If you've been tasked with creating an online auction to fundraise for your organization, this is a perfect way to begin the selection process for your online auction platform.
This is a list of the top 20 online auction sites, not in any particular order, each linked to their homepage for your convenience.
While we think you should save a lot of time and use Charity Auctions Today, you may want to take a look at several before committing to one.
Websites Showcase — Auctions Convert
Your site may look great — but does it raise funds? Launch your auction with a platform built to turn visitors into bidders, and make your website more than a brochure.
Launch Your Auction NowPRO TIP: When comparing sites, be sure to pay attention to what their fees entail. This way, you can compare apples to apples. Some have performance fees, and others charge a transaction fee, plus a percentage of your total.
Each platform listed is linked to its website to make it easier for you to vet.
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1)
CharityAuctionsToday
Our top features are:
Low-cost, high performance
Easy to navigate and create your auction
Our personal support and training ensure your auction's success. Support is free.
2. eBay
What is a list of auction sites without eBay? eBay is undoubtedly the largest auction site on the internet and prides itself as the biggest online shopping mall.
3.
eBideBid has a large database of auctioneers and bidders. eBid also offers competitive fees and user-friendly seller features.
4. LiveAuctioneers
LiveAuctioneers offers a wide array of auction items, from jewelry and cars, to collectibles and more.
5. QuiBids
QuiBids highlights their best and most recent deals right on their homepage, so you can begin bidding without having to scour through countless listings!
6.
BidGoLiveBidGoLive was mindfully crafted to help its users find a vehicle. With its thoughtful search features, BidGoLive is among the industry leaders in virtual auto auctions.
7.
AuctionZipWith over 25,000 professional auctioneers and 13 million auction buyers, AuctionZip is one of the world's largest online auction marketplaces. Using their intuitive platform, you can easily register as an auctioneer or a bidder.
8.
BiddingForGoodBiddingForGood is a reputable online charity auction site that can help any organization reach its fundraising goals. They have helped countless charities secure much-needed funds!
9. Sotheby's
Sotheby's is a global corporation that has established itself as one of the world's best and largest brokers of fine and decorative art, jewelry, real estate, and collectibles.
10. Auction Ohio
Ohio auctioneers and bidders - this one is for you! Auction Ohio is a highly-regarded, one-stop-shop auction platform.
11. Autorola
Established in 2001, Autorola is one of the largest, internationally recognized online auction platforms for car dealers.
12.
AuctriaAuctria is a web application that lets you create a very powerful, but easy to use, auction. You can run silent, live or virtual auctions at an affordable rate.
13. Artsy
Artsy hosts the world's leading gallery sales and fine art fairs. Check out their page for current and upcoming art auctions!
14. CharityBuzz
CharityBuzz online auctions bring together hundreds of the world's most inspiring luminaries and beloved brands to support incredible causes or projects around the world.
15.GiveSmart
GiveSmart specializes in building and developing online auction fundraising sites for hundreds of people around the world.
16. EIG Property Auctions
EIG Property Auctions provides comprehensive information on property auctions, including photos, guide prices, and auction results.
17. Hansons Auctioneers
Based in Derbyshire, England with other valuation centers all over the United Kingdom, check out Hansons website for auction information, antique valuations, and upcoming events.
18. Ruhter Auction
Established in 1967, Ruhter has consistently been a recognized leader in Nebraska-based land auctions, commercial equipment auctions, estate auctions.
19. Barnard Marcus
Established in 1967, Ruhter has consistently been a recognized leader in Nebraska-based land auctions, commercial equipment auctions, estate auctions.
20.
InvaluableInvaluable is one of the largest live online auction sites, specializing in fine art, jewelry, collectibles, and furniture. You can bid in real time from any part of the world.
Would you like to create a demo auction on Charity Auctions Today? It will take five minutes, and no credit card is needed. Take a test drive now!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a charity auction website?
A charity auction website is an online platform where nonprofits list items or experiences and supporters bid or “buy now” to raise funds. It replaces paper bid sheets with mobile bidding, real-time updates, and secure checkout.
How does an online auction work from start to finish?
- Create your auction site (branding, dates, rules).
- Add items with photos, descriptions, FMV, and start bids.
- Invite bidders to register and place bids from any device.
- Close bidding with clear rules; winners auto-notified.
- Winners pay online; you fulfill items and send thank-yous.
