14 Best Free Online Auction Sites for Nonprofits

Fundraising isn't easy work, and finding free online auction sites can feel like looking for a needle in an infinite haystack. We get it, not everyone has the money to spend on expensive setup fees and hidden costs, and most nonprofits are struggling to stay afloat. Having something that is free and accessible is a game-changer for fundraising.

The good news is that online fundraising has become so popular that the number of free and affordable platforms available has seen a healthy increase. But which one is going to work best for your nonprofit? We know you already have enough on your shoulders, which is why we've gathered a collection of the 14 best free online auction sites for nonprofits.

Everything from their features, fees, and what they're best for is right here to make life easier for you. Kick back, relax, and let us take a load off your shoulders.

The Best Online Auction Websites for Auctions and Fundraisers

Before you get into the details, here is a quick table to give you a rundown of what each fundraising platform has to offer. It should be noted that the annual fees section is in reference to the free tier offered by that platform only. Fees may apply for higher, paid tiers.

What Free Actually Means

So, what does free actually mean? In this context, we're talking about things like platform fees and annual subscriptions. Most platforms will have processing fees for card payments, but we make a note of those that don't in the main section below. These are some of the things we consider to be 'free' within auction fundraising:

• No setup fees
• Performance or tip-funded events
• Free trial
• Free demos

While the demos usually only give you a feel for what the site has to offer, they are still a great way to determine if they will work for you. You have platforms like SchoolAuction that offer full free trials and then charge annual fees after. Then you have platforms like PayBee which has a completely free tier while also charging for certain types of event.

Some platforms, like Givebutter, use tip-funding so that your donors pay the cost of the event through optional tips after they place their bids. There are so many different models out there, which can make it hard to decide which one is going to work for you and your budget. Luckily, at least one of our recommendations will definitely work for you.

14 Best Free Online Auction Sites for Your Next Charity Auction

You want your event to be the best, and you want people to feel as passionate about your cause as you do. That's why choosing a platform that will be on your side throughout the whole experience is so important. Free doesn't mean losing out on quality or support, and that's why we want to make sure you have the best possible options to consider.

We've done the research and the hard work so that you don't have to, and each platform listed below has an overview that explains who they are and what they offer alongside their core features, pricing, and support options. Don't panic, these companies do offer free fundraising software, but some of their other packages come with fees.

To ensure that you have a full view of what's being offered, we wanted to ensure that every part of these platforms is covered. Some auction types do require tools that are locked behind paid packages, and it's essential that you're aware of this before you start planning your event. Without further ado, here are the 14 best free online auction sites for your fundraising event.

#1 PayBee

PayBee is who we are, and as much as we love the services we offer and the team we work with, we're here to offer an unbiased view of our company. We help organisations take their online auctions to the next level with a comprehensive selection of features that include (but are certainly not limited to):

• Online bidding
• Online ticketing
• Live streaming
• Detailed analytics
• Silent auction software

That's only scratching the surface of what we offer, and we like to not only offer a convenient online platform for auction hosting, but we also ensure there are no upfront costs for virtual auctions. We do have a 2% electronic transaction fee, but that means you're able to keep the majority of what you make so that you can donate as much money as possible to your cause.

In addition to the use of innovative technology, we have a companion app that makes it easier for you to get things started and manage the whole auction process. In addition to being free for nonprofits, PayBee has a great range of features, fantastic customer support, and a brilliant track record for successful fundraising events.

Pros:

• Friendly tech support is available to help at all times
• Free plan with no setup fee for virtual auctions with unlimited campaigns/donors
• Bulk uploads for items to help save you time and make hosting easier
• Special auction features that include previews and buy-it-now options
• Automatic reports and analytics to help you learn what works and what doesn't
• No hidden fees, no contracts, and fully transparent pricing

Cons:

• Hybrid events do require a paid package
• Some customisation options might require help from tech support

#2 SchoolAuction

SchoolAuction is a fantastic platform that specialises in school fundraising events. It provides an excellent range of auction formats to help you plan something that works for your event, and you have the option to keep things solely online or run a hybrid event instead. It's a fantastic mix that helps make things smooth and easy to navigate.

There are no setup fees or monthly costs, which gives you some relief, and their free trials mean that you can explore each of the plans they have available. After the free trial, there is a fee, but they offer an affordable nonprofit package that starts at $79 for the whole event. It's intended to make things affordable as part of a pay-as-you-grow service.

