Online bidding isn’t just happening from laptops and home computers, it’s happening on smartphones at live auction fundraisers. Mobile bidding is quickly replacing old-fashioned paddle raises and paper bid sheets (especially at hybrid auctions).
Mobile bidding has become so popular that the 2025 State of Nonprofit Auctions Report found that 31% of silent auction attendees now bid through mobile devices.
This is more than just a trend—it’s a great strategy for fundraising. Mobile bidding increases participation by 52% compared to traditional bidding methods and it can increase your donation revenue by up to 30%.
So why are so many donors leaning towards bidding through their phones at events?
In one word, it’s because mobile bidding is convenient.
But let’s take a deeper look into what makes it so convenient. Here are the insights we drew from the State of Nonprofit Auctions Report about why donors love to bid through their phones.
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Start Your Auction for FreeDonors Love Receiving Outbid Notifications Through Text
It’s clear that younger donors appreciate digital fundraising tools, and they’re leading the shift to mobile bidding.
What young donors appreciate the most about mobile bidding is text integration. The report found that “65% of Gen Z and Millennials value receiving outbid notifications via text” for silent auctions (with 46% across all generations).
With text notifications, donors don’t have to get up from their seats or leave another activity to check on their bids. They get a quick text alert, place a bid on their phone, and get back to enjoying the event. It’s very convenient.
On top of that, mobile bidding adds a competitive edge to silent auctions. You’ll see donors get hooked into watching new bids come in and making sure they’re still winning by the time bidding closes!
Donors Can Preview Items on Mobile
The State of Nonprofit Auctions Report found that “58% of auction guests rated the ability to preview items before the auction opens as an important feature.”
While previews for silent auctions can be seen on any device before event day, many donors will browse on their phones. On event day, your donors can use their phones to view upcoming items while actively bidding on current ones—it’s a great way to keep bored donors engaged.
Donors Can Use Software Features at Live Events
The report also found that:
- 45% of donors valued the option to set maximum bids
- 43% valued buy-it-now options (61% of Gen Z and Millennials valued this)
- 39% valued suggestions for similar items
Traditional live events don’t offer any of the above features. But live auction software brings them into your in-person events (turning them into hybrid auctions!), adding that extra layer of interaction donors crave.
Mobile Bidding Makes Payments Easier
Beyond making bidding easier and more interactive, mobile simplifies checkout for your donors (and for you).
Donors can register their details and payment methods quickly through their phones—no more standing in long entry lines or checkout lines.
They can even make extra cash donations directly through mobile using their saved payment method. That direct donation button is more important than you think, because most young donors won’t be carrying cash with them.
Plus, donors receive automatically generated tax receipts when paying through mobile. According to the State of Nonprofit Auctions Report, 53% of donors rated easy-to-read receipts with tax info as an important feature.
How to Maximize Mobile Bidding
Donors can have a lot of fun with mobile bidding—but only if your organization does it right.
Follow these steps to create a seamless bidding experience:
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Choose auction software that's mobile-friendly. Look for platforms with fast registration, easy navigation, and bidding features that don't complicate things.
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Use software that doesn’t require an app download. The State of Nonprofit Auctions Report found that bidders disliked downloading an app for mobile bidding. Select software that works on a web browser, and make it crystal clear to attendees that no app is need
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Set up a strong wifi connection if cell service is weak. A weak connection can be a catastrophe for mobile bidding. Thoroughly test your venue’s signal or wifi, and if the signal is spotty anywhere, set up hotspots for smaller events or rent networking equipment for larger events. Don’t forget to make the wifi password available at the door!
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Display bids on a big screen. Set up a projector or screen showing leaderboards or current items up for bid. Seeing the action in real-time creates excitement and fuels friendly competition.
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Train volunteers how to bid through mobile. You’ll have plenty of questions from senior donors about how it all works. During event prep, teach volunteers how to walk donors through bidding step by step.
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Send bidding instructions ahead of time. Email a brief guide explaining how mobile bidding works—screenshots are helpful here.
Try Auction Software Built for Mobile
If you’re looking for a platform with great reviews for mobile features, check out CharityAuctions.
Mobile bidding through CharityAuctions…
- Doesn’t require an app
- Offers mobile previews before you go live
- Sends automatic outbid notifications to donors
- Processes payments securely through Stripe
- Includes instructions that can be sent to attendees
And more.
Check out CharityAuction’s Mobile Bidding Experience Demo to see what your donors will experience on auction day!
For more auction strategies, see our complete Auction Best Practices Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does mobile bidding work?
To use mobile bidding, post all your items on your auction page. Then send donors a link to browse your page on their phones, or print QR codes that take donors directly to your page. From there, attendees can bid and your software tracks everything automatically.
Your software will also show previews of items before they go live, send outbid notifications, and let donors set up automatic bidding. The platform collects payment information and processes payments for you.
How popular is mobile bidding?
Very popular! Currently, 31% of charity auction bids are mobile, and mobile bidding increases participation by 52%. That’s because Gen Z donors and Millennial donors are going digital, and mobile features make bidding quick and easy.
How do I start using mobile bidding?
With most auction platforms, mobile bidding is taken care of for you. All you have to do is set up your page, then send the link to your donors or post QR codes at your live event.
What about older donors who aren’t good with smartphones?
Make sure there are plenty of volunteers available to guide your senior donors through bidding on their phones. To account for donors who don’t own smartphones, equip your volunteers with a few extra devices or set up digital kiosks where they can place bids on behalf of those donors.
Can I raise more with mobile bidding?
Yes! Mobile bidding can increase your revenue by up to 30%. While auction software does come with fees, organizations consistently report that the software more than pays for itself!
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