En
De
Ru
UkInternet Auctions
Per Statute IC 5-22-22-4.5 (see below), The Indiana Office of Technology approves government agencies’ usage of Online Auction Sites. The requests must be made by a representative of a government agency and not a vendor or a representative from an Auction Site. The following sites are pre-approved and can be used without additional requests:
- eBay
- http://www.publicsurplus.com/
- http://www.govdeals.com/
- PropertyRoom.com
- http://www.proxibid.com/
- http://www.ironplanet.com/
- AuctionTime.com
- http://www.housby.com/
- http://www.bidspotter.com/
- https://ozarkmountainrailcar.com/
- https://www.bigiron.com/
- https://municibid.com/
- https://marknetalliance.com
- https://hurstauctionservice.net/
- https://hibid.com/
- https://MrBidAuctions.com
- https://www.ripleyauctions.com/
- https://www.tandsauctions.com/
To request review and approval of an auction website not yet posted on this page, please submit responses to the following questions to [email protected].
- What is the name of the online auction company your agency is requesting approval for sale of surplus property?
- What is the website’s URL for the requested online auction?
- Please provide the contact information for who your agency is working with from the online auction website.
- What type of surplus property does your agency intend to sell and does the requested online auction website host sale of that item type?
- If the site allows online payments, please provide proof from the online auction company that they are PCI compliant. (PCI compliance is required for any business that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data. A company’s Attestation of Compliance (AOC) is their formal proof that they are in compliance with PCI DSS requirements.)
- Does the requested online auction company have the following (Request them to provide):
- Certification and rating from the Better Business Bureau
- Certification/licensing as an auctioneer.
- Proof of meeting regulatory requirements for doing business in Indiana (https://www.in.gov/core/business_guide.html)
Note: Only requests from Government Agencies will be considered. IOT does not accept requests from the online auction sites wishing to be approved.
State Statute IC 5-22-22-4.5 Internet sales; costs
Source: https://www.in.gov/iot/internet-auctions/Host A Silent Auction
Key Benefits of Using 32auctions
1. Dependable Online Silent Auction Platform
With more than a decade and a half of experience, we understand the ins and outs of running successful online silent auction fundraisers. Our platform is built on robust technology so that your silent auction runs smoothly from start to finish.
2. User-Friendly Online Silent Auction Interface
Our intuitive silent auction platform makes it easy for anyone to create, manage, and participate in silent auction fundraisers. No technical expertise is required—just a few clicks and you’re ready to go!
3. Customizable Silent Auction Features
Tailor your online silent auction fundraisers to fit your needs with our wide array of free and paid features. From branding to silent auction settings, you have control over every aspect of your charity auction.
4. Continual Improvement with Cutting-Edge Features
At 32auctions, we are committed to staying ahead of the fundraising curve by continually improving our silent auction platform. We regularly update our site with cutting-edge features and the latest technology to enhance your online silent auction experience and ensure you have access to the best tools available.
5. Dedicated Support for Online Silent Auctions
Our experienced support team is always ready to assist you. Whether you need help setting up an auction or navigating the silent auction platform, we are here to ensure your experience is smooth and successful.
6. Proven Track Record in Silent Auction Fundraisers
With over 131,900 causes worldwide hosting successful online silent auction fundraisers, 32auctions has a proven track record of helping nonprofits, charities, individuals, and businesses, achieve their fundraising goals through our user-friendly online silent auction platform.
Join the 32auctions Community
Experience the benefits of a trusted and established online silent auction platform. Join the 32auctions community today and discover why so many choose us for their silent auction fundraising needs.
Boost your fundraising efforts with 32auctions—your dependable partner since 2009.
TRUSTED BY OVER 131,900 CAUSES WORLDWIDE
JOIN THEM!Charities
Schools
Fortune 500 Companies
Religious Groups
Individuals
Golf Tournaments
Businesses
PTAs
Clubs
International Global Organizations
Non Profits
Political Campaigns
Sports Teams
Preschools
Government Agencies
Your online silent auction platform is amazing — user-friendly, seamless, glitch-free, and accompanied by top-notch customer service. In addition, the cost cannot be beat.
I am completely in love with 32auctions! So user friendly and fun to set up! I’ve already recommended this site to a couple of people for their silent auction fundraisers, and I wholeheartedly recommend it here as well!
What a great experience using 32auctions was for our fundraising event!! Using your site doubled our participation and bids. You guys rock.
Your Silent Auction Questions Answered!
How do I run a silent auction fundraiser?
To run a successful silent auction fundraiser, follow our 5 Steps to Silent Auction Success. Our user-friendly online silent auction software and comprehensive guide on how to run a silent auction fundraiser will support you at every stage of your fundraising journey, ensuring a smooth and successful online silent auction experience. We are passionate about helping you maximize your fundraising potential and achieve your goals.
Do participants need to download and install a mobile bidding app?
Is a credit card needed to create an online silent auction fundraiser?
What types of silent auction fundraising events is 32auctions good for?
