Bid, purchase, and donate in Live Events
Some events will require you to add a payment method to your profile before you can bid or purchase items.
You can bid on auction items, purchase fixed-price items, and donate on Live Events. If you win, purchase, or donate, the item will first move to your cart, where you can complete checkout.
The items and options available at your event will depend on the event's settings. In this article, we'll cover the choices you may find so you can feel confident when participating in your event.
Find an item
Once the event shares its auction page, you can browse the available items and participate.
You'll need to access your event via the email sent by the event or with the email address used at registration. To find an item:
- Go to your event's page
- Select the Auctions tab
- Search for and select an item your are interested in
You can also use the options available to sort the items based on their category, type, or status. The item you choose will display different options depending on its type.
Silent auction items
You can place bids, win, and pay for silent auction items through your event's page. Depending on the settings, you may also set a maximum bid or buy now.
To place a bid:
- Go to the item you are interested in
- Choose your bid amount
- Select Submit Bid and confirm
You'll receive an email and text if you are outbid or win the auction item.
Maximum bid
You can also set a max bid on an item. A max bid is the highest amount you will pay for the item. You'll automatically outbid other participants until the item's price reaches your max. Your bid will increase by the minimum increment set by your event.
Also, you can cancel a max bid by returning to the item's page. Canceling a max bid will not remove previously placed bids, but it will stop you from automatically outbidding other participants.
If someone sets the same max bid as you, the person who bid first will have their amount honored.
Note: To see the max bid feature, the bidder must be logged in either as an event attendee or external bidder.
Reserve price
If there's a notification on the item's page that the reserve is not met, this means there's a reserve price set on the item. A reserve price is the minimum amount the item must reach before selecting a winner.
If the auction ends before the item reaches the reserve price, it will not have a winner.
Live auction items
Live auction items are bid on in person at your event. You cannot submit a bid for a live auction item on your event's page.
If you are the item's winner, the item will move into your cart, where you can complete checkout.
Fixed price items
You can purchase fixed-priced items directly through your event's page. Once you select Buy Now and confirm your purchase, the item will move into your cart, where you can complete checkout.
You can only purchase one item at a time.
Paddle raise items
Paddle raise items are typically programs you can donate towards and support. Paddle raises are often in person, but you can also submit donations through your event's page.
To submit a donation:
- Go to the item you are interested in
- Choose your donation amount
- Select Donate and confirm
Your donation will move into your cart, where you can complete checkout.
Frequently asked questions
Why are items appearing as Closed or Coming Soon?
These items are not open for bids, purchases, or donations. Contact the organization you support to find out when they will be available.
Can I make bids and donations anonymously?
Yes, select Make my donations and bidding anonymous in your cart to remain anonymous in all auction activity. Your first and last name will be concealed from auction displays, auction activity, and other published pages. This will apply to all previous and future bids and donations for the event.