Require Immediate Payment for Buy Now Items
Yes. CharityAuctions allows administrators to control whether Buy Now purchases require immediate payment or are added to a bidder's final invoice.
This setting gives you flexibility to choose the payment experience that works best for your event.
Where to Find the Setting
To manage this option:
- Open your auction dashboard
- In the left navigation menu, click Auction Setup
- Select Global Settings
- Scroll down until you find Instant Buy Now Payment
From this section you can turn the feature on or off at any time.
Default Behavior
By default, Instant Buy Now Payment is turned ON.
This means that when a bidder clicks Buy Now:
- They are taken directly to checkout
- Payment is collected immediately
- The item is marked as paid right away
This option guarantees payment at the time of purchase and prevents unpaid Buy Now items.
Turning Instant Payment OFF
If you prefer, you can disable Instant Buy Now Payment.
When this setting is turned OFF:
- Buy Now items are added to the bidder's final invoice
- The bidder pays for all purchases in one transaction after the auction ends
- No immediate payment is required at the time of purchase
Which Option Should You Choose
Both options work well, depending on your event style.
Use Instant Payment (Recommended When)
- You want to guarantee payment for each Buy Now purchase
- Your auction is online-only
- You want to avoid unpaid Buy Now items
- Items are limited or high demand
This approach provides the most financial security.
Add to Final Invoice (Better When)
- You are hosting a live or in-person event
- Bidders may purchase multiple items
- You want guests to complete one single payment
- Convenience at checkout is more important than instant collection
This option creates a smoother experience when bidders are making several purchases.
You Can Change the Setting Anytime
The Instant Buy Now Payment option can be adjusted at any point during your auction.
Any change you make will apply to future Buy Now purchases.
If you need help choosing the best option for your event, Contact Support is happy to help you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is instant payment required for Buy Now items?
No. It is optional and controlled by the auction administrator.
Where do I change this setting?
Go to Auction Setup > Global Settings and adjust the Instant Buy Now Payment option.
Which option is safer?
Requiring immediate payment is safer because payment is guaranteed at the time of purchase.
Which option is better for live events?
Adding Buy Now items to a final invoice is often more convenient for in-person events.
Can I switch settings after the auction starts?
Yes. You can update this preference at any time.
Related articles
- Can Bidders Pay Right Away?
Yes. Invoices are generated as soon as bidding ends. Bidders receive email and SMS with a payment link and can pay immediately. Most invoices are paid within minutes.
- Credit Card Processing in CharityAuctions
Bidders pay with the card and wallet methods already on your connected Stripe account. From Campaign Hub, in the left sidebar, under CAMPAIGN, click Campaign Settings. Open the Payments tab. Click Connect Stripe.
- How do I set up direct deposit?
This is for when CharityAuctions collected the money. From the dashboard, click Manage auction. In the left sidebar, under TOOLS, click Invoices & Payouts. Open the Payouts tab. After you request a payout, the CharityAuctions team reviews it. After approval, usually 24 to 48 hours, they send a Stripe secure link so you can connect ACH banking info.
- How Payouts Work in CharityAuctions
The Payouts tab is only there if CharityAuctions collected the money. There is a 7 to 14 day hold before funds are available to send. Then Request Payout on TOOLS, Invoices & Payouts, then Payouts. After Request Payout, a 24 to 48 hour review, then the Stripe ACH link. If you connected your own Stripe, there is no Payouts tab. Funds are available in 48 to 72 hours.