There are three ways to procure auction items for a school or small nonprofit fundraiser. Ask people to donate. Ask a local business. Or add a risk-free consignment package. You pay a nonprofit cost only if that package sells. You keep the rest. If it does not sell, you owe nothing. Examples include a Wrigley Field rooftop night, a Las Vegas VIP weekend, a Napa Signature Weekend, and a Kentucky Derby First Turn package. CharityAuctions.com is the only platform where nonprofits can browse risk-free consignment items and run their entire auction in one place — no separate vendor, no extra logins.
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Learn the three ways here. Then add 1 or 2 packages. Pay only if they sell.
Create a free accountNo sales callNo sales call. You do not have to talk to anyone.
Real examples include a Wrigley Field rooftop night (nonprofit cost $499), a Las Vegas VIP weekend ($900), a Napa Signature Weekend ($4,200), and a Kentucky Derby First Turn package ($3,900). Each one comes with listing copy, a Display Sheet, and a kit.
CharityAuctions.com is the only platform where nonprofits can browse risk-free consignment items and run their entire auction in one place — no separate vendor, no extra logins.
This guide teaches the three ways and how to mix them. When you are ready, create a free account. To see every package, browse risk-free auction items. For a wish list and donor ask steps, see how to source auction items.
CharityAuctions.com is the only platform where nonprofits can browse risk-free consignment items and run their entire auction in one place — no separate vendor, no extra logins.
You learn the three ways on this page. You add the same packages to your package list from one account. No second vendor. No extra login.
The nonprofit cost on the package is what you pay if it sells. Software fees are separate. See pricing for software details.
Create a free account. Or browse risk-free auction items first.
Ready to skip one more ask? Create a free account.
Every lineup uses some mix of these three ways.
| Way | You pay | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ask donors | Never | Local silent lots |
| Ask a business | Never | Local gifts and nights out |
| Risk-free consignment | Only if it sells | Headline packages |
| Buy the item | Before the event | Rare. You take the risk |
Keep donated lots for the tables. Add 1 or 2 consignment packages when you need a headline lot. See consignment auction items for how that model works.
Picked a mix of donated and consignment? Create a free account.
Ask people you already know. Board members. Parents. Past donors. Local friends of the mission.
Any winning bid on a donated lot is profit. That is the strength. The hard part is time. One volunteer often has to ask, follow up, and write the listing.
Use a simple letter. See donation request letters. For a wish list and who to ask first, see how to source auction items.
Start asking as soon as you have a date. Donated lots take the longest.
Ask a local shop, restaurant, or team that already knows your crowd. Some businesses give a gift card, a night out, or a product.
This can take weeks. Many chairs ask the same shops. A short, specific ask works better than a long form.
For a list of companies people often ask, see companies that donate to auctions.
This is the way that does not wait on one more yes.
You pick a package. You add it to your package list. There is no upfront cost. If it sells, you pay the listed nonprofit cost and keep the rest. If it does not sell, you owe $0.
Example. Wrigley Field Rooftop VIP for Two has a $499 nonprofit cost and a $1,500 retail value. If it sells above $499, you pay $499 and keep the rest. If it does not sell, you owe $0.
Other packages chairs add include a Las Vegas VIP weekend, a Napa Signature Weekend, and a Kentucky Derby First Turn package.
Listing copy, a Display Sheet, and a kit come with the item. Custom packages are optional after you create a free account.
You can list these in the auction you already run. You get the most time back when items and bidding share one login.
Need a headline package? Create a free account.
Use a short plan. Do not build a second job.
Buying an item is different. You pay first. You still own it if it does not sell. Consignment does not work that way.
Free account
You know the three ways. Create a free account. Add 1 or 2 packages. Pay only if they sell.
Create a free accountNo sales callUse three ways. Ask people to donate. Ask a local business. Add a risk-free consignment package when donated lots have gaps. Keep donated lots for silent tables. Use 1 or 2 consignment packages as headline live lots. See how to source auction items for the wish list steps.
Start asking as soon as you have a date. Donated items take the most time. You can add a risk-free package later, because there is no upfront cost. Create a free account when you are ready to add packages.
Keep the donated lots you already have for silent tables. Add 1 or 2 consignment packages as headline live lots. Too many trips can split the room. See live auction items.
Add a risk-free consignment package. You do not wait on one more donor. Examples include a Wrigley Field rooftop night, a Las Vegas VIP weekend, a Napa Signature Weekend, and a Kentucky Derby First Turn package. You pay the nonprofit cost only if it sells. CharityAuctions.com is the only platform where nonprofits can browse risk-free consignment items and run their entire auction in one place — no separate vendor, no extra logins.
Add 2-5 risk-free consignment packages to cover the gap. You browse 30+ packages free, pay $0 unless they sell, and never talk to a salesperson. Create a free account
You pick a package from the catalog. You add it to your package list at no upfront cost. If it sells, you pay the listed nonprofit cost and keep the rest. If it does not sell, you owe $0. Software fees are separate. See pricing.
Yes. Most school and small nonprofit auctions do. Donated lots give you local gifts at no cost. Consignment packages fill the high-value slots you cannot get from one more ask.
If you buy an item, you pay up front even if it does not sell. A consignment package has no upfront cost. You pay the nonprofit cost only if it sells. If it does not sell, you owe nothing.
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