Auction Quick Setup Guide

Auction quick setup checklist

This guide gives you a step by step checklist to set up your charity auction. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, more than 50,000 organizations have used CharityAuctions since 2007. Most complete setup in under 30 minutes. Use this checklist for online, live, or hybrid formats.

Launch an auction in 30 minutes for a time focused quick start. This page is a full setup checklist.

1. Create your event

Sign up with your email. No credit card required for most platforms.

• Event name. Use something clear and recognizable.
• Format. Online only, live, or hybrid. Charity auction basics explains the formats.
• Dates. When does bidding open? When does it close?

Save and continue. You can change these later.

2. Add items

You need at least one item to launch. For each item:

• Title. Short and clear.
• Photo. At least one image. More is better.
• Description. What is it? What does the winner get?
• Starting bid. Set a fair opening price.
• Category. Optional but helps bidders browse.

How to source items for procurement tips. Silent auction item ideas for inspiration.

If you do not have items yet, add placeholders. Update them when real items arrive.

3. Configure bidding rules

Set the rules that control how bidding works.

• Closing time. When does each item or the auction close?
• Bid increments. How much each new bid must increase.
• Extended bidding. Turn it on to prevent last second sniping. It adds time when someone bids near the end.
• Mobile bidding. Make sure it is enabled. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, auctions with mobile bidding raise an average of 43% more per event than paper-based formats. Most bidders will use their phones.

Organize online charity auctions effectively for more on bidding rules and catalog structure.

4. Set up registration and checkout (if needed)

Depending on your format:

• Online auction. Registration is usually automatic. Bidders sign up when they first bid.
• Live or hybrid. You may want ticketing. Ticketing and registration features for charity auctions for options. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, QR code check-in reduces arrival time per guest by more than 60% compared to manual check-in.
• Checkout. Most platforms include it. Winners pay from their phones after the auction closes.

5. Test your auction

Before you share your link:

• Open the catalog on your phone.
• Place a test bid. Cancel or remove it if needed.
• Check that photos and descriptions display correctly.
• Confirm the closing time and countdown (if shown).

Update auction content in real time for making changes during the event.

6. Share and go live

Copy your auction link. Share it by email, text, or social. Open bidding when you are ready. For setup checklists by event type (golf, gala, school carnival, and more), see auction templates by event type.

You can add items during the auction. Fix typos. Extend the closing time. Good software lets you update without interrupting bidders.

How to run a charity auction for the full planning guide. Run fundraising auctions entirely online for promotion tips.

Next steps

• Auction templates by event type – Setup checklists for golf, gala, school, and more
• Launch an auction in 30 minutes – Time focused quick start
• How to run a charity auction – Full step by step guide
• Organize online charity auctions effectively – Catalog, registration, promotion
• Charity auction basics – Formats and how they work
• Silent auction software – Features and platform overview
• Create your auction – No credit card required

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This guide is maintained by CharityAuctions. For auction planning resources, see how to run a charity auction and silent auction software. Questions? Talk to our team.