Auctions can be used with both Page and Event Campaigns.
Not sure which is best for you? Learn more in this article about Givebutter's Campaign types. Once you start a new campaign, you can configure your auction in a few easy steps. 👍
Pricing for Auctions 💴
Like all Givebutter features, Auctions is free thanks to optional tips we receive from donors. If you'd prefer to disable tips, enable Auto-Charge, or manually charge winners via the dashboard, a 5% platform fee applies instead. Smooth as butter. 🧈
When a bidder registers for your Auction, they have the option to cover transaction and platform fees for you.
There is a credit card processing fee of 2.9% + 30 cents on all winning bid transactions and a platform fee of either 0% or 5%.
By default, your bidders will be sent an invoice upon winning an item. Invoices paid through Givebutter will have a 0% platform fee when tips are enabled, and a 5% platform fee if tips are disabled.
You may opt to charge your bidder’s credit cards on file either manually through the dashboard or automatically using our “auto-charge” feature. In both cases, a 5% platform fee will apply.
Note: Donors who have opted not to cover fees will not be charged them, even if your campaign is set to "require fees." Instead, the fees will be deducted from their winning bid amount.
Create your auction 🔨
From inside your campaign, click on the Auction tab.
Click the Add Auction button.
Configure your auction
Date & Time 📆
Set a date and time for bidding to open and close. The timezone of your auction will match the timezone setting for your Account. You can change this in your Account tab under the About section.
(Your auction will be live and viewable as soon as you create it, but Items will not be available to bid on until this window begins.)
Collecting Payment 💳
Select a method for when to collect payment
Immediately request - the bidder will either be auto-charged or emailed a payment request as soon as the bidding on an item concludes.
When the auction closes - the bidder will either be auto-charged or emailed a payment request when the entire auction is over.
Toggle Auto-Charge on or off
Auto-charge off - winning bidders receive a payment request/invoice via email and will need to complete the payment by clicking the button in the email.
Auto-charge on - winning bids are charged automatically to the bidder's credit card on file. There is a 5% platform fee on all auto-charge transactions.
Registration 📝
Choose whether to require a payment and shipping address
Allow or disable anonymous bidding
Add custom terms & conditions. For ideas, check out our blog post about Silent Auction Rules.
Click Create Auction
👉 FYI: Once you create an auction it will be immediately visible and bidders can register and preview your items. They won't be able to bid until the start date and time you have set in your Date & Time Settings
Auction Items will be displayed as "Coming Soon!" until the Auction begins. 👀
What's Next?