5 simple steps to launch your auction

Create your account and auction. Add your branding to make it your own. Upload your items. Add photos, descriptions and bidding options. Connect Stripe. Accept online payments through your own Stripe account. Share your auction link. Invite bidders by email, social media or QR code.

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Every Online Auction Format

Every Format

Silent auction

Runs with scheduled open and close times and automatic overtime.

Live auction

Lots held for the stage, with optional pre-bidding so your auctioneer opens on a real number.

Sealed bidding

Bids stay hidden until close. Set minimum bids and increments, and sell to one or more winners.

More Ways to Raise Funds

Buy it now

Fixed price items for supporters who would rather pay a premium than keep competing.

Fund-a-need and paddle raise

Suggested giving levels with a live tally, run straight after the live auction.

Online raffles

Individual tickets or bundles, sent by email or text. The live drawing and winner reveal on screen.

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INFORMATION & PRICING

Explore all 100+ features >

Built for Your Auction

Help guests bid, bring the action to your event screens and keep checkout running smoothly.

More Ways to Bid and Buy

Run silent auctions, accept sealed bids, add Buy Now items and enable pre-bidding on live auction lots—all in one campaign. Keep competition going with outbid alerts, max bidding and automatic extended bidding.

Build Excitement and Competition

Show live bids in realtime. Text outbid alerts bring bidders back, while automatic extended bidding gives them another chance to win.

Real People, Ready to Help

Get help from our support team through online chat, with step-by-step guides and video tutorials to help you set up and run your auction.

Simple Payments and Checkout

Let winners pay online through your own Stripe account. Track payment status, record payments taken by cash, check or a separate card terminal, and manage item collection in one place.

Help Every Guest Take Part

Use volunteer accounts to help guests register, place bids and complete payments—so those who need assistance can still join the auction.

Bring Your Auction to the Big Screen

Display auction items, leading bidders and new bid updates on screens around your venue. Keep guests following the action and encourage friendly competition.

Frequently Asked Questions About GalaBid’s Online Auction Platform

Is GalaBid’s online auction platform free to use?

Yes. In the US, GalaBid’s Free plan has no platform fee. Participants can leave an optional tip to GalaBid at checkout, change the amount or choose zero. Your campaign isn’t charged if they don’t tip. Standard Stripe payment processing fees still apply. See our pricing options.

Can individuals and businesses use GalaBid, or is it only for nonprofits?

GalaBid is available to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, schools and community groups. You can run a fundraising or commercial auction, with your own branding and auction items.

How do I set up an online auction?

Create your account, add your branding and upload your items with photos, descriptions and bidding settings. Connect your Stripe account for online payments, then share your auction link by email, social media or QR code.

Can I run an auction entirely online or alongside an event?

Both. Run an online-only auction or combine online bidding with an in-person event. People can participate from your venue or remotely, using the same auction site. Explore our silent auction software.

How do people register and bid?

Bidders open your auction link, register and bid from any device through their web browser. They can browse items, place bids and receive outbid notifications to help them follow the competition.

What bidding options does GalaBid offer?

GalaBid supports silent auctions, sealed bids, Buy Now items and pre-bidding for live auctions. You can also enable max bidding, which bids automatically up to a participant’s chosen limit, and extended bidding, which gives bidders time to respond when late bids arrive.

Where does the auction money go?

Online payments are processed through your own connected Stripe account. GalaBid does not hold your auction proceeds. Stripe pays funds into your linked bank account according to its payout schedule. Learn more about payments and funds safety.

Can winners pay by cash, check or our own card terminal?

Yes. You can accept payments outside GalaBid and mark the corresponding invoices as paid. This helps your team track outstanding payments and manage item collection.

Can we remove the optional tipping prompt?

Yes. Choose a paid plan if you prefer checkout without tip prompts. GalaBid offers percentage-based and flat-fee options. Compare them on our pricing page.

Is help available while we set up and run our auction?

Yes. Our support team provides help through online chat, and our Help Center includes step-by-step instructions and video tutorials for setting up and running your auction.

How Is GalaBid’s Auction Platform Free?

On our Free plan, you pay no platform fee. Winners can leave an optional tip to GalaBid at checkout, change the amount or choose zero. Your campaign isn’t charged if they don’t tip. Standard Stripe processing fees still apply. Prefer no tip prompts? Explore our pricing options.

CREATE YOUR FREE AUCTION

Free Online Auction Platform Built to Raise More

Create a branded online auction for your fundraiser, event or business. Make bidding easy from any device, keep bidders engaged with outbid alerts, and simplify checkout—with no platform fee on our Free plan.

Your Auction, Online or at an Event

5 simple steps to launch your auction

See How to Run Your Auction With GalaBid

Free to use and support when you need it