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

CharityAuctions Logo
CharityAuctions

What Is Popcorn Bidding?

TL;DR

Popcorn bidding is a feature that automatically extends the auction end time when a bid is placed in the final seconds. This keeps bidding fair, prevents last-second “sniping,” and often increases final bid amounts.

Author: Tom Kelly 2 min reads

How Popcorn Bidding Works

In traditional auctions, the highest bid at the closing time wins—even if another bidder didn’t have time to respond. With popcorn bidding, every last-second bid adds extra time (usually 1–2 minutes) to the auction countdown.

This allows all interested bidders to place their best offers, creating a fairer and more exciting bidding experience.

Example:

  • An auction item is set to close at 8:00 PM.
  • A bid is placed at 7:59:50.
  • The auction automatically extends to 8:01:50.
  • Other bidders now have a chance to counter.

This process repeats until no more bids are placed during the extended period.

H2: Why Popcorn Bidding Helps Boost Fundraising

  • Prevents last-second bid sniping: No one can swoop in without giving others a fair shot.
  • Increases competition: The extended time encourages bidding wars.
  • Maximizes revenue: More back-and-forth bids typically mean higher final totals.
  • Keeps the event exciting: Donors stay engaged until the very end.

Step 1: Log In to Your Dashboard

  1. Log in to your event dashboard.
  2. Select the event where you want to use popcorn bidding.
  3. Go to Event Settings or Bidding Settings.

Step 2: Enable Popcorn Bidding

  • Find the “Popcorn Bidding” option in the settings.
  • Toggle it to On.
  • Set your desired extension time (e.g., 60 seconds or 120 seconds).
  • Save your settings.

Step 3: Preview How It Works

  • Use demo mode to test popcorn bidding.
  • Place a bid in the last seconds of the timer.
  • Confirm the auction extends automatically.
  • Adjust the extension time if needed for your event’s pacing.

Pro Tips for Using Popcorn Bidding

  • Keep the extension time short enough to maintain urgency but long enough for bidders to react.
  • Clearly mention “Popcorn Bidding” in your event description so participants know what to expect.
  • Use it for high-demand or flagship items to increase engagement.
  • Test your setup before launch to avoid surprises on event day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is popcorn bidding?

Popcorn bidding is an auction feature that automatically extends the end time when a last-second bid is placed, giving others a fair chance to respond.

Why do auctions use popcorn bidding?

It prevents last-second sniping, keeps bidders engaged, and often leads to higher final bid amounts.

How much time is added when popcorn bidding triggers?

Most auctions add 1–2 minutes, but the exact extension can be customized in your event settings.

Does popcorn bidding work on all items?

Yes. Once enabled, popcorn bidding applies to every auction item unless specified otherwise in your settings.

Can I turn popcorn bidding off mid-auction?

Yes. You can disable it at any time in your event settings, but any extensions already triggered will still run their course.

Do bidders see when popcorn bidding is active?

Yes. When a last-second bid is placed, the auction clock extends in real time, making it clear to all bidders.

Can I use popcorn bidding on live and silent auctions?

Yes. Popcorn bidding works for both live and silent auctions and is especially effective for high-value items.

Does popcorn bidding cost extra?

No. It’s a built-in feature available in your auction settings at no additional cost.

Can I customize the extension time?

Yes. You can set the number of seconds or minutes the timer extends after each last-second bid.

Is popcorn bidding required for my auction?

No. You can enable or disable popcorn bidding at any time, depending on how you want your event to run.

💡 Try this in ChatGPT

  • Summarize the article "What Is Popcorn Bidding?" from https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/p/help/what-is-popcorn-bidding/ in 3 bullet points for a board update.
  • Turn the article "What Is Popcorn Bidding?" (https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/p/help/what-is-popcorn-bidding/) into a 60-second talking script with one example and one CTA.
  • Extract 5 SEO keywords and 3 internal link ideas from "What Is Popcorn Bidding?": https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/p/help/what-is-popcorn-bidding/.
  • Create 3 tweet ideas and a LinkedIn post that expand on this help topic using the article at https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/p/help/what-is-popcorn-bidding/.

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