LIVE AUCTION SOFTWARE FOR US NONPROFIT GALAS

Live Auction Software for US Nonprofit Galas

Run your lots from the stage with the room's attention, and take payment before anyone leaves. Pre bidding gives your benefit auctioneer a real opening number, the screen carries your artwork and sponsors, and hammer prices land in the tally as they're called.

INFORMATION & PRICING

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See a live auction run from the stage with the screens, the bidding and the checkout.

Built for the stage

Open live lots before the event so your auctioneer starts from a real number instead of silence.

Each lot shown with your artwork and sponsor branding while the auctioneer works the room.

Live listings can include high-quality images, videos, full item descriptions, and clear terms and conditions. This early visibility builds confidence, increases anticipation, and helps supporters arrive ready to bid.

Instant tally, target thermometer and checkout console

Hammer prices land in the tally as they're called, and the room watches the total climb toward a goal.

You can take payment instantly for live auction items through GalaBid, ideal for events without card terminals. Winning bids are added directly into GalaBid, so winners settle before they leave. No chasing anybody the following week.

One combined invoice for silent and live auction items
Centralized guest purchase records
No manual reconciliation after the event

For US galas

Most US galas of any size bring in a benefit auctioneer, and GalaBid is built to support them, not replace them.

GalaBid's live auction tools help you:

Mark corporate table sponsors paid offline when settling by check or invoice
Document fair market value for receipting above $75
Move straight into a fund a need, which is generally fully deductible
Rebuild an annual spring gala from last year's setup with Clone Campaign
Accept payments quickly and securely

Frequently Asked Questions About Live Auctions

What does live auction software actually do?

It displays each lot on screen, records the hammer price against the winner, adds it to the campaign tally and moves the winner into checkout. The auctioneer still runs the room.

Do we still need an auctioneer?

For a live auction, almost always. Software cannot build competition in a room. What it does is remove the paperwork around the auctioneer and give them a warm opening number from pre bidding.

What is pre bidding?

Opening live lots for bids before the event. Your auctioneer starts from a real number rather than asking a silent room for an opening bid, and supporters who cannot attend still take part.

Can supporters who are not at the event bid on live lots?

Yes, through pre bidding and absentee maximums left in advance. Whether you keep live lots open during the stage segment is your call.

How do winners pay?

At the checkout console through your organization's own Stripe account, or recorded as cash, check or manual card. Most rooms clear in twenty minutes.

Are live auction wins tax deductible?

Only the portion paid above the lot's fair market value, because the winner receives something in return. Above $75 the IRS requires your organization to issue a written disclosure statement showing that amount.

Is a fund a need gift treated the same way?

No, and this is worth knowing. A fund a need gift buys nothing, so the full amount is generally deductible, subject to written acknowledgment at $250 or more.

Can we run the live auction and silent auction together?

Yes, in one campaign with one supporter registration, feeding the same tally and the same checkout.