Release 9.0.210405

This is the first in a series of Version 9 releases for 2021. This first release enhances ClickBid’s messaging capabilities with browser-based Push Notifications and adding WhatsApp as a failsafe for iOS users when they can’t receive text messages.

Enhancements:

1. Push Notifications: Bidders now have the ability to allow browser-based push notifications on the ClickBid bidding site. Once the bidder logs in on a given browser, they will be asked if they want to allow Push Notifications. Push notifications are clickable pop-up messages that appear on your computer’s action/notification center or on the Android device you are using. Push Notifications are a good backup in case phone carriers block text messages from ClickBid to the bidder. Because Push Notifications are browsers based, they can be enabled in one browser and disabled in another. Bidders will receive outbid notices and ‘Text Bidders’ messages will be delivered via Push Notifications as well as attempted via text. Note that iOS users will need the “WhatsApp” app for their notifications because iOS does not support browser based push notifications.
2. WhatsApp: For bidders using iOS devices AND are unable to receive text messages from ClickBid, message delivery via WhatsApp will now be an option. Once the bidder logs into the bidding site on an iOS device, a pop up box will allow them to Get WhatsApp (if they don’t already have it) or Open Whatsapp. A template message will be sent to the bidder asking them to respond. Once they respond, they will be able to receive messages from ClickBid via Whatsapp for 24 hours and then they will need to reply again to continue to receive messages (this is due to WhatsApp anti-spam protocols). Bidders using iOS who should have received outbid notices and ‘Text Bidders’ messages via text message and the message delivery failed will be sent via WhatsApp.
3. Bidding site ‘Menu’: there is a new ‘bell’ icon for notifications on the menu at the top of the page. Clicking this will show if the bidder has accepted push notifications on at least one device and also show any push notifications that were sent in the last 24 hours. Unchecking the box will disable Push Notifications across all browsers.