Online auctions raise more now than ever before. Does your nonprofit run an annual golf event to raise money?
For charity auctions today, online bidding is essential for success.
No matter how you fundraise for your nonprofit, adding an online auction with mobile bidding is an ideal way to increase donations.
In the past, auctions required a lot of paper and messy processes, but that is no longer the case. Now you can run your fundraiser with mobile bidding.
Online Fundraising Is Evolving — Don’t Get Left Behind
You’ve seen how auctions transform fundraising. Now make it happen — launch your online auction and tap into global reach, donor engagement, and seamless giving.
Launch Your Online Auction TodayThis is great, especially when your events are on a big spacious golf course.
You don't have to rely on everyone attending the after-event dinner and silent auction. All the fundraising can be managed with a tap of the hand.
With CharityAuctionsToday, it’s easy to add an online element to your fundraiser. Use mobile bidding to step up your game. Our fundraising software and mobile bidding app allows you to take the auction to the golf course. There’s no need to reserve a space, set up a table, and display donated items for bidding. All of your auction items can show up live online. Donors can bid while on the course, not just during the two-hour window during dinner.
With risk-free auction items, you won’t need to worry about time commitments or gathering donations to offer at auction. In fact, you can have an auction up and running in under 24 hours.
Online Auctions Move into the Spotlight
Fundraising for nonprofits by running an online fundraiser in conjunction with other charity fundraising efforts is easy with our online auction software and mobile app. Our software isn’t just for auctions. You can use it to sell tickets to your annual golf outing event or that special charity dinner with a famous guest speaker.
How Online Auctions WorkHow does it work? It’s easy! An online silent auction gives your donors an extra incentive to donate. When they see that they’ve been outbid, they simply use the app to up their bid. Now, donors can get competitive in the game and when bidding while they’re waiting for their turn to play. No more running to the silent auction table to check to see if you’ve been outbid.
An online silent auction is a stress-free option to easily raise money for charity. Include the mobile app with your annual silent auction fundraiser to increase revenues. The app builds excitement as bidders bid against each other in real-time. No start-up money is needed. It only takes a few minutes to set up your account and get started for free.
The best thing about fundraising with CharityAuctionsToday is you can accept credit card payments online within your auction, or you can directly collect payments from individuals. Our service allows you to collect cash payments, do payroll deductions, or accept personal checks in person. So, what are you waiting for?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “fundraising with online auctions” mean and why use them?
Online auctions let supporters bid on items and experiences from any device. Benefits include wider reach, lower event costs, real-time bidding, easy payments, and clear reporting for your team.
How do we get started with an online auction?
- Choose dates, goals, and a theme.
- Select a platform and brand your auction site.
- Procure items and experiences; photograph and describe them.
- Set start bids, increments, and close rules.
- Invite bidders, promote widely, and enable mobile checkout.
What should we look for in an online auction platform? (General information)
- Simple item setup with photos, categories, and “Buy Now.”
- Mobile bidding, outbid alerts, proxy/max bids, and anti-sniping options.
- Secure payments, receipts, and exportable reports.
- Branding tools, email/SMS notices, and donor privacy controls.
General information only.
What kinds of items perform best online?
Unique experiences (chef dinners, VIP access, lessons), gift cards, travel with long redemption windows, photo/wellness packages, and tightly themed bundles outbid generic goods.
How do we write listings that attract more bids?
- Use a strong title plus 2–3 benefit bullets.
- Add crisp photos and list FMV, restrictions, and expiration.
- Highlight urgency (limited quantity, closing time) and add “Buy Now” for hot items.
How should we set starting bids and bid increments? (General information)
A common approach is 30–50% of FMV for opening bids and 5–10% increments. Adjust for demand and scarcity. General information, not financial advice.
Should we enable anti-sniping or extended bidding? (General information)
Yes—short extensions (e.g., 1–3 minutes) when bids arrive near closing keep the auction fair and can increase revenue. State your rules clearly on the home page. General information only.
How do supporters register and start bidding quickly?
- Offer one-tap sign-up with email or phone verification.
- Encourage adding a payment method up front.
- Send a welcome message with top items and how to set max bids.
What’s the best way to drive traffic and bids? (General information)
- Create a short link/QR and an ambassador share kit (2 images + 2 captions).
- Send launch, mid-campaign highlights, and final-countdown emails.
- Post daily “Top Picks,” new items, and “last chance” alerts on social.
General information only.
How long should an online auction run, and what’s a simple timeline? (General information)
Common durations are 5–10 days. Open mid-week, promote heavily over the weekend, and close on a weeknight. Plan early-bird previews and a strong final 48-hour push. General information only.
Can we combine online auctions with in-person events or a paddle raise?
Yes—use one central site for all bidders, open online early, then showcase items at the event. Add a live appeal/paddle raise with mobile giving so remote supporters can participate.
How do payments and receipts work for online auctions? (General information)
Winners pay online by card or wallet. Send receipts that include item details, amount paid, and FMV if needed. For tax questions, donors should consult a qualified advisor. General information, not tax advice.
What’s the best way to handle fulfillment, shipping, and pickup? (General information)
- Prefer digital certificates to minimize logistics.
- List pickup location and windows on the item page and receipt.
- Disclose who pays shipping and timelines before bidding.
General information only.
Are there legal or policy considerations for online auctions? (General information)
Rules about raffles, alcohol, sales tax, and data privacy vary by location. Review local regulations and your organization’s policies before launching. General information, not legal advice.
How should we budget for platform and processing fees? (General information)
Account for platform/event fees and payment processing. Consider enabling “donor covers fees” where appropriate and model net revenue per item. General information, not financial advice.
How do we thank bidders and turn them into long-term donors?
Send quick, personal thank-yous, share results within a week, and show impact stories. Invite winners to join your newsletter or monthly giving with a simple follow-up offer.
How can we make the auction accessible and mobile-friendly? (General information)
- Responsive pages with large tap targets and clear contrast.
- Alt text on images and concise forms with wallet pay.
- Short, descriptive links and simple navigation.
General information only.
Can we allow international bidders? (General information)
Some platforms accept international cards and currency display. Confirm shipping limits, taxes/duties, and item restrictions before promoting globally. General information only.
Which metrics show our online auction succeeded? (General information)
- Net revenue and cost to raise a dollar.
- % of items with ≥2 bids and average bids per item.
- Conversion rate, mobile usage, and new vs. returning bidders.
General information only.
How do we handle common bidder issues during the auction? (General information)
- Add a visible “Help” contact and quick login/reset tips.
- Offer an alternate payment link or manual checkout assist.
- Pin closing times and rules; send automated outbid and “ends soon” alerts.
General information only.
Should we use consignment items to boost selection? (General information)
Consignment can add high-value options with low upfront risk, but check minimums and model expected net. Set reserves if needed. General information, not financial advice.
Do you have a quick launch checklist we can copy?
- Set goal, dates, rules; brand the auction site.
- Procure 30–50 quality items; photograph and price them.
- Publish top items early; enable outbid alerts and anti-sniping.
- Launch with a short link/QR; send mid-run features and a 48-hour countdown.
- Close confidently; collect payments; fulfill fast; thank and report results.