Source: https://www.32auctions.com/8 Budget-Friendly Online Auction Sites for Nonprofits in 2025
An online auction is an excellent way to bring in more funds during an event – or even on its own! For an online auction, all items are listed on a website or app and everyone has a chance to bid. Read on to learn more about this fundraising method and see the eight most affordable options to run your very own online auction!
Kara Schmid Updated June 04, 2025 7 minutes read
Both silent auctions and live auctions have long been key components of many fundraising events. These auctions can raise significant funds as donors bid on items and experiences they want to purchase, with all proceeds going to the organization. Online auction sites support nonprofit fundraising by enhancing charity auctions with mobile bidding.
With the popularity of smartphones as well as virtual fundraising and events on the rise, charity auction sites have become one of the best ways to host an auction. Donors no longer have to even attend an event to bid!
These online auction platforms make running an auction simple from start to finish, streamlining everything from promoting items and managing bids to the checkout process. But how do you know which charity auction site is right for you?
We’ve gathered eight of the most affordable, yet effective, online auction sites for nonprofits.
But, first, what exactly is an online auction, and what is a charity auction site?
What is an Online Auction?
An online auction refers to those auctions that have all items posted on a website, app, or other digital tools. These auctions can be paired with in-person, virtual, or hybrid events, and bidders use their smartphones, bidding kiosks, desktops, or tablets to place their bids. Online auction sites can also be used for silent auction events, and maximize donor engagement through virtual online events.
Organizations may even choose to host their auction online without pairing it with an event at all. They can also allow those not at the event to bid alongside guests.
Live auctions and silent auctions are both possible in the digital space, and they can have big benefits for nonprofits. They bring an exciting and competitive feel to any event or online fundraising campaign. They also encourage more donations because donors have a chance to win a product or experience!
A charity auction site facilitates these online auctions, with tools that help you list and promote items, enable participants to bid in real-time, and offer a checkout system. Some online auction platforms even include additional features such as event ticketing and check-in, paddle raises, and more.
Our 8 Picks for Free or Affordable Online Auction Sites
In this list, we’ve compiled the online auction platforms we’ve found to be more affordable (or even free!) than others, while still offering a robust and innovative suite of tools.
1. ClickBid
ClickBid offers several easy-to-use auction features and touts a ‘painless’ set-up process that you can easily complete on your own.
Your donors register with a quick text message and use your mobile-friendly auction catalog to set max bids as well as receive automatic notifications when they’ve been outbid. You also have the option to open your auctions early, ask donors to cover processing fees, and more.
Pros: ClickBid provides a user-friendly, visual interface, with several features that not all other platforms offer at this price point. ClickBid’s real-time notifications enhance the bidder experience.
Cons: ClickBid’s website and auction platform are not as customizable as others. They also do not currently offer an app for bidding.
Ideal for: Organizations looking to host multiple auctions a year, as each plan covers an unlimited number of events.
Pricing: ClickBid offers several plans and pricing models, starting at $795 per year for the Essentials plan.
2. Charity Auctions Today
Charity Auctions Today aims to help just about anyone run an auction through their user-friendly interface and setup wizard that walks you through adding auction items. You can also manage attendee communications and sell tickets within the platform.
Guests have the ability to pre-register and start bidding before the event begins, as well as make additional donations within the platform, which is available via desktop, tablet, or mobile. It’s also easy for them to track individual items and receive outbid notifications.
Pros: Charity Auctions Today is easy to use, well-designed, and affordable.
Cons: The platform is missing some of the full event features you may need.
Ideal for: Nonprofits looking to run a simple yet visually appealing online auction.
Pricing: Charity Auctions Today offers free plans (plus management and payment processing fees), and paid plans start as low as $297 per event. You can also pass fees on to bidders!
3. OneCause
With OneCause, you put your guests’ experience in their hands. Their visual and mobile-friendly platform makes it simple for donors to place bids, receive outbid notifications, purchase raffle tickets and fixed-price items, set max bids, and make additional donations.
The interface also offers the ability to add goal meters, manage auction items and place them into virtual baskets, provide automatic receipts and check-out time slots, utilize ticketing and table management tools, and more.
Pros: OneCause offers an ‘all-in-one attendee experience,’ making everything from check-in to check-out quick and easy.
Cons: Although the mobile website is well-designed, OneCause does not currently offer an app. Pricing may also be higher than other options due to the large suite of services.
Ideal for: Nonprofits looking for a robust tool to run major events with several auction options, fixed-price items, and donation opportunities.
Pricing: OneCause offers several packages, but pricing is not posted publicly. You can request a consultation on the website.
4. Auctria
With three ways to bid – website, app, and text message – Auctria is a versatile solution. In addition, Auctria offers organizations the ability to sell tickets, promote auction items ahead of time, acknowledge donors and sponsors, and more.
Auctria also provides website templates to help build auction catalogs, and the app can be used for virtual events or in-person bidding. And, with text-to-bid, users can manage everything, from registering to bidding to payment, via text message.
Pros: Users report that Auctria is fairly easy to use and the text-bidding option may be a good fit for donors who don’t want to download the app or go online.
