Charity & fundraising
Run a charity auction on Shopify
Nonprofits and brands running fundraisers use Auction Now to host online charity auctions on a Shopify store, listing donated items as timed auctions with soft close and collecting payment through Shopify checkout.
Why auctions work for charity & fundraising
Silent auctions, online
Replace the clipboard with product pages. Supporters bid from their phones before, during, and after your event.
Reach beyond the room
Supporters who can't attend still bid. Share the auction link and let outbid emails do the reminding.
Low cost to run
No monthly software fee. Auction Now charges 5% on items that sell, and nothing on items that don't.
The features that matter here
Scheduled open and close
Open bidding a week before the gala and close every lot during the event.
Soft close
Every lot ends with a fair last call instead of a sniped bid.
Shopify checkout
Winners pay with a card immediately; no chasing pledges.
Next-bidder fallback
Unpaid wins roll to the next supporter automatically.
Tips from sellers in this category
- Set up a free Shopify store just for the event if you don't have one; Basic is enough.
- Describe the donor and the experience, not just the item. Stories raise bids.
- Close lots a few minutes apart during your live program so the room follows along.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a Shopify store?
Yes. Auction Now is a Shopify app, so the auction runs on a Shopify store. A Basic plan works for a one-off event.
Are there discounts for nonprofits?
The app has no monthly fee. If you're a registered nonprofit running a large event, email support and we'll talk.
Read next
Run your first auction on Shopify today
Free to install. No monthly fee — a 5% success fee only when an auction sells.
Rated 4.7 / 5 on the Shopify App Store · Built for Shopify