NEW: Host and manage charity events in one place, with AI-powered auction tools.

CharityAuctions Logo
CharityAuctions

How the Demo Auction Works

TL;DR

The demo auction is a fully functional sample event designed to help you test the platform. You can browse, place test bids, and explore features without affecting any real data or payments.

Author: Tom Kelly 3 min reads

Why the Demo Auction Exists

The demo auction gives you a hands-on way to see how the platform works before your event goes live. It’s ideal for first-time organizers, team training, or testing new features.

This safe, private environment lets you explore without worrying about affecting live events or real donations.

Step 1: Access the Demo Auction

  1. Log in to your CharityAuctions.com account.
  2. From your dashboard, select “Try the Demo Auction.”
  3. You’ll be redirected to a fully functional mock auction site.

This demo environment is only visible to you and your team — not the public.

Step 2: Explore the Event Dashboard

  • Get familiar with the event layout and navigation.
  • Test how to add, edit, and reorder auction items.
  • Preview how guests will view the auction page.
  • Try customizing branding, banners, and categories.

Pro Tip: Everything you do in the demo can be mirrored in your real event.

Step 3: Place Test Bids

  1. Register as a test bidder (no real card required).
  2. Browse available items.
  3. Place a test bid or set an auto bid.
  4. See how outbid notifications and bidding increments work.

This helps you understand exactly what your guests will experience.

Step 4: Test Checkout and Payment Flow

  • Go through the checkout steps to see how invoices are generated.
  • Test how credit card pre-registration works.
  • Review payment confirmations and receipts.

No real transactions occur in the demo — it’s all simulated.

Step 5: Experiment with Event Settings

  • Adjust settings like payment methods, guest registration, and bidding rules.
  • Enable or disable features such as popcorn bidding or credit card pre-registration.
  • Test how changes impact the guest experience in real time.

Step 6: Train Your Team Before Launch

  • Use the demo to walk volunteers and staff through registration and check-in.
  • Show them how to monitor bids, manage invoices, and handle reporting.
  • Practice resolving common scenarios before event day.

Pro Tip: A quick team training in the demo can prevent headaches during your live auction.

Step 7: Reset or Exit the Demo Auction

  • You can leave the demo at any time.
  • No data carries over to your real event.
  • If needed, restart the demo to practice again or train another team member.

Pro Tips for Making the Most of the Demo Auction

  • Treat it like a dress rehearsal for your event.
  • Test every key feature at least once.
  • Use multiple devices to simulate guest behavior.
  • Involve your team so everyone knows the system before event night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the demo auction?

The demo auction is a sample event that lets you explore and test the auction platform without using real data or payments.

Is the demo auction visible to the public?

No. The demo auction is private and only accessible to your account and team members you invite.

Can I place bids in the demo auction?

Yes. You can place test bids, set auto bids, and experience outbid notifications exactly as guests would during a real event.

Will I be charged if I bid in the demo?

No. All demo auction transactions are simulated. No real charges are processed.

Can I use the demo to train my team?

Yes. The demo auction is perfect for team training, allowing staff to practice check-in, bidding, and checkout before the live event.

Does demo activity affect my real event?

No. Everything done in the demo is separate from your real auction and does not impact your actual event data.

Can I reset the demo auction?

Yes. You can restart the demo at any time to practice again or allow another team member to train.

Are all platform features available in the demo?

Yes. The demo includes all the same features as a live auction, so you can explore registration, bidding, and checkout fully.

Can I practice with real guests?

Yes. You can invite team members or volunteers to join the demo and practice registering, bidding, and checking out.

Do I need to register separately for the demo?

No. Your existing account gives you instant access to the demo auction. Just click “Try the Demo Auction” in your dashboard.

💡 Try this in ChatGPT

  • Summarize the article "How the Demo Auction Works" from https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/p/help/how-does-the-demo-auction-work/ in 3 bullet points for a board update.
  • Turn the article "How the Demo Auction Works" (https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/p/help/how-does-the-demo-auction-work/) into a 60-second talking script with one example and one CTA.
  • Extract 5 SEO keywords and 3 internal link ideas from "How the Demo Auction Works": https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/p/help/how-does-the-demo-auction-work/.
  • Create 3 tweet ideas and a LinkedIn post that expand on this help topic using the article at https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/p/help/how-does-the-demo-auction-work/.

Tip: Paste the whole prompt (with the URL) so the AI can fetch context.

Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly

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.

Table of contents

Previous Next