How to Set Starting Bids and Buy Now Prices

When creating auction items in CharityAuctions, you can control how bidders interact with each item by setting a starting bid, adding a Buy It Now price, or creating a Buy It Now only item.

All of these pricing options are configured directly while adding or editing an item in your auction.

Setting a Starting Bid

The starting bid is the minimum amount required for the first bid on an item.

To set a starting bid:

1. Open your auction dashboard.
2. In the left navigation menu, click Item Management.
3. Select Item Catalog.
4. Click Add Item or edit an existing item.
5. Locate the Starting Bid field.
6. Enter the minimum bid amount you want for the item.
7. Save your changes.

Once saved, bidders will only be able to place bids at or above the starting bid amount you entered.

Adding a Buy It Now Price

The Buy It Now option allows bidders to instantly purchase an item at a fixed price without waiting for the auction to end.

To add a Buy It Now price:

1. Open the item you are adding or editing.
2. Find the Starting Bid field.
3. Click to expand the Show Advanced Pricing located below that field.
4. Locate the Buy It Now Price field.
5. Enter the fixed price you want bidders to be able to pay immediately.
6. Save the item.

After this is enabled, bidders will have two options:

• Place a bid and compete for the item
• Purchase the item instantly using Buy It Now

Creating a Buy It Now Only Item

Some items work best as fixed-price purchases instead of traditional bidding.

To make an item Buy It Now only:

1. Open the item editor.
2. Leave the Starting Bid field blank or remove any amount already entered.
3. Expand the Advanced Options section.
4. Enter an amount in the Buy It Now Price field.
5. Save the item.

With no starting bid and only a Buy It Now price entered, the item will function as a purchase-only item with no bidding available.

Using Both Options Together

You can also combine both options on the same item.

For example:

• Set a starting bid of $50
• Add a Buy It Now price of $150

This allows bidders to either:

• Place bids and compete for the item
• Skip bidding and purchase immediately at the Buy It Now price

This flexibility can help increase bidder engagement and maximize revenue.

Best Practices

For the best results when setting pricing:

• Use realistic starting bids to encourage early participation
• Set Buy It Now prices high enough to reflect full item value
• Consider Buy It Now only for simple or lower-cost items
• Use both options together for high-demand or premium items
• Keep pricing consistent across similar items
• Review item performance and adjust pricing if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I set the starting bid and Buy It Now price?
Both options are configured while adding or editing an item in the Item Catalog.

Do I have to use both options on every item?
No. You can use only a starting bid, only a Buy It Now price, or both together.

How do I make an item Buy It Now only?
Leave the Starting Bid field blank and only enter a Buy It Now price.

Can I add a Buy It Now price after an item is created?
Yes. You can edit the item at any time and add or update the Buy It Now field.

Will bidders still be able to bid if a Buy It Now price is set?
Yes, as long as a starting bid is also entered. If there is no starting bid, the item will be Buy It Now only.

If you need help deciding how to price your auction items, CharityAuctions support is always available to assist.

Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly, TEDx speaker and CEO of CharityAuctions.com, helps nonprofits raise millions through auctions and AI. He hosts The Million Dollar Nonprofit podcast and inspires leaders to live their legacy, not just leave it.