They also have The Last Ask, which is a system that allows bidders to add tips to help subsidise the cost of your event. It's part of what makes it a paid but premium platform. That way, you might just end up not paying a dime towards it. Some of the other great features they have include:

• Online and mobile bidding
• Monthly donation options
• Text-to-Give access for fundraisers
• Unlimited guests
• Tracking and notification system
• Smooth technical and customer support

Pros:

• Incredibly easy to get started and set everything up
• Designed to help support schools and the education system
• Centres around online auction sites and online bidding
• Tip system to help subsidise costs
• Quick and easy templates to help you get started
• 3% transaction fee for minimal losses from donations

Cons:

• The free plan is limited to a free trial of the available plans
• The comprehensive plans can become very expensive

#3 BiddingForGood

BiddingForGood has fully embraced the online auction model and offers some of the most organised fundraising services out there. It has a strong focus on working with schools and charities to help bring in as much money as possible so that they can reach their goals. They're all about putting the effort in to maximise the goals of the organisations they work with.

They offer some great features that make online auctions much easier to run and take part in. Some of the best ones they have include:

• Seamless bidding from mobile devices
• Listing sharing on social media
• Donor management
• Secure payment processing
• Corporate giving options
• Various forms of auction

They have a free trial that allows you to use the platform and explore what it offers for your organisation. However, if you choose a regular plan, then you will need to pay an annual subscription fee that applies even when you aren't using the platform. The pricing for this varies, and nonprofits are asked to speak to the sales team for more specific costs.

Pros:

• Fantastic and comprehensive auction features that give you flexibility
• Silent auctions, proxy bidding, Buy-It-Now options available
• Ability to host live, online, and mobile auctions
• Options for hybrid auctions are available
• Full reports and analytics so you can plan future events properly

Cons:

• The annual subscription fee can be quite high, especially if you want to use the more complex and comprehensive features. It's a paid but premium model

#4 32auctions

32auctions is one of the few truly free options. It has the usual transaction fees, which are set at 2.9% for this online auction platform, but the rest of it comes without any costs. The free tier is exceptionally comprehensive considering the fact that you don't have to pay anything as a nonprofit, and it includes the following:

• Up to 20 items with one image each
• Email notifications
• Online auction capabilities
• Email support
• Bidding sniper prevention
• Donor management
• Unlimited bidders

You don't even need a credit card to sign up, which gives you more security when planning your event. They have helped over 130,000 causes and raised more than $320 million, making them an excellent option for those who want a truly free online auction experience. You even get the option to promote your donors so that everyone can see who has helped contribute the most.

If you're curious about trying them out, they have a demo auction you can try on their website. It allows you to get a handle on how the platform works so that you can determine if it has the right feel for you. While they specialise in silent auctions, there are more variations available if you want something more engaging.

Pros:

• Easy and streamlined process for creating an auction and listing items
• Completely free base tier with no hidden costs
• Offers support for proxy bids, exact bids, Buy-It-Now, and rounded bidding
• Lets you watch the bidding via livestream
• Real-time insights to show you what went wrong (and right)
• Quick item import from your own documents

Cons:

• There are third-party ads with the free version, which can clutter the screen
• You have a limited number of listings with the free version

#5 BetterWorld

BetterWorld is truly dedicated to making the world better because it's 100% free for nonprofits. There is even a donor-supported plan, which means you don't even pay transaction fees. Instead, the donors pay a little extra to cover the costs associated with running the fundraiser. If you don't go for that option, the transaction fees are still very low at 2.2–5%.

It has some fantastic features available to you when you're using the free tier as well. Some of these include the following:

• Unlimited item listing
• Unlimited campaigns
• Unlimited bidders
• Everything from silent auctions to raffles
• Donation forms
• Analytics to help you improve

According to their website, over 95% of donors choose to cover the fees, which means you have a higher chance of keeping everything you make to go towards your cause. There are also no contracts, the customisation is simple, and you have an experienced support team to help you through if you end up getting stuck. It's a platform designed for fundraising.

