Introduction To Auctions
Learn about different Auction types offered on the Auctria platform.
🧭 Auction Types
You can run different types of Auctions in Auctria, or even combine them in one event to boost engagement and fundraising.
Whether you're hosting an elegant gala or a fully online campaign, everything takes place within an Event you create for your organization.
Each auction type is defined by how bidding takes place. The most common types are:
| Auction Type | Key Characteristic | Most Common Item Type |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Auctions | Paper Bid Sheets | Paper Bidding Type |
| Live Auctions | Hosted by Auctioneer or Emcee | Live Bidding Type |
| Online Auctions | Bidding via Website or App | Online Pre-Bidding Versus Online Bidding Only |
You’re not limited to just one format! Many events mix multiple types—like using Paper bid sheets for most items, and saving a few premium packages for a high-energy Live Auction.
INFORMATION
Tip: Mixing auction formats can help you reach more bidders, keep energy high, and make the most of your catalog.
📝 Paper Auctions
Paper Auctions use printed Bid Sheets placed next to each item. Guests write down their bids during the event, and the highest written bid wins.
With Auctria, you can:
- Create items with the Paper Bidding type
- Automatically generate customized Bid Sheets
- Enter winning bids after the event to generate invoices and close sales
Optional: Online Pre-Bidding
You can enable Online Pre-Bidding before your event. Guests bid online through your event website, and the highest online bid automatically carries over to the top of the bid sheet when the event starts.
➡️ See Paper Auctions for more information.
🎤 Live Auctions
Live Auctions are hosted in real-time by an auctioneer, emcee, or energetic host. Items are auctioned off one at a time, usually on stage, with guests bidding by raising paddles or calling out amounts.
With Auctria, you can:
- Create items with the Live Bidding type
- Use the Bidding Dashboard to manage winning bids
- Print a Live Reporting Sheet to capture bids on paper during the event
➡️ See Live Auctions for more information.
🌐 Online Auctions
Online Auctions are fully digital—from browsing to bidding to checkout. Guests bid via your event Websites, the Bidder Mobile App, or even Text Messages if enabled.
With Auctria, you can:
- List items with the Online Bidding type
- Customize your event website for seamless mobile and desktop browsing
- Enable features like maximum bids, text outbid alerts, and app push notifications
Online auctions can run over several days or just a few hours—whatever works for your audience!
➡️ See Online Auctions for more help.
🔗 More Auction Tools
Bidders can participate from anywhere—at home, at the event, or on the go!
Last reviewed: July 2025