CauseVox Auctions make it simple to run silent auctions, live/in-person auctions, and paddle raises all in one place. Whether your event is fully virtual, entirely in-person, or hybrid, the platform adapts to your event timeline and workflow. From setup to bidder registration, bidding, and fulfillment, CauseVox helps you deliver a smooth experience for both admins and guests.
Setting Up Your Auction
Admins create and manage all auction items in the CauseVox Admin, with flexible options for different event types. Items can be designated as silent auction (online bidding enabled) or live auction (optional restriction so no online bids can be placed). Each item can display its status—Live, Coming Soon, or Closed—so guests know when bidding is available.
When adding items, you can:
Assign an item number for easy tracking
Set a starting bid, minimum bid increment, and start/end times
Upload photos and descriptions
Enter a Fair Market Value (FMV) to automatically calculate tax-deductible portions on receipts (coming soon)
Create paddle raise items for direct donations
Offer fixed-price products such as wine, merchandise, or concessions (coming soon)
Promoting Auction Items
Launch your auction site before bidding begins to showcase items and build excitement. Items not yet open for bidding can display “Coming Soon,” allowing you to preview your lineup without enabling bids. Highlight featured items in your event marketing and direct supporters to the site to browse before the event.
Bidder Registration
Bidders can register online in advance or at the event. Online registration allows them to:
Create a bidder account
Automatically assigned bid number
Add a payment method on file
Admins can require a card on file before bidding begins, or allow payment to be added later.
For in-person events, admins can create bidder profiles at check-in with auto-assigned bid numbers, and store payment details. For ticketed events, bidder registration can be combined with ticket purchase or silent auction bid so guests complete both in one step.
Bidding Experience
When bidding opens, guests browse items by category, search, and sort by “ending soon.” Each item shows its current bid, number of bids, and the minimum increment.
Bidders receive email updates, which can include:
Alerts when they are outbid
Confirmation when a bid is placed, won, or lost
Bidders can view all active, won, and lost bids in their personal bidder dashboard.
Bidder Management
Admins have full control over bidder records, including the ability to search, filter, and edit profiles. They can update payment methods, contact details, as well as add donations or fixed-price items to a bidder’s account. Bidders can log into the portal at any time to update their payment method, view bid history, and check the status of their items.
Fulfillment and Checkout
When the auction closes, CauseVox links all winning bids to the bidder’s profile by bid number. Admins can review each bidder’s account, add offline donations (like paddle raises), and check out everything in one transaction. Cards on file can be charged instantly, or an invoice can be sent for online payment. Receipts including a detailed breakdown of items and their tax-deductible amounts based on FMV coming soon.
Reporting and Metrics
You can track your auction in real time in CauseVox, including total funds raised, bid activity, and countdown timers. Bidder profiles, winning bids, and item performance are all accessible in the dashboard for easy follow-up and stewardship. Reports can also be exported if needed for record-keeping or to share with your team.