Online bidding isn’t just happening from laptops and home computers, it’s happening on smartphones at live auction fundraisers. Mobile bidding is quickly replacing old-fashioned paddle raises and paper bid sheets (especially at hybrid auctions).

Mobile bidding has become so popular that the 2025 State of Nonprofit Auctions Report found that 31% of silent auction attendees now bid through mobile devices.

This is more than just a trend—it’s a great strategy for fundraising. Mobile bidding increases participation by 52% compared to traditional bidding methods and it can increase your donation revenue by up to 30%.

So why are so many donors leaning towards bidding through their phones at events?

In one word, it’s because mobile bidding is convenient.

But let’s take a deeper look into what makes it so convenient. Here are the insights we drew from the State of Nonprofit Auctions Report about why donors love to bid through their phones.

Donors Love Receiving Outbid Notifications Through Text

It’s clear that younger donors appreciate digital fundraising tools, and they’re leading the shift to mobile bidding.

What young donors appreciate the most about mobile bidding is text integration. The report found that “65% of Gen Z and Millennials value receiving outbid notifications via text” for silent auctions (with 46% across all generations).

With text notifications, donors don’t have to get up from their seats or leave another activity to check on their bids. They get a quick text alert, place a bid on their phone, and get back to enjoying the event. It’s very convenient.

On top of that, mobile bidding adds a competitive edge to silent auctions. You’ll see donors get hooked into watching new bids come in and making sure they’re still winning by the time bidding closes!

Mobile bidding at a hybrid auction

Donors Can Preview Items on Mobile

The State of Nonprofit Auctions Report found that “58% of auction guests rated the ability to preview items before the auction opens as an important feature.”

While previews for silent auctions can be seen on any device before event day, many donors will browse on their phones. On event day, your donors can use their phones to view upcoming items while actively bidding on current ones—it’s a great way to keep bored donors engaged.

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Donors Can Use Software Features at Live Events

The report also found that:

45% of donors valued the option to set maximum bids
43% valued buy-it-now options (61% of Gen Z and Millennials valued this)
39% valued suggestions for similar items

Traditional live events don’t offer any of the above features. But live auction software brings them into your in-person events (turning them into hybrid auctions!), adding that extra layer of interaction donors crave.

Volunteers can help donors bid through mobile devices

Mobile Bidding Makes Payments Easier

Beyond making bidding easier and more interactive, mobile simplifies checkout for your donors (and for you).

Donors can register their details and payment methods quickly through their phones—no more standing in long entry lines or checkout lines.

They can even make extra cash donations directly through mobile using their saved payment method. That direct donation button is more important than you think, because most young donors won’t be carrying cash with them.

Plus, donors receive automatically generated tax receipts when paying through mobile. According to the State of Nonprofit Auctions Report, 53% of donors rated easy-to-read receipts with tax info as an important feature.

How to Maximize Mobile Bidding

Donors can have a lot of fun with mobile bidding—but only if your organization does it right.

Follow these steps to create a seamless bidding experience:

Choose auction software that's mobile-friendly. Look for platforms with fast registration, easy navigation, and bidding features that don't complicate things.
Use software that doesn’t require an app download. The State of Nonprofit Auctions Report found that bidders disliked downloading an app for mobile bidding. Select software that works on a web browser, and make it crystal clear to attendees that no app is needed.
Set up a strong wifi connection if cell service is weak. A weak connection can be a catastrophe for mobile bidding. Thoroughly test your venue’s signal or wifi, and if the signal is spotty anywhere, set up hotspots for smaller events or rent networking equipment for larger events. Don’t forget to make the wifi password available at the door!
Display bids on a big screen. Set up a projector or screen showing leaderboards or current items up for bid. Seeing the action in real-time creates excitement and fuels friendly competition.
Train volunteers how to bid through mobile. You’ll have plenty of questions from senior donors about how it all works. During event prep, teach volunteers how to walk donors through bidding step by step.
Send bidding instructions ahead of time. Email a brief guide explaining how mobile bidding works—screenshots are helpful here.

Set up a wifi hotspot for mobile bidding at auctions

Try Auction Software Built for Mobile

If you’re looking for a platform with great reviews for mobile features, check out CharityAuctions.

Mobile bidding through CharityAuctions…

Doesn’t require an app
Offers mobile previews before you go live
Sends automatic outbid notifications to donors
Processes payments securely through Stripe
Includes instructions that can be sent to attendees

And more view the mobile bidding experience.

Check out CharityAuction’s Mobile Bidding Experience Demo to see what your donors will experience on auction day!

For more auction strategies, see our complete Auction Best Practices Guide.