How to Add Custom Bid Increments to Your Auction

Why Custom Bid Increments Matter

Custom bid increments give you control over your auction’s pace and revenue. By setting the minimum amount a bid must increase, you can avoid small increments that slow the event down and encourage higher donation totals.

For example:

• A $10 increment works well for smaller gift cards or baskets.
• A $100 increment is better for high-value experiences or trips.

Step 1: Go to Your Event Dashboard

1. Log in to your event dashboard.
2. Select the auction event you want to edit.
3. Click “Settings” or “Bidding Settings.”

Step 2: Locate the Bid Increment Settings

• Scroll to the “Bid Increments” section.
• You’ll see two options:
  • Global Bid Increment — applies to all items.
  • Custom Bid Increment — set per individual item.

Choose the option that best fits your auction strategy.

Step 3: Set a Global Bid Increment (Optional)

1. Enter a single amount to apply to all items.
2. Save your changes.

This is the simplest option and works well for smaller auctions where most items have similar values.

Step 4: Add Custom Bid Increments by Item

1. Go to “Items” in your dashboard.
2. Select the specific item you want to edit.
3. Locate the “Bid Increment” field.
4. Enter the custom amount (e.g., $25, $50, $100).
5. Save your changes.

Now, that item will follow its own bid increment rule regardless of the global setting.

Step 5: Test Your Bidding Experience

• Preview the auction page as a bidder.
• Place a test bid to ensure the increment updates correctly.
• Adjust amounts if they’re too high or low for bidder engagement.

Pro Tip: Start with lower increments for lower-value items to get more bidders involved.

Step 6: Adjust During the Auction if Needed

• You can update bid increments anytime before bidding closes.
• Changes take effect immediately.
• Monitor item performance — if an item is getting too many small bids or too few big ones, adjust accordingly.

Best Practices for Setting Increments

• Keep increments proportionate to the item value.
• Avoid increments that are too small (slows bidding) or too large (discourages bidding).
• Use round numbers for simplicity.
• Test your increments in the demo auction before launch.

Related Guides

• How to Create a New Event
• Auction Page Design Tips
• How to Enable the Pre-Register Credit Card Option
• Do I Need to Register for an Account Before I Can Bid?
• How Will I Be Notified If I’m Out Bid on an Item?

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.