Online Auctions for Fundraising

An online auction is a web-based event where supporters register, browse items, and place bids from any device. The highest eligible bid at the close wins; winners pay online and receive pickup or shipping instructions.

• Wider reach and longer bidding window.
• Lower venue and staffing costs.
• Automated alerts and real-time results.

1. 4–8 weeks out: set goals, recruit sponsors, start item procurement.
2. 2–3 weeks out: build catalog, take photos, finalize rules and terms.
3. Event week: open bidding and run the promo cadence.

Most groups run 5–10 days. Shorter windows (3–5 days) create urgency; longer windows (10–14 days) allow more discovery and sharing. Always post a firm end time and time zone.

• Start at roughly 30–50% of fair market value (FMV) to spark activity.
• Use simple increments of ~5–10% of FMV.
• Consider a Buy-It-Now at ~120–150% of FMV for quick closes.

General information, not financial advice.

Use reserves sparingly to avoid suppressing bids. Buy-It-Now works well for popular items and to secure sponsor-donated packages at target values.

Yes—proxy bidding lets supporters set a maximum. The system raises their bid automatically in increments, increasing participation without constant manual bidding.

• Unique experiences and access (tours, chef dinners, lessons).
• Travel with flexible dates and clear redemption terms.
• Gift cards and digital certificates for easy fulfillment.

Aim for roughly 1 item per 2–4 expected bidders. Curate tightly—fewer, better items concentrate demand and increase bids per item.

1. Upload 1–3 quality photos (hero, context, detail).
2. Use a benefit-led headline, “What’s included,” restrictions, and expiration.
3. State pickup/shipping options and any blackout dates clearly.

• Short form (name, email, mobile) and optional SMS alerts.
• Wallet pay (Apple/Google Pay) and secure card options.
• Clear terms at signup: increments, closing policy, pickup/shipping.

1. Preview (T-7–10 days): tease top items and open registration.
2. Launch: email + socials + ambassador share kit.
3. Final 72 hours: daily countdown and final-hour push.

Yes—equip board, staff, and sponsors with 2–3 images, a 1–2 sentence caption, a short link/QR, and the deadline. Track with UTMs and thank top sharers publicly.

Winners pay online via secure processors. Receipts include item name, amount paid, and whether goods/services were received (list FMV where applicable). Platforms may charge processing fees. This is general information, not tax advice.

Set expectations on each listing: local pickup windows, flat-rate shipping (who pays), or digital delivery for certificates. Clear terms reduce post-event questions and delays.

Enable auto-extend so bids in the final minutes extend the item briefly (e.g., 2–5 minutes). Stagger closings by category to keep bidders engaged.

• High-contrast text, large buttons, and keyboard navigability.
• Alt text for images and captions on videos.
• Clear language options or translations where helpful.

General information, not legal advice.

Use HTTPS pages, reputable payment processors, and admin 2FA. Limit access to supporter data and avoid exposing personal details in item photos. General information, not security advice.

• Registrations per day and % of items with ≥2 bids.
• Bids per item and average bid vs. FMV.
• Outbid alerts sent and click-back rate to items.

1. Send winner notices with payment links and pickup/shipping steps.
2. Thank donors and sponsors; share results within 48 hours.
3. Offer a brief second-chance sale for unclaimed or unsold items.