Pros:

• Offer virtual, in-person, and hybrid events
• Cater to a wide range of organisations
• The free tier includes all the tools you need
• Experience with everything from fire departments and schools to churches
• Free demo available so you can test the platform
• If you don't raise more with them, they donate to your cause

Cons:

• It does prompt bidders to optionally donate directly to BetterWorld on each bid
• The highest transaction fee is 5% on other tiers, which is more than most

#6 Givebutter

Givebutter is another free platform, and it's an all-in-one auction site that helps you get everything in order. It handles auctions, donations, events, and payments to ensure that you have as little to worry about as possible. It's packed with useful features that will make your life a little easier while planning your event, including:

• Donor management
• Full access to modern silent auctions
• Fundraising forms and events
• Marketing and advertising
• Payment processing
• Mobile app integration
• Fantastic support

It's a tip-funded platform, which means you can completely avoid platform fees if you keep them enabled. If you do decide to disable tips, the fees are then 3% plus processing. There is also the benefit of gaining 2.5% APY rewards on any money in your Givebutter wallet, which only helps to raise more money for your cause.

You get plenty of tools to keep you going and ensure that you have everything you need to create a fantastic event. Everything from the marketing and integrations to the payment processing is handled by the platform so that you have less to worry about. They even have donation forms with proven donor conversion rates to give you confidence.

Pros:

• Completely free tier with plenty of tools to get you started
• Events and auctions are covered for better fundraising
• No hidden fees that will catch you off guard
• Great support if you find yourself in need of assistance
• Tip-funded platform options to help you raise as much as possible
• Marketing included for better engagement

Cons:

• You don't get analytics unless you subscribe to Givebutter+
• There are fees if you have 250+ contacts

#7 Zeffy

Zeffy was designed to support nonprofits, and it is 100% free. There are no platform fees, no transaction fees, and there aren't even any processing fees. Instead, it is funded solely by the optional donor tips that are part of your fundraising campaign. There are no credit card fees, and nonprofits have never been charged for anything. The money goes right to your cause.

All you need to do is create your donation form, collect the payments, and then the money comes to you in the form of a weekly payout. It is completely free, and there are also several fantastic free features to go alongside it. Some of the things you can expect to see when you use Zeffy include:

• Automated tax receipts
• Donation tracking
• In-person and online payments
• Customisation for your donors
• Mobile friendly forms
• Automated email reminders
• Membership availability for your cause

They have designed their platform to cover everything down to the credit card fees, and they accept every major payment brand to make life easier for you and your donors. With seamless customisation and experience helping organisations such as churches, animal shelters, and schools, they know exactly how to help your fundraiser succeed.

Pros:

• Completely free without any paid tiers
• Great selection of event and auction formats to choose from
• Wide range of customisation options to ensure it's personalised
• Analytics to help you learn what works and what should change
• Helpful support team to ensure you don't get stuck

Cons:

• The resources offered aren't quite as extensive as other platforms

#8 RallyUp

RallyUp offers three different plans to nonprofits. The free plan is funded by optional donor tipping after they have placed their bid, and the flex plan charges a 2.9–6.9% platform fee based on activity instead of taking tips. The third plan is for enterprises, and this one has to be discussed with staff in order to come to a price everyone is happy with.

The free version contains all of the fundamental tools you need to start fundraising, and the flex plan is a little more advanced since it has live auctions, silent auctions, and automated payments locked behind it. This makes the free plan slightly less desirable, although you can still expect to find the following included:

• Raffles and online auctions
• Sweepstakes and crowdfunding
• Branded storefront
• Livestreaming for virtual auctions
• Ticketing and registration

You will get to plan and customise your campaign even with the free version, which means you can share your story and help people understand why your cause is so important to you. If you're a small organisation or this is your first fundraiser, it can be a good platform to start learning how the process works and what's best for your charity or cause.

Pros:

• Access to the fundamental tools that you need to run a successful auction
• Easy customisation and integrations
• Livestreaming and free donation pages are available
• Great support when you need help
• Storefront that allows you to sell branded merchandise
• Demo video that gives you a feel for how the platform works

Cons:

• The platform fee for the flex plan is quite high compared to other platforms
• The free plan is very restricted compared to other free platforms

#9 Auctria

Auctria has a fantastic free plan for small nonprofits. There are no platform fees, and the card processing fee is only 1%, which is incredibly low. While there are some restrictions on how much you can raise to qualify for the free plan, the paid plans start from $350 per year, which is fairly reasonable considering the increased fundraising cap.

