Authentication and Account Management

The bidcars.ch platform offers a comprehensive authentication and account management system that prioritizes security, user-friendliness, and teamwork. This guide explains how to register, sign in, create team accounts, and manage them.

Registration and Login

Registration Methods

You can register on bidcars.ch using the following methods:

• Email and Password: Traditional registration with email address and self-chosen password
• Magic Link: Passwordless login through a link sent to your email address
• Google: Quick registration and login with your Google account

Registration Process

1. Visit the registration page at /auth/sign-up
2. Choose your preferred registration method
3. Enter the required information:
   • For Email/Password: Email address and secure password
   • For Magic Link: Just your email address
   • For Google: Confirm authorization in the Google dialog
4. Verify your email address through the link sent to your email
5. After verification, you will be automatically logged in

Login Process

1. Visit the login page at /auth/sign-in
2. Choose the method you used to register
3. Enter your login credentials:
   • For Email/Password: Email address and password
   • For Magic Link: Email address (you will receive a login link)
   • For Google: Confirm login in the Google dialog
4. After successful login, you will be redirected to your dashboard

Password Recovery

If you forget your password:

1. Click on "Forgot password" on the login page
2. Enter your email address
3. You will receive a password reset link
4. Click on the link and create a new password
5. Log in with your new password

Security Features

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enhance your account security with a second authentication factor
• Secure Session Management: Automatic logout after inactivity
• One-Time Passwords: For certain security-relevant actions

Account Types and Structure

bidcars.ch uses a flexible account system based on team accounts:

Team Account

• Represents a company or organization
• Has a unique slug (part of the URL)
• Can have multiple members with different roles
• Supports company verification with UID/VAT

Each user is created with their personal area upon registration, from which they can create or join team accounts.

Creating a Team Account

To create a new team account:

1. Log in to your existing account
2. Navigate to "Teams"
3. Click on "Create Team Account"
4. Enter the required information:
   • Company name
   • Unique slug (for the URL)
   • UID/VAT number (for Swiss companies)
   • Company information (address, etc.)
5. After successful creation, you will be automatically redirected to the new team account

Company Verification

Swiss companies can be verified with their UID/VAT number:

1. Enter the UID/VAT number during team creation
2. The system checks the number against the official Swiss business registry
3. Upon successful verification, company information is automatically filled in
4. Verified companies receive a verification badge on their profile

Managing Team Members

As an owner or administrator of a team account, you can manage team members:

Inviting Members

1. Navigate to the members page of your team account
2. Click on "Invite Member"
3. Enter the email address and the desired role
4. The invited person will receive an email with an invitation link
5. After accepting the invitation, the new member will be added with the assigned role

Roles and Permissions

bidcars.ch offers a hierarchical role system:

• Owner: Complete control over the account and all functions
• Administrator: Can perform most administrative functions but cannot delete the account
• Member: Standard access to vehicle management and auctions
• Bidder: Can only view vehicles and bid in auctions

Each role has specific permissions:

Changing Roles

As an owner or administrator, you can change the roles of team members:

1. Navigate to the members page
2. Find the respective member
3. Click on the action menu and select "Change Role"
4. Select the new role from the dropdown menu
5. Confirm the change

Note: You can only change roles that are lower in the hierarchy than your own role.

Removing Members

To remove a member from a team account:

1. Navigate to the members page
2. Find the respective member
3. Click on the action menu and select "Remove"
4. Confirm the action in the confirmation dialog

Note: The owner of an account cannot be removed. To remove an owner, ownership must first be transferred.

Account Settings

Personal Settings

Each user can manage their personal settings:

1. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner
2. Select "Settings"
3. Here you can adjust the following settings:
   • Profile information
   • Change password
   • Enable multi-factor authentication
   • Language settings
   • Notification preferences

Team Account Settings

As an owner or administrator, you can manage the team account settings:

1. Navigate to the team account settings
2. Here you can adjust the following settings:
   • Company information
   • Account name and slug
   • Billing settings
   • Payment methods
   • Subscription plan

Subscription and Billing

Team accounts require an active subscription to use all features:

1. Navigate to the billing page of your team account
2. Select a subscription plan
3. Enter your payment information
4. Confirm the subscription

The subscription determines the feature set and limits of your team account, such as:

• Number of team members
• Number of vehicle listings
• Fees for successful sales
• Access to advanced features

Account Management Tips

• Enable multi-factor authentication for increased security
• Regularly review your team's member list
• Assign roles based on actual responsibilities
• Ensure sensitive functions are only accessible to authorized persons
• Keep your contact information up to date, especially your email address