32auctions

32auctions is browser-based software for fundraising auctions, with mobile bidding and a built-in path from bids to payment. It is strongest for organizers who want bidders to use their own devices and can work within per-auction item caps. Its free tier is a practical starting point; larger events and live-event transitions require paid plans.

Overview

Founded in 2008, 32auctions supports silent, online, and live auctions. Bidders can register and participate from a phone, tablet, or computer without installing an app, reducing the friction of joining. Outbid and winning alerts arrive by text or email, while proxy bidding lets participants set a maximum and leave the system to bid up to it. Soft close extends an item's end time after a last-second bid, helping limit sniping.

When bidding ends, the platform identifies winners and offers online checkout. Organizers connect their own Stripe or PayPal account for payment collection and automatic invoicing, so payment processing depends on those accounts. Results, winners, payments, and fair-market values can be exported to CSV. Printable display and bid sheets with QR codes bridge in-person events and online bidding. SSL encrypts communication.

Key features

• Mobile bidding and alerts: No app download is required, and text or email notifications can keep bidders engaged without constant monitoring.
• Bid controls: Proxy bidding supports hands-off participation; soft close gives late bidders more opportunity to respond.
• Checkout and payments: Automatic winner identification and checkout simplify closing, but organizers must connect their own Stripe or PayPal account.
• Reporting and event materials: CSV exports cover results, payments, winners, and fair-market values; printable QR-code sheets connect attendees to online bidding.

Pricing

Pricing is per auction, rather than a recurring subscription, making the listed cost straightforward to budget for an individual event.

• Free — free (billed $0 per auction): Supports up to 20 items, one image per item, unlimited bidders, basic donor management, insights, email support, standard styling, and self-managed payments. It includes online-only use and third-party ads. This is a capable way to run a small auction without paying or entering a credit card, but the item cap and ads limit its fit for larger or more polished events.
• Most Popular — $170, paid once (billed $170 per auction): Adds capacity for up to 100 items, four large images per item, custom branding, text and email notifications, and removes third-party ads. It suits organizers who need more room and a branded presentation.
• Best For Live Event — $240, paid once (billed $240 per auction): Includes the preceding tier's features, raises the cap to 200 items, adds transition to a live event, and provides premium donor and sponsor management. Choose it when a live-event component or those management tools matter.
• The Works — $360, paid once (billed $360 per auction): Builds on the live-event tier with up to 300 items and advanced insights, for events that need the highest listed item capacity and reporting depth.

The plans are differentiated mainly by item limits, presentation, event support, and management tools. Even the top tier caps an auction at 300 items, so organizers with larger catalogs should look elsewhere.

Platforms

32auctions is web-based. Bidders can use phones, tablets, or computers through a browser, with no app download required.

Who it's for

It fits nonprofits and other fundraising organizers running small to mid-sized auctions who want mobile participation, automated checkout, and downloadable results. The free plan suits a modest online-only event; paid tiers are more appropriate when item volume, branding, reduced advertising, donor management, or live-event support become priorities. Organizers who need more than 300 items or do not want to connect Stripe or PayPal should consider another option.

Pros and cons

• Pro: The free plan supports core auction activity for up to 20 items without payment or credit-card entry, making it accessible for a small event.
• Pro: App-free bidding, bidder alerts, proxy bids, and soft close support participation without requiring constant attention.
• Pro: Winner identification, online checkout, payment connections, and CSV reporting cover the process from close through reconciliation.
• Con: Organizers must supply a Stripe or PayPal account for payment collection and automatic invoicing.
• Con: Item caps rise from 20 to 300 only across paid tiers, and the free plan includes third-party ads and standard styling.

Alternatives

For another freemium option with mobile apps as well as web access, consider Auctria; its free Explorer plan allows unlimited events but caps annual income at $10,000, bidders at 250 per event, and team members at three, with a 1% credit-card fee.

BiddingOwl is another free option for traditional silent and live auction services. BetterWorld offers a free plan with a 0% platform fee, while its Flex plan carries a 2.2–5% platform fee; standard payment processing fees apply to both.

Event.Gives is worth comparing if registration, check-in, ticketing, and donations are central to the event, as its free plan includes those alongside mobile bidding. GalaBid has a free plan with optional participant tips, with 10% of tips shared with the cause.

RallyUp offers a free plan with no platform fee, donor tipping, and core fundraising components; its Flex fees range from 2.9% to 6.9%. iBid is another free web-based option, with payment processing fees of 3.5% plus $1 that can be covered by the bidder.

Snowball Fundraising has a free Essential plan for one campaign; its New Nonprofit Special costs $399 a year, renews annually, and includes the full platform with SMS and transaction fees of 2.5% plus $0.30.

Browse more options in Charity Auction Software, Auction Software, or Fundraising Event Software.

Verdict

Choose 32auctions for a small or mid-sized fundraiser that needs app-free bidding, practical auction controls, and a clear route from closing bids to online payment and reporting. The free plan makes a modest event accessible, while paid per-auction tiers add capacity and live-event support. Look elsewhere if your catalog exceeds 300 items or you need payment collection without connecting Stripe or PayPal.