You do get more with the paid plan, but if you're just starting out, then this is the ideal platform for dipping your toes in and seeing what online auction sites are like. Some of the features you can expect to see from the free plan include:

• Unlimited events
• Customisable event website
• Online and mobile bidding
• Silent and live auctions
• Donation tracking
• 3 team members to help you out
• Support line when you need it

They worked hard to make sure the process was as smooth as possible, and you can feel how streamlined everything is when you design your fundraising campaign. Since it's mobile-friendly, this also means that your donors benefit from convenient bidding options, and they can even use texts to register their bids. It's simple and seamless, which is perfect for the modern era.

Pros:

• No performance fees for your peace of mind
• Excellent support to help you through the process
• 1% credit card fees to ensure you keep as much as possible
• Plenty of community support resources
• Ideal for those just starting out with fundraising
• Simple customisation to ensure you stand out
• Online and mobile bidding to reach a wider audience

Cons:

• You're limited to raising $10,000 under the free plan
• You can't have more than 250 bidders per event with the free plan
• There are no analytics with the free plan

#10 GiveSmart

GiveSmart offers a free trial to users before you move on to a paid plan. It's one of the paid but premium platforms out there that gives you more to work with in exchange for an annual fee. The subscription prices do tend to vary quite a bit, which is why you need to discuss your package with the sales team before you get started.

They do have a free demo that you can test out to see if you like the platform first, which is good if you want to get a feel for how your online auction would work with it. There are also no platform fees outside of the subscription and the 3.9% processing fee, which means the money you raise is safe. It also has the following features for you to consider:

• Full online auction capabilities
• Easy integrations and embeds
• Full customisation options
• Automated payment systems
• Customer support to guide you through
• Virtual and hybrid options
• Donor management

It's a seamless platform, and it has been used with great praise and success by numerous schools and charities to help raise money.

Pros:

• Great selection of hybrid and virtual auction options
• Analytics available to help you figure out what works
• Fully automated system to streamline the process
• Mobile bidding to make it more accessible
• Fantastic customisation so you can personalise your campaign
• Low processing fees for payments, so you keep more

Cons:

• You have to pay an annual subscription after the free trial

#11 Handbid

Handbid doesn't have a free trial or a free tier, but it does offer a free live demo to help you understand how the platform works and allow you to get a feel for it. This is definitely a paid but premium platform, but it's worth noting, as it has been quite popular among schools and nonprofits. The only downside is that most of the pricing is unavailable on their website.

You need to contact them to find out exactly how much it will cost for you and what your processing fees are, but Handbid is definitely geared towards high-end fundraising events. You definitely get a luxury experience with this platform, and some of the features you can expect to see include:

• Auction management tools
• Analytics and reports
• Mobile bidding
• Competitive bidding
• White-label auctions
• Ticketing and registration
• Peer-to-peer fundraising

They have helped industries within so many sectors, and whether you're working with a school or a healthcare foundation, they have case studies with the results to back them up. The free demo is definitely worth looking at to see if they might be the right fit.

Pros:

• Extensive auction management tools on one dashboard
• Fully automated bidding and payment system
• Mobile bidding to make the experience accessible to everyone
• Detailed reports and analytics to ensure you see what's working
• Bidder approval system for high-stakes competitive bidding
• Full visibility for any and all sponsors you have

Cons:

• The annual plan starts at $2,999 per year
• Fees are hidden behind a chat wall and given on a personal basis

#12 ClickBid

ClickBid prides itself on the fact that there are no hidden fees, but it remains one of the paid but premium-tier platforms. There is a free demo available, which means you can take a look at how the platform works and see if it's what you're looking for, but there is no trial period. After the free demo, you then have to decide if you want to pay the annual platform fees.

It's fairly affordable compared to other premium platforms, and the processing fees are kept at a modest 3.5%. There are also no donor tips or platform fees; you only have to pay the subscription. The lowest of the two tiers also contains everything the more expensive package does, except for the livestreaming and online ticket sales.

Some of the features you'll see included in the price are:

• Unlimited events and campaigns
• Mobile bidding
• Custom event pages
• An online auction catalogue
• Phone support on the day of the event
• Option to set up recurring donations
• Registration and volunteer tools

There are some CRM analytics available, and you have the option to hire a customer advisor who can help walk you through what's working and how you can improve. Everything is covered from the start to the finish of the event, so that you have less stress.