Can a website support silent, live, and hybrid auctions?
Yes. Most platforms support fully online auctions, in-person events with mobile bidding, and hybrid formats that open to remote bidders. Many also offer paddle raise/“fund-a-need” tools.
What features should a charity auction website include?
- Easy item setup with photos, FMV, “Buy Now,” and categories
- Mobile bidding, max/proxy bids, and anti-sniping options
- Secure payments, tax-friendly receipts, and reporting
- Custom branding, promo tools, and donor/ bidder messaging
How do bidders register and place bids on the site?
Bidders create a quick account, verify email/phone if required, and can add a payment method. They browse items, tap “Bid,” set a max bid if available, and receive outbid alerts by text or email.
What fees do charity auction websites typically charge? (General information)
Common costs include platform subscriptions or event fees and payment processing fees. Some offer optional donor pays-fees toggles. Compare total cost vs. features. General information, not financial advice.
Are charity auction websites secure and compliant? (General information)
Reputable platforms use encrypted checkout, vetted payment processors, and privacy controls. Confirm data practices, access controls, and regional compliance needs. General information, not legal advice.
How do we write listings that get more bids?
- Use strong titles and 2–3 benefit bullets.
- Add crisp photos and include FMV, restrictions, and expiration.
- Offer “Buy Now” on popular items to capture impulse purchases.
How should we set starting bids and increments? (General information)
A common approach is 30–50% of FMV for the opening bid and 5–10% increments. Adjust based on demand and your audience. General information, not financial advice.
What are anti-sniping and extended bidding, and should we use them? (General information)
Anti-sniping extends an item’s end time when a bid arrives near closing, keeping bidding fair. Enabling short extensions (e.g., 1–3 minutes) can increase revenue. General information only.
How do payments and receipts work on auction sites? (General information)
Winners pay via the platform (card/wallet). The system issues confirmations and receipts with item details and amounts paid. Include FMV for auction items as needed. General information, not tax advice.
How is item pickup or shipping handled? (General information)
- State pickup location and dates clearly on listings and receipts.
- Prefer digital certificates to reduce logistics.
- Disclose shipping costs/responsibility and delivery timelines.
General information only.
How do we drive bidders to our auction website? (General information)
- Create a short link/QR and share kits for ambassadors.
- Send a launch email, mid-campaign highlights, and a countdown.
- Post top items, matches, and “last chance” alerts on social.
General information only.
What makes a charity auction site mobile- and access-friendly? (General information)
Responsive pages, large tap targets, high-contrast text, alt text on images, and simple checkout improve participation on phones. General information only.
Can auction websites integrate with CRM, email, or accounting tools? (General information)
Many platforms export reports or integrate with CRMs, email services, and payment processors. Verify what data flows, how often, and who owns your data. General information only.
Are there legal or policy considerations we should know about? (General information)
Auction and raffle rules, alcohol restrictions, sales tax, and privacy requirements vary by location. Review local guidelines and your organization’s policies. General information, not legal advice.
Can we accept international bidders and multiple currencies? (General information)
Some platforms support international cards and currency display. Confirm payment settlement, shipping limits, and terms before advertising globally. General information only.
How do we choose the right charity auction website for our event?
- Match features to your format (online, in-person, hybrid).
- Compare total cost (fees + time saved) and support.
- Test the bidder flow on mobile and review reporting exports.
Which metrics show our auction website performed well? (General information)
- Total raised vs. goal and net after fees/costs
- % items with ≥2 bids; average bids per item
- Conversion rate, mobile usage, and new vs. returning bidders
General information only.
What’s a simple timeline to launch a charity auction website? (General information)
- T–6–8 weeks: pick platform, brand site, set rules/dates
- T–4 weeks: add items, photos, and categories; test checkout
- T–2 weeks: invite bidders; start previews and early bids
- Final week: daily highlights and “last chance” reminders
General information only.
Can we migrate from another auction platform without losing data? (General information)
Often yes—export items, bidder lists, and past results, then import or bulk upload. Test a sandbox event to confirm settings and email templates. General information only.
What if bidders can’t log in or complete payment? (General information)
- Provide a help contact and quick “reset password”/verification tips.
- Offer alternate payment link or onsite checkout assistance.
- Keep a short FAQ and step-by-step guide on your auction home page.
General information only.