There may be times when a bid needs to be canceled—whether a bidder entered the wrong amount, made a duplicate bid, or withdrew before payment. CharityAuctions.com gives admins full control to remove or adjust bids without disrupting the rest of the auction.
Step 1: Open the Event Dashboard
- Log in as an event admin.
- Select the event where the bid was placed.
- Navigate to Bids or open the Invoice for the specific item.
Step 2: Locate the Bid
- Search by bidder name, invoice number, or item name.
- Click the item or bid record to open the bid details.
- Review the bid amount and timestamp before making any changes.
Step 3: Cancel or Remove the Bid
- Click “Remove” or “Cancel Bid.”
- Confirm the action when prompted.
- The bid will be immediately removed from the item history.
- If it was the leading bid, the previous high bid will become active again.
Step 4: Notify the Bidder (Optional)
The platform may send an automatic notification, but it’s good practice to:
- Confirm the cancellation with the bidder by email or message.
- Remind them they can place a new bid if needed.
- Keep a brief internal note for reporting.
Step 5: Review the Item Status
- Check that the current high bid reflects the correct bidder.
- If it was the winning bid, the invoice will be updated.
- Verify that no unintended charges remain.
Pro Tips
- Only event admins can cancel bids.
- Always confirm the bidder and item before removing.
- Keep documentation for disputed or high-value items.
- Canceling a bid cannot be undone once saved.
Related Guides
- How Guests Can Register for Your Auction
- Adding Auction Items
- How to Collect Payments from My Auction
- Setting Up Raffle Tickets
- How to Share Auctions on Social Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can cancel or remove a bid?
Only event admins can cancel or remove bids. Bidders cannot retract their own bids once submitted.
What happens to the auction after a bid is canceled?
The previous highest bid becomes active. If it was the winning bid, the invoice updates automatically.
Will the bidder be notified?
Yes. Bidders are automatically notified when a bid is removed. You can also follow up manually for clarity.
Can I undo a bid cancellation?
No. Once a bid is removed, it cannot be restored. You can, however, add a new bid manually if needed.
Will canceling a bid affect the auction’s closing time?
No. Canceling a bid won’t change the auction’s scheduled end time or other active bids.
Can I remove a bid after the auction closes?
Yes. Admins can remove a bid even after the auction ends, but it may affect the invoice and payment record.
What if the canceled bid was already invoiced?
The invoice will update automatically when the bid is removed. Check the bidder’s payment status afterward.
Can bidders request a bid cancellation?
Yes. Bidders can request a cancellation, but only admins have the authority to remove the bid.
Is there a record of removed bids?
Yes. Canceled bids are logged in your reporting data for internal records and dispute resolution.
Does removing a bid affect other invoices?
No. Only the invoice associated with the canceled bid will be updated. Other invoices remain unchanged.
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Tom Kelly, TEDx speaker and CEO of CharityAuctions.com, helps nonprofits raise millions through auctions and AI. He hosts The Million Dollar Nonprofit podcast and inspires leaders to live their legacy, not just leave it.
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