How do Winners Pay for Their Items?

Assignment of Auction Items to Winners

When an auction item closes, BetterUnite assigns the item to the highest bidder when you award the auction items either one-by-one or via the Quick Add feature or the Award All to Highest Bidder button at the end of the auction. That item is then added to the winner’s checkout balance, along with any other purchases such as tickets, donations, or add-ons.

Paying Through Guest Checkout

Auction winners can pay for their items directly through their personal guest cart checkout page.

• Guests can access their checkout page by: 

  • Following the checkout prompt shown when bidding ends

  • Clicking into their cart within bidding link

Once on the checkout page, guests can:

• Review all auction items they’ve won

• See a detailed breakdown of their total balance

• Submit payment using the available payment methods (credit card, ACH, or other options enabled by the organization)

If pre-authorized payment was required before bidding, the saved payment method can be charged automatically or with minimal confirmation, making checkout fast and seamless.

Admin-Assisted Checkout & Payments

Event admins can also assist with checkout from the Auction Management or Checkout area of the event dashboard. See Event Checkout resources.

Admins can:

• Look up a bidder by name, bidder number, email, or phone number

• View all auction items won by the bidder

• Collect payment on behalf of the guest

• Mark items as paid if payment is collected outside of BetterUnite (cash or