How do I set up a new auction?

To add a new auction to your account:

1. Log in to your administrator account in the Auction Manager.
2. Click on the "Add Event" link in the upper right corner.

3.  Enter the Auction Name for which you want your Auction to be called. This name is seen by anyone (public and internal) who is accessing your auction and will also be seen in the top left-hand corner of the auction manager when working within it. You can change your auction name at a later date if you wish. 

4. Set your Online Auction Dates. You can change this to some degree later if needed. 
Note: You can change your online auction dates provided the end date has not passed. If the online auction end date has passed, the auction dates cannot be changed. 

5. Choose your time zone. Make sure this is correct. Look at the list completely before making your selection. You can change this later if needed.

6. Decide if you want to have your auction be part of the BiddingForGood Bidder Community. Click the Learn More link for more information. For the most part, you would want this checked as it makes your auction public and available on BFG main website. If this is not checked, your auction is only available to people with the direct link to your auction.

7. If you are having a Live Event / Gala check the box next to Yes, I am having a live event and enter the date and time of your live event. These details can be edited under Event > Live Event dates once you have created your auction.

*If this Live Event box is not checked, you will not be able to Add a Live Event yourself later and must contact our support team to get the Live Event added. Please include the dates, times, and Organization information in your support request.*

8. If you would like to copy over features from one of your past auctions, use the pull-down menu under Copy over features from the auction: to select the auction from which to copy the past features.

9. If you would like to copy over all Closed – Not Sold items from one of your past auctions, use the pull-down menu under Copy over all Closed - Not Sold items from auction: to select the auction from which to copy Closed – Not Sold items. These items will appear in your new auction under Items> Draft Items for further editing.

10. At the bottom of the page, click Create New Auction. 

After you have created your new auction, you can opt to copy additional material:

Copy a Homepage, Items, and Emails from Previous Auctions

For a list of data that is automatically copied over from auction to auction, please see What Information is Carried Over Auction to Auction (Year to Year). This article includes information about Donors and Sponsors, Team Members, Email Messages and Email Lists.