How to set up an online auction
By the 32auctions team•Updated June 2026•Powering auctions since 2008From sign-up to live in well under an hour — here’s the exact process.
Free to start · No credit card · No app to download
To set up an online auction: create your auction page and pick open/close dates, add items with photos and starting bids, set your bidding rules, apply branding and sponsors, then share the link by email, social, and QR code. With 32auctions this is free and takes well under an hour for a typical auction.
Step by step
Create your auction
Sign up free, name the auction, choose a custom link, and set your open and close dates.
Add your items
Enter each item with a photo, description, and value. Let AI draft descriptions, and starting bids are calculated automatically.
Set bidding rules
Confirm starting bids and increments, and decide on options like Buy Now or a soft close that prevents last-second sniping.
Add branding & sponsors
Apply your logo and colors, show a goal meter, and feature sponsor logos with links to reward donors.
Share your link
Promote by email and social media; print QR-coded display and bid sheets for any in-person bidding.
Monitor and close
Watch bids roll in, post progress updates, and let the platform identify winners and collect payment automatically.
What you need before you start
- Your list of items with rough values
- A photo for each item
- Open and close dates
- Your logo and brand colors (optional)
- A plan to promote the link
Key takeaways
- Create the page first, then add items as they come in.
- Photos and values are the two things to have ready per item.
- Use branding, a goal meter, and sponsor features to raise more.
- The platform handles winners and checkout automatically at close.
Set up your online auction now
Free to start, no credit card, and no app for your bidders. You can be live today.
Common questions
How to Set Up an Online Auction FAQs
How long does it take to set up an online auction?
For a typical auction, well under an hour once you have item photos and values. You can also build the page early and add items gradually.
What do I need to add each item?
A photo, a short description, and the item’s value. From the value, 32auctions can calculate a sensible starting bid and increment.
Can I customize how the auction looks?
Yes — apply your logo and colors, show a fundraising goal meter, and feature sponsor logos and links on items.
How do bidders join?
They open your auction link or scan a QR code from any phone or computer and register in seconds — no app to download.
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