Auction items are the heart of your fundraising event. Adding them properly ensures a smooth bidding experience and helps you raise more money. Whether you're adding one item or importing hundreds, the process is quick and flexible.
Step 1: Go to the Auction Items Section
- Log in to your event dashboard.
- Select the event you want to edit.
- Click “Items” in the left-hand navigation menu.
- Choose “Add New Item” to create your first listing.
If you’ve already uploaded items, this page is also where you’ll manage, edit, or delete them.
Step 2: Enter Basic Item Details
Each item should include the essential information bidders need to make a decision:
- Item Title: Keep it clear and easy to understand.
- Category: Helps bidders browse and filter items.
- Starting Bid: The minimum amount required to place the first bid.
- Bid Increment: The minimum amount by which bids can increase.
- Fair Market Value (FMV): Useful for donors and tax receipts.
- Quantity (optional): For fixed-price or multiple-unit items.
Pro Tip: Start your minimum bid at 30–50% of FMV to encourage participation.
Step 3: Add a Compelling Description
A clear, benefit-driven description will help bidders understand the value of the item. Include:
- Key features or experiences included.
- Restrictions or expiration dates (if applicable).
- Why the item is unique or desirable.
- Donor recognition if appropriate.
Strong storytelling increases perceived value and bidding activity.
Step 4: Upload Images
High-quality images make a big difference in engagement. Recommended best practices:
- Use at least one clear, well-lit photo.
- Upload multiple angles or close-ups when possible.
- Keep image file sizes optimized for fast page load.
- Add alt text for accessibility and SEO.
Step 5: Set Bidding Rules for the Item
- Bidding Type: Standard or Buy-It-Now.
- Popcorn Bidding: Optionally enable automatic extensions on hot items.
- Reserve Price: Minimum acceptable amount if required.
- Auto-Close: Items will close at the event’s end time by default, but can also have custom end times.
Step 6: Assign Donor and Display Settings
- Donor Name: Acknowledges the person or business that provided the item.
- Display Group: Useful for organizing items into categories or collections (like “Trips” or “Gift Baskets”).
- Tax Deductibility: Mark if the item has a deductible portion for receipts.
Step 7: Save or Publish
- Click “Save Draft” if you’re not ready to publish.
- Click “Publish Item” to make it live immediately.
- The item will now appear in your auction catalog for bidders to view and bid.
Step 8: Optional – Bulk Item Upload
For large events, you can upload items in bulk:
- Download the CSV template from the Items page.
- Fill in the fields for each item.
- Upload the completed file.
- Review and confirm to publish items in bulk.
This saves time and ensures consistent formatting across your catalog.
Pro Tips for Successful Auction Listings
- Use short, descriptive titles to make items easy to browse.
- Highlight top-selling items at the top of your catalog.
- Include expiration dates or blackout dates clearly.
- Use consistent image sizes for a professional catalog look.
- Test your listings in preview mode before going live.
Related Guides
- How to Create a New Event
- Online Bidding Features
- How to Share Auctions on Social Media
- How to Collect Payments from My Auction
- Inventory and Fulfillment Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I add new auction items?
Go to your event dashboard, click “Items” in the navigation, and select “Add New Item” to create your listing.
Can I add multiple items at once?
Yes. Use the bulk upload feature by downloading the CSV template, filling in your item details, and uploading it to your event.
What information should I include for each item?
Each item should include a title, description, starting bid, bid increment, FMV, images, and donor information.
Can I upload images for my auction items?
Yes. You can upload multiple images per item. High-quality, well-lit images help generate more bids.
What is the recommended starting bid?
A common strategy is to set the starting bid at 30–50% of the fair market value to encourage early participation.
Can I enable Buy-It-Now pricing for an item?
Yes. When adding or editing an item, you can set a Buy-It-Now price to give bidders the option to purchase immediately.
Can I edit or delete an item after publishing?
Yes. Go back to the Items page, find the item, and select Edit or Delete. Note that edits made after bidding starts may affect active bidders.
Can I group items into categories?
Yes. Use categories and display groups to help bidders browse items more easily and organize your catalog effectively.
What if I need to add an item after the auction starts?
You can add items at any time before your event closes. Just be sure to share the new item with your bidders to maximize exposure.
Will my items appear automatically on my auction page?
Yes. Once you publish an item, it appears immediately on your auction catalog page and is visible to registered bidders.
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