Pros:

• Fully online auctions with great options available
• Mobile bidding for accessibility and seamless auctions
• CRM integrations and an excellent selection of event tools
• No hidden fees with a reasonable processing fee
• Real-time auction updates and countdowns
• Self-checkouts and an automated payment system
• Full customisation to help promote your cause

Cons:

• The annual subscription starts at $895
• It's $100 per hour for a dedicated customer advisor

#13 OneCause

OneCause does charge for its tiers, and while there is no free plan or free trial, they have a demo that is completely free for you to test out. But there is something that makes OneCause stand out for nonprofits, and that's their flexible payment plan. All you need to do is put down a deposit, and then you pay the rest later as you can.

As far as paid platforms go, it's one of the best solutions we've seen for nonprofits that want to use the services but need time to pay for them in full. It's set up to help charities and organisations raise money for their chosen causes, and you can expect to find the following features (and more) within the platform:

• Live and silent auctions that are hybrid or online
• Easy connection to existing campaigns
• QR codes to make checkout faster
• Showcasing items with image galleries
• Integrated ticketing system
• Sponsor management to ensure they are visible
• Donor management system
• Varied forms of donation

They offer a modern and flexible approach to online auctions, and while it's a shame that it's locked behind a subscription, they have affordable options available. They also update their software on a weekly basis to ensure it is running efficiently and to keep you and your donors safe from cybersecurity threats.

Pros:

• Fantastic selection of in-person, online, and hybrid auction events
• Seamlessly integrated QR codes for speedy checkout
• Clear advertising for products and great customisation options
• Allows for tiered mobile donation systems and live appeals
• Automated and custom messages/emails to engage donors
• Full real-time analytics to ensure you see everything clearly

Cons:

• Pricing is not readily available on the website; you need to contact them
• You have to pay to use the platform

#14 eBay for Charity

eBay for Charity is part of the main online auction site, and it allows users to list items and then designate a set percentage of the money made to be donated to charity. If you list an item as having 100% of the money go to charity, eBay will refund the listing fees so that you don't pay anything. If you list it as a smaller percentage being donated, they will give a partial refund.

It is also paired with the PayPal Giving Fund, which means that the money you raise is automatically donated once a month. They have a great donation dashboard that allows you to keep track of the money you have raised, the items sold, and shows you if the money has been paid to the charity yet. It's a very simple platform, but that's what makes it so handy.

There isn't enough to give it a full list of features, but it is the perfect way for very small nonprofits and charities to get started. Plus, it's a good incentive to get donors to list unwanted items on eBay for Charity and have them set the proceeds as charitable donations to your cause. It can definitely save very small teams some headaches.

Pros:

• Very easy to use and get started with setting up auctions
• Standard auction style to make life easier
• Simple process for selecting a charity and listing items
• Partnered with PayPal Giving Fund for extra security
• Uses a trusted platform with an excellent track record
• Perfect for small nonprofits and single persons raising money
• Can be used to encourage donors to list items and donate the funds
• Easy-to-use donation dashboard so you can manage everything

Cons:

• Barely any tools or support to help with fundraising
• Limits and restrictions on what you can sell

Top Tips for Running the Best Online Auction Fundraiser

Online auction fundraisers are one of the best ways for a nonprofit to raise money and reach a much wider audience. However, we also know that it can be stressful, and there are countless factors you need to take into consideration before you even start. To help you on the road to a successful online auction fundraiser, here are our top tips:

• Set realistic prices: Make the pricing competitive so that people want to bid on them, but remember that pricing them too high will put people off, and they won't bid
• Offer exciting items: You want your items to be attractive, and occasionally grouping them into a bundle can make them more appealing. Think about what your donors want and love. They're the ones you need to convince to donate
• Use a good platform: Make sure the platform you choose is actually right for you. Play with the demos, talk to the staff, check the software, and put your nonprofit first
• Remember to promote: Social media, emails, texts, and even word of mouth will help people discover what you're doing and why you're passionate about it. No auction can run without bidders, and you want your donors to care as much as you do

Okay, I hear you asking how you can maximise your fundraising efforts. The above is a fantastic start, that's true, but you also need to put a little more in if you want to get the most out of the engagement drive and have a successful event. So, once you've figured out the first part, this is what we recommend you look at next:

