Introduction to Live Auctions

Learn about setting up Live Auctions in Auctria.

🎤 What is a Live Auction?

Live Auctions bring energy and excitement to your fundraising event! In this format, items are auctioned off one at a time, with bids called out in real-time—usually by an auctioneer, emcee, or host.

Live Auction items use the Live Bidding item type in Auctria.

🛠️ How to Set Up a Live Auction

1. Go to your Items dashboard.
2. Click Add Item and choose the Live bidding type.
3. Enter item details like name, description, fair market value, and any display order or catalog number.
4. Save your items, and organize them in the order they’ll appear in the auction.

An example from a demonstration event.

🖨️ How to Print Live Reporting Sheets

Before your event, print out reporting sheets to track winning bids as they're called out.

1. Go to Printing > Live Reporting Sheets.
2. Select which Live Auction items to include.
3. Download the PDF and print it out for your auction team or volunteers.

An example from a demonstration event.

🏆 How to Record Winning Bids

After the event, record each winning bid in Auctria:

1. Go to the Bidding dashboard.
2. Click Record Live Bids to open the Live Auction page.
3. Enter the winning bidder number and final amount for each item.

An example from a demonstration event.

An example from a demonstration event.

➡️ See Record Live Bids for more details.

📣 How to Notify Winners

To notify guests about their winning live auction bids:

1. From the Live Auction page, check the Send Item Won Notifications box.
2. Auctria will send an email or text to each winner letting them know what they won and how to pay.

An example from a demonstration event.

💡 Guests can also see their winnings and complete payment by logging into their bidder account.

🔗 More About Live Auctions

• ✅ Live Bidding Items — Create items using the Live bidding type.
• ✅ Print Live Reporting Sheets — Keep track of winning bids during the event.
• ✅ Combine with Online Pre-Bidding (Optional) — Let guests place early bids online before the event. The top pre-bid becomes the starting bid during your Live Auction.
  • 🎯 Perfect for building buzz or including remote supporters!