Online and Silent Auction Apps – what you need to know

Online Auctions for School and Club Fundraising

Live and silent auctions have long been a popular part of school and club fundraising efforts and often featured at quiz nights, fetes, and art shows. Traditionally, these auctions are limited to those who can attend in person. But thanks to technology, it's now easier than ever to take your auction online and expand your reach far beyond the venue.

Benefits of Hosting an Online Auction

Going virtual opens up many possibilities:

• Wider participation - Involve:

  • People unable to attend the event

  • Volunteers working on the night

  • Friends and family from interstate

  • Attendees who don’t want to leave their seats

  • Guests who need to leave early

  • Anyone who forgets to revisit the bidding table

• Convenience and flexibility – Online platforms:

  • Allow longer bidding periods

  • Let participants bid from home or on the go

  • Notify bidders if they’re outbid

  • Make it easier to showcase items with multiple photos

  • Let you link back to the donors’ or sponsors’ websites

• Low-pressure participation – Some guests may prefer quietly bidding on their phones instead of raising a hand in a crowded room.

• Increased promotion potential – You can share links on social media and attract a broader audience.

• Digital-friendly behaviour – People are already comfortable shopping and bidding on their phones, which can lead to higher engagement.

About Consignment Items

Some auction platforms or suppliers offer consignment items which are often high-value experiences or luxury products and you only pay for if the item sells. You’ll keep any proceeds above the set minimum cost. These can include holidays, experiences, or signed memorabilia, but keep in mind:

• The reserve price (or cost price) might be high

• Your community’s budget might not suit big-ticket items

• You only profit on the amount above the set price

Important Things to Consider

Regardless of the platform you use, there will be costs involved. It’s important to understand exactly how fees are charged:

• Platform fees – Some platforms charge a flat fee to use their services for a set time period (e.g. 12 months).

• Commission-based fees – Others take a percentage of the final sale price of each item.

• Payment processing – Expect additional fees from services like credit card processors or payment gateways (e.g. 2–3% per transaction, plus a small fixed fee).

• Consignment terms – Review the minimum bids and cost structures of any consignment items before committing.

Even if the platform itself is marketed as "free," you may still pay indirectly through transaction fees or reduced margins on consignment sales.

Using Online Auction Platforms

There are a number of software platforms and mobile apps that allow you to run online auctions, ranging from simple DIY options to full-service packages with professional support. Features vary but may include:

• Mobile-friendly bidding pages

• Custom branding and donor acknowledgements

• Real-time bidding updates via SMS or email

• Invoicing and integrated payment processing

• Options to incorporate donated and/or consignment items

• Remote or on-site support depending on your event type and budget

Some platforms are more suited to large-scale fundraising efforts, such as those by hospitals or research organisations, while others are ideal for smaller school or club events.

When comparing options, consider:

• How tech-savvy your team and community are

• Your event budget and expected fundraising goals

• Whether you’ll need support with setting up and running the auction

• The types of items you’ll include – and whether you’ll need help sourcing them

Final Thoughts

Online auctions are a powerful tool to modernise your fundraising efforts, include more supporters, and potentially raise more money. Whether you opt for a free DIY platform or a premium full-service provider, the key is to plan well, promote widely, and choose auction items that will appeal to your audience.

⚠️ Tip: Always ask for a clear breakdown of any and all fees in writing before committing to a platform.