• Experiment with auction types: Silent auctions, hybrid auctions, and online auctions are just the beginning. Test out apps, combine auction types, and have fun with the flexibility and customisation options that virtual auctions have.
• Take advantage of support: When using an online auction site, make sure you take full advantage of the support offered. Learn the ins and outs of the process and use it to help make your event unforgettable.
• Emphasise the showcase: Be proud of the items you have on offer. Showcase them loudly, make a big deal out of it, and get people excited for your auction. So much of the success of fundraisers comes from the hype built around them.
• Last-minute discounts: If there are items performing poorly, you can create a last-minute rush through discounts that will get donors engaged and encourage them to bid on the item. It's a good way to keep the momentum going.
• Virtual reality experiences: Consider setting up a VR experience that allows donors to interact with your cause on a more personal level to help them feel more connected to it and understand the passion you have. An emotional connection to a cause is essential.
• Consider sustainable sourcing: Many people are passionate about sustainability, which is why online auctions are becoming so popular, but it also means you should consider including at least some sustainably sourced items in your auction.
• Embrace collaboration: Work with local businesses and organisations to gather items for your auction, sponsorships, and even donation matches from larger companies. All of this can help you raise even more money for your cause.
• Analytics matter: At the end of your event, make sure you actually pay attention to the analytics. They are there to show you what went well and what needs improvement for next time. The longer you use them, the better the results will be.

The Benefits of Using a Free Online Auction Site

Nonprofits often struggle with funding, and it can be a massive burden on any organisation to have to handle the cost of running a fundraiser on top of everything else. Paid online auction sites have their benefits, but the drawbacks include costs that are difficult for many charities to afford. That's why a free alternative can be such a relief.

But free doesn't mean that you get less or that the service is lower quality. Many free online auction sites exist because they want to support charities and help them raise as much money as possible. Plus, with an increase in the number of donors who are comfortable with online donations, auction sites are becoming a very popular method for fundraising.

So, what does that mean for you? Well, these are some of the benefits of using a free online auction site for your next fundraiser.

Cost-Effectiveness

When you choose a paid online auction platform, you are often overwhelmed with listing costs, commission, hidden expenses, and general fees that add up faster than you can keep track of. On the other side of things, free auction sites tend to allow you to keep a significantly larger percentage of the money you've raised so that you can help your chosen cause or charity.

User-Friendly Interface

Generally speaking, free online auction sites have a simpler interface than most. This makes navigation much easier and ensures that it remains accessible to everyone. You'll also find that the process of listing items, bidding, and payment processing is much more streamlined. More than that, everything is handled for you virtually to save you a load of physical labour.

Global Visibility and Wider Audience Reach

The beautiful thing about free online auction sites is that you don't have to limit your audience. Since the whole auction is done virtually, you can benefit from donations across the globe and much more visibility for your cause. The fact that you can achieve such a wide reach for free is a massive benefit in itself.

Real-Time Updates for Convenience

You can time your auctions, right down to the starting and ending times, and you don't have to worry about being there for the final result. Your bidders will be updated the second someone outbids them or if they have won, and you can set up notifications that allow everyone to see when a new listing is about to go live. It's easy and convenient, which is what you need most.

Easy Fund Collection and Support

Since everything is online, it's much easier to access tech support when you need it. Even the free platforms have outstanding teams to help you through the process, and PayBee is right there at the top. Their experts are there to support you every step of the way, and if you have any questions or find that you're struggling, they can give you a helping hand.

Everything is much more accessible with the online auction platforms, and that means that whether you're setting up the auction or collecting funds, you've got it all in one place. As an organiser, the last thing you need to worry about is gathering the money you've raised or trying to figure out logistics. At least online, you have it all in one place.

Extensive Online Auction Features

You get so many fantastic features when you choose a free online auction site. Some of the ones that stand out the most are:

• Online bidding
• Auction software that benefits nonprofits
• Automatic bid increments
• Fully customisable auction pages
• Real-time updates for bidding
• Real-time updates for listings
• Messaging services for bidder support
• Detailed analytics so you can learn what works best
• Automatic winner notifications
• Seamless payment processing

These are just some of the features that make online auctions stand out, and it means you have a smoother and more comprehensive auction experience. Raising money for your chosen charity or cause has never been easier for you or your donors.

Types of Online Auctions

There are actually several types of online auctions that you can use for fundraising. However, they can also be broken into two core categories, silent auctions and virtual auctions. In this section, we're going to take you through these main categories as well as some of the sub-types of auction you might find useful when organising your fundraiser.

