Fundraising Auction Terms Cheat Sheet (PDF)

What's included

Format comparison and five-question picker: choose the auction format that suits your supporters
Starting bids, reserves and increments: explained, with a worked bid ladder
Item setup worksheet and publish checklist: get every listing ready to go live
Item sourcing guide and ask email: an email you can send to businesses today
Consignment questions: what to ask before you agree to consignment items
Seven-step run sheet and three bidding nudges: keep bids coming in
Software scorecard and one-page glossary: compare platforms, and keep the key terms close

How to use it

Use the five-question picker to choose your format.
Set starting bids, reserves and increments with the worked ladder.
Publish your catalog early, so supporters can browse and share before bidding opens.
Keep the one-page glossary handy for your committee and volunteers.

FAQs and suggestions

Q: What is the difference between a silent auction and an online auction?

Silent describes the bidding style: private bids rather than an auctioneer. Online describes where bidding happens. Most silent auctions today are both.

Q: What is a reserve price in an auction?

The minimum an item must reach before it sells. It's useful for items that cost you something, such as consignment items, but it can stall bidding on everything else.

Q: What is a bid increment?

The minimum amount each new bid must add to the current highest bid. Set it high enough to move bidding along without putting bidders off.

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