution deduction for the excess of the purchase price paid for an item over its fair market value.  The donor must be able to show, however, that he or she knew that the value of the item was less than the amount paid.  For example, a charity may publish a catalog, given to each person who attends an auction, providing a good faith estimate of items that will be available for bidding.  Assuming the donor has no reason to doubt the accuracy of the published estimate, if he or she pays more than the published value, the difference between the amount paid and the published value may constitute a charitable contribution deduction.

In addition, donors who provide goods for charities to sell at an auction often ask the charity if the donor is entitled to claim a fair market value charitable deduction for a contribution of appreciated property to the charity that will later be sold.  Under these circumstances, the law limits a donor’s charitable deduction to the donor’s tax basis in the contributed property and does not permit the donor to claim a fair market value charitable deduction for the contribution.  Specifically, the Treasury Regulations under section 170 provide that if a donor contributes tangible personal property to a charity that is put to an unrelated use, the donor’s contribution is limited to the donor’s tax basis in the contributed property.  The term unrelated use means a use that is unrelated to the charity’s exempt purposes or function, or, in the case of a governmental unit, a use of the contributed property for other than exclusively public purposes.  The sale of an item is considered unrelated, even if the sale raises money for the charity to use in its programs.