Silent Auctions

The silent auction is quite traditional, and it's often seen as the more luxurious option since it's most commonly associated with galas and high-profile events. But it can also be used in online auctions as a fun and engaging way to get donors interested in the event. They're also the best form of auction to run in conjunction with a fundraising event instead of a standalone.

Each item is traditionally put on display with a bidding sheet so that guests can place offers privately. The bids are hidden, which means participants can't see what the current highest bid is. Online, it's very easy to replicate as bidders simply input the amount they wish to bid and then hope that theirs is the winning one.

It makes the bidding process competitive, which is quite exciting for those getting involved, but the discreet and silent nature of the silent auction means that the main event isn't interrupted. It means you can raise awareness for the cause and host a proper event (whether in a physical or virtual location) while also having an online silent auction take place in the background.

Virtual Auctions

The great thing about virtual auctions is that they are interactive and allow participants to place their bets quickly, easily, and in real time. They're easy to access via online platforms, just like the one offered by PayBee, and that means donors can view items and place bids from their phones, laptops, and PCs with ease.

It's all about ensuring the platform is easy to use, secure, and that participants have a smooth experience. Even virtual auctions work well as part of a hybrid event, and that means you can cater to guests who want the ease of remote participation and those who would rather attend a physical event. Either way, choosing a reliable hosting platform is the most important part.

Sub-Categories of Online Auction Types

The following sub-categories could be a fun consideration to make when you're planning your next online auction fundraiser:

• Webcast Auction: A livestreamed auction with an auctioneer that acts in much the same way as a traditional in-person auction for a more interactive experience.
• Penny Auction: Bidders must purchase a right to bid before they start (usually a set number of bids), and the price is driven up by increments of a penny each time.
• Dutch Auction: Instead of starting with a low price that goes up, the price starts high and gradually goes down until a bidder accepts the price.
• Timed Auction: Similar to a live auction but with an automated start and close time as well as automated extension times. It's efficient but more impersonal.

How to Get Started with PayBee's Online Auctions

At PayBee, we want to make the online auction process as easy as possible for you. We pride ourselves on having an easy-to-use system with smooth navigation and an all-in-one dashboard that lets you check everything out from the comfort of your mobile phone. Fundraising is already tough enough without making things more complicated than they need to be.

You've already read about what we offer and what sets us apart, and we're proud of that and the money we've helped raise over the years. If you decide to go with us, getting started couldn't be simpler. All you need to do is follow these quick steps:

1. Head to the PayBee website and sign up
2. Choose your fundraising plan (including our free tier)
3. Start creating your event and customising the page
4. Get everything set up, list your items, and finalise your event
5. Make it live when you're ready and watch the auction

It's really that simple, and we're all about creating more opportunities for nonprofits to raise money and collect donations without the headaches. We even make it so that you can follow up with your bidders individually for a more personal touch. All we want is for you to have a stress-free experience and raise as much as you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Online Auction Sites Really Free?

Yes, there are online auction sites that are completely free to use. However, many of them still charge processing fees on card payments. Similarly, there are those that offer free trials and demos and will then charge an annual or per-event fee afterwards.

What's the Best Free Auction Site for a School?

SchoolAuction is the best free auction site for a school. They have designed their entire platform around fundraising for schools, and their free trial allows you access to a whole range of tools to help you run a successful online auction fundraiser.

Do Free Auction Sites Charge Payment Processing Fees?

Yes, some free auction sites charge payment processing fees. This is usually very low, between 1% and 3%, so that you can keep as much of the money you have raised as possible and donate it to your chosen cause.

Are There Unlimited Bidders with Free Auction Sites?

Many free auction sites allow for unlimited bidders and unlimited events. However, there are some that restrict the number of bidders you can have when using the free tier. Make sure to check if there are any limits in place before you choose your platform.

Do Free Auction Sites Have Hidden Costs?

Some free auction sites have hidden costs that they do not disclose at the beginning. These are usually in the form of platform fees and transaction fees. However, we have made sure to include platforms that strictly avoid hidden fees so that you always know what you're paying.

Get in Touch with PayBee and Start Fundraising Today

We're ready to help you take your online auction fundraiser to the next level. Our team of experts is always on hand and ready to answer your questions and guide you through the process to ensure that you feel supported and relaxed throughout the auction. With our help, you'll be out there raising money in no time while also benefiting from a reduced workload.

Interested in seeing what we have to offer? Contact us today and see what steps we can take together to start your fundraising journey.