What Type of Charity Auction is Right for Your Fundraising?

Choosing the right type of auction for your fundraising can be a bit of a puzzle. With so many options out there, it's tough for nonprofits to figure out which one will bring in the most support for their cause. 

Some auctions work great online, while others shine in person. And then, there are those that mix a little of both worlds. Knowing which type fits your needs can make a big difference. In this blog, we'll guide you through the choices so you can pick the perfect auction for your next fundraising event.

What Is a Charity Auction?

A charity auction is a fundraising event where various items or experiences are offered for bidding. The highest bidder wins the item, and the money raised from these bids goes to support a charitable cause. 

The items up for bid can range from physical goods, like art or collectibles, to unique experiences, like vacations or celebrity meet-and-greets.

How Many Types Of Charity Auctions Are There?

For nonprofits, auctions can be a powerful way to raise money. You can consider several types of auctions, each with its advantages. Let's look at four common types:

1. Silent Auctions

In a silent auction, items for sale are displayed on tables. Attendees walk around, look at the items, and if they like something, they write a bid on a piece of paper. 

Each item has its own bid sheet where attendees write their bid number and the amount they're willing to pay. Silent auctions work well at events where people are mingling, like galas or dinners. They allow guests to chat, eat, and enjoy the event while still participating in the bidding. 

This type of auction doesn’t interrupt the flow of the event, and people can bid quietly on items they want.

2. Live Auctions

Live auctions are exciting and lively. They are led by an auctioneer who calls out the prices and encourages attendees to bid higher. 

It is perfect for large events where you want to keep the energy high. The auctioneer can help to build excitement and get people to spend more money. Because it's so dynamic, a live auction often raises more money than a silent auction.

3. Online Auctions

Online auctions allow people to bid on items through the internet. Anyone can join, no matter where they are. You just need an internet connection. 

Online auctions are good because you can reach more people, including those who can't come to your event in person. They are flexible and can run over several days, giving people more time to decide and bid.

4. Hybrid Auctions

Hybrid auctions combine elements of both live and online auctions. 

For example, some bidding might happen online before the event, and then the final bidding takes place live at the event. Hybrid auctions appeal to a wide audience, including those who prefer to bid online and enjoy the excitement of live bidding.

Choosing the Right Auction Type for Your Event

Here are some key aspects to guide your decision.

Consider Your Audience

Different types of auctions appeal to different types of people. 

For example, silent auctions might be more suitable for a crowd that appreciates a more laid-back and casual bidding environment. It allows them to bid at their own pace without the pressure of a live audience. 

Live auctions, on the other hand, can create a lively and competitive atmosphere that might engage a more outgoing audience.

Event Type and Size

The scale and style of your event should influence the type of auction you choose. Large gala events may benefit from the excitement of a live auction, where an auctioneer can engage with the audience and drive up bid prices. 

Smaller or more informal gatherings might better suit silent auctions, where guests can browse items leisurely throughout the event​.

Type of Items Available

The nature of the items you have can also dictate the best auction format. 

High-value items like art, jewelry, or unique experiences might fetch higher prices in a live auction setting, where urgency and excitement can encourage higher bids. 

Meanwhile, silent auctions can accommodate a wider variety of items, including lower-priced goods, which might attract bids from more guests.

Budget and Resources

Live auctions typically require more resources, such as a professional auctioneer and event staff, which can increase the cost of hosting the auction. 

Silent auctions are generally less expensive and easier to manage, especially if you utilize online bidding tools that can reduce the need for physical space and staffing.

Engagement and Outreach

Consider how you want to engage your audience. Online platforms can extend the reach of your auction to participants who cannot attend in person. 

These platforms often feature mobile bidding options, which can increase participation by allowing bids from anywhere, thereby potentially increasing the total funds raised.

Each type of auction has its advantages, and your choice may depend on a combination of these factors. It's also possible to combine auction types for different interests and maximize fundraising potential.

How BetterWorld Can Help With Charity Events?

No matter what kind of auction you are planning, BetterWorld is the perfect online platform to support your fundraising efforts. It offers free, high-tech tools that make setting up your event quick and easy.

You can have your fundraising page ready in just a few minutes. Our FREE online auction software lets you add auction items or allows donors to upload items themselves. You can also make your page attractive with beautiful banner images and a welcoming message for your donors.

Need help along the way? Our customer service team is ready to assist you. They will guide you through using our online auction platform.

BetterWorld's mobile auction platform is versatile, supporting events both online and in-person. You can personalize your fundraiser to match your event’s needs, whether it's in-person, virtual, or a mix of both.

Starting your auction is as simple as sharing a link with your audience. There’s no need for downloads or pre-registration with BetterWorld.

Plus, using BetterWorld won’t cost you anything. It’s 100% free, with no hidden fees. And to make things even better, over 95% of donors at BetterWorld cover the credit card fees, which are 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction.

Join the 85,000+ nonprofits, organizations, and fundraisers who trust BetterWorld for their charity events.