Cons: The event websites and app look a little outdated when compared to competitors.
Ideal for: Nonprofits looking for texting and app capabilities without breaking the bank.
Pricing: Free plans are available for small nonprofits and paid plans start at $350 annually.
5. Handbid
Handbid enables guests to bid or purchase set-price items via a web-based platform, an app, or in-event kiosks. Participants can set max bids, receive out-bid and event messages via text or push notification, and access a dashboard with all items they have won, bid on, and more.
Organizations can also sell tickets and manage all event details within the Handbid platform, as well as use Handbid Live to stream in-app videos or Handbid TV to display live stats and leaderboards.
Pros: With Handbid, you get an array of diverse features; many of which aren’t available on other platforms.
Cons: Not all features are available in the cheapest plan, so it may be a bit costly for some.
Ideal for: Organizations that host auctions with a lot of bidders and donors to offset the cost.
Pricing: Handbid does not post its pricing publicly, partly because it builds custom packages for each user. Book a demo to learn more.
6. SchoolAuction.Net
With SchoolAuction.Net, you can easily run a standalone auction or add an auction to your next event. Bidders can participate on desktop or mobile, and they can receive outbid notifications via text or email. Pre-bidding and proxy bids are available, as are in-platform communications with guests. Plus, self-checkout is easy!
SchoolAuction.Net also offers unlimited auction items, and the ability to bundle items into packages. Organizations can also add virtual or hybrid live auctions, combining live streaming, chat, and bidding onto one screen.
Pros: Organizations can purchase one event with important features to try it out.
Cons: For utilizing all features, the pricing may go a little high for smaller nonprofits.
Ideal for: Organizations looking to try auctions for the first time, as costs are relatively low.
Pricing: For basic events, the cost is just $79 per event (plus processing and performance fees). The Professional Plan, starting at $3,000 per year, is needed for virtual event streaming.
7 . ReadySetAuction
ReadySetAuction gives you the ability to manage all of the details of your event in one place, including guest management, auction items, organizing items into ‘baskets’, and more. And you can use JumpStart to find risk-fee consignment auction items!
Bidders can bid, pay for fixed-price items, and donate on your auction website via desktop or mobile, or you can set up bidding stations. They can also set max bids and automatic bidding as well as access a quick self-checkout.
Pros: ReadySetAuction offers several features, like automatic bidding and consignment auction items, not available on all other platforms. Its automated bidding features improve the bidder experience.
Cons: This platform is not as affordable as others. They also do not offer an app and the bidding site can look dated.
Ideal for: Nonprofits with larger budgets and those looking to use consignment auction items.
Pricing: They offer a free trial. However, the Complete package which is required for the platform’s online auction tools is $1,999 per year.
8. Silent Auction Pro
Silent Auction Pro helps you engage with your donors before, during, and after the event with in-platform email and text message capabilities, unique URLs and QR codes for your customizable landing page, and more.
During the event, bidders can participate via the mobile or desktop website, or mobile bidding kiosks, and can receive outbid text notifications.
Paddle raises are also available virtually or in person, as is a real-time thermometer that ends with a virtual confetti drop when the goal is reached!
Pros: This platform starts at a more affordable price than many competitors.
Cons: Nonprofits will need to pay for pro plans to access features that often come in regular plans for other platforms.
Ideal for: Nonprofits that host multiple events a year and are looking for a lot of features on a smaller budget.
Pricing: The Mobile Plus plan (for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events) starts at $749 per year, plus 2% of event proceeds.
How to Choose the Right Online Auction Site for Your Nonprofit
With so many online auction platforms out there, how do you select the one that is right for your organization?
First, start planning your event or campaign. You need to determine your overall goals, dates, target markets, and budget before diving into the details. If you’re hosting an event, you’ll also need to decide if it will be in-person, virtual, or hybrid.
Next, break down the budget so you know how much you have to spend on an online auction. Don’t forget to include the cost of the platform itself!
Finally, you’ll need to decide everything you want out of your online auction tool. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Does the platform need to include ticketing and/or event management software?
- Do you want to prioritize a quick checkout process?
- Will you open your auction to those not attending an event?
- How do you want your guests to bid?
- Do you want to include live video feeds within your online auction?
Once you figure out your priorities, you can search for online auction sites that meet your needs and budget. Our list above should help you make the decision.
Final Thoughts
Ready to get started with your online auction? Don’t forget to first set your budget and determine your needs before finding the perfect online auction sites for your organization.
And if you’re looking to pair your auction with a top-of-the-line donation platform, Donorbox is the way to go! We offer zero sign-up fees and contracts, and the lowest-in-the-industry platform fee, as well as innovative products like events, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer, text-to-give, recurring donations, and more.
Check out Donorbox Premium for expert coaching services and a customizable (affordable) package for your organization. We’re here to help you elevate your fundraising and donor acquisition efforts. Book your demo today!
Read hundreds of insightful blogs and get free resources on the Donorbox Nonprofit Blog. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive a list of our best resources every month in your inbox.
Source: https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/online-auction-sites
