Auction Fundraising - Mobile Bidding Guidelines

Scrolling, tapping, bidding—it all happens in seconds. People are glued to their phones, and that’s changing the way nonprofits run auctions. 

Last year alone, mobile giving donations shot up by 205%, and more than 50% of nonprofit website visitors used a mobile device. That means if your virtual silent auction isn’t mobile-friendly, you could be losing bids before the event even starts. 

A smooth mobile bidding process keeps supporters engaged and makes giving effortless. But how do you make it work without frustrating bidders? That’s where the right mobile bidding guidelines come in. Let’s walk through what you need to know.

Benefits of Mobile Bidding

More Participants Join In – A virtual silent auction allows supporters to place auction bids from anywhere. People who can’t attend in person can still participate, meaning more potential bids and higher engagement.

Easier Bidding Experience – Mobile bidding takes away the hassle of paper bid sheets. Participants can browse items, place bids, and get real-time updates directly on their phones.

More Donations Through Mobile Users – Around 51% of visitors to a nonprofit’s website are on a mobile device. A mobile-friendly bidding system ensures they can participate without frustration.

Higher Engagement and Returns – Nonprofits that use mobile-friendly designs see an average increase of 126% in donations. When bidding is easy, people are more likely to give.

Convenience for Everyone – With an 81% smartphone adoption rate in the US, most supporters already have the tools they need to bid. They can set maximum bids, get alerts, and stay engaged without being tied to a physical event.

Less Work for Your Team – Mobile bidding platforms automatically handle bid tracking and notifications. This reduces paperwork and makes it easier to manage an online auction for nonprofit fundraising from start to finish.

1. Use BetterWorld’s Online Auction Software

The first step to a smooth virtual auction is choosing the right platform for mobile bidding. 

BetterWorld offers an easy-to-use solution designed for nonprofits, making it simple to set up and manage an online silent auction without extra hassle.

Why Choose BetterWorld?

• 5-Minute Set-Up 
• 100% Free For Nonprofits
• Encrypted & Secure 
• Unlimited Everything 
• Automated Payments & Receipts
• Text Message Notifications 
• No App or Pre-Registration Required 

BetterWorld is much more than just an auction platform. We provide Modern Fundraising Tools For Nonprofits, Fully Customizable Donation Forms, and much more!

Sign up today and experience mobile bidding the easy way with BetterWorld!

2. Set Up Your Mobile Bidding Auction

A virtual auction makes bidding easy, but setting it up the right way ensures everything runs smoothly. After signing up on BetterWorld, follow these steps to get started.

Step 1: Add Auction Items

List the items or experiences up for bidding. Include clear descriptions, high-quality images, and starting bids. Make sure to set realistic bid increments to encourage more participation.

Step 2: Set the Rules and Timeline

Decide on the auction format, starting price, and bidding deadlines. Whether it’s a virtual silent auction or a live bidding event, be clear on how long supporters have to place their bids.

Step 3: Promote Your Auction

Share the auction link through email, social media, and your website. Let supporters know how to join and bid, and send reminders as the deadline approaches.

Step 4: Monitor and Engage

Keep an eye on the auction and answer any bidder questions. Use text notifications or emails to alert participants when they’ve been outbid.

Step 5: Close the Auction 

Once the auction ends, notify winners, process payments, and send receipts automatically. 

Setting up a mobile-friendly online auction for nonprofit fundraising keeps things simple for both organizers and bidders. With the right platform and promotion, you’ll get more participation and better results.

3. Guide Bidders Through the Process

A virtual silent auction is easy to join, but first-time bidders may need a little help. Clear instructions can make the experience smoother and keep participants engaged.

Make It Easy to Join

Send a direct link to the auction page through email, social media, or text. Let bidders know they don’t need to download an app or create an account to start placing auction bids.

Explain How Bidding Works

Give a quick rundown of the bidding process, including how to place a bid, set a maximum bid, and receive outbid notifications. Make sure bidders understand the auction timeline and when it closes.

Provide Live Updates

Use text or email notifications to keep bidders informed. Reminders about bidding activity and auction deadlines encourage more participation.

Offer Support Along the Way

Have a contact person available to answer bidder questions. If a bidder has trouble placing a bid or understanding the rules, a quick response can keep them engaged instead of dropping out.

Guiding participants through an online silent auction ensures they stay active and confident in the process. The easier it is to bid, the more likely they are to participate until the very end.

Successful bidders don’t just bid—they strategize. Learn their top tactics in Analyzing the Tactics Used by Successful Bidders in Online Auctions.

4. Avoid Common Issues in Mobile Bidding

Mobile bidding makes auctions more accessible, but technical issues and poor planning can frustrate bidders. Avoid these common problems to keep the experience smooth.

• Bidding Page Not Mobile-Friendly – If bidders struggle to navigate the auction on their phones, they may give up. Choose a platform designed for mobile use to ensure a seamless experience.
• Complicated Registration Process – Long sign-ups can discourage participation. A virtual auction should allow users to place auction bids quickly without needing to download an app or create an account.
• Slow or Unresponsive Platform – A lagging site or bidding delays can frustrate users. Test the platform beforehand to check for glitches and ensure it works smoothly on different devices.
• No Outbid Notifications – Bidders should get instant alerts when someone places a higher bid. Without timely updates, they might lose interest or forget to check back.
• Payment Issues at Checkout – Complicated payment processes can lead to abandoned transactions. A virtual silent auction should offer secure, automatic payments with multiple options like credit cards and digital wallets.
• Unclear Bidding Instructions – Users who don’t understand how to place a bid or set a maximum bid, may not participate. Provide a short guide explaining the process in simple terms.

5. Payment and Checkout Process

A smooth checkout process keeps bidders happy and ensures your nonprofit gets the funds raised. A good platform like BetterWorld takes care of payment processing automatically, so you don’t have to handle transactions manually.

Once the virtual silent auction ends, winners should receive an instant notification with a link to complete their payment. BetterWorld processes payments securely and sends automated receipts, making it easy for both bidders and organizers.

Having an auction bids system with built-in payment options prevents delays and reduces the risk of unpaid bids. Bidders can pay using credit cards, digital wallets, or other secure methods without extra steps.

A well-organized payment and checkout process means less work for your team and a better experience for your supporters. 

6. Wrap Up the Virtual Auction

As soon as the virtual silent auction ends, shift your focus to closing things out efficiently. A clear wrap-up keeps bidders engaged and makes future auctions even smoother.

Start by confirming the final bid results and making sure winners receive their notifications. If your platform offers automated messaging, double-check that all alerts were sent.

Next, communicate the next steps for item pickup or delivery. Whether winners need to collect items in person or expect a shipment, provide clear instructions and a timeline. For digital items or experiences, send any necessary details right away.

Finally, take a moment to thank your bidders and supporters. A simple follow-up message showing the impact of their participation can encourage them to join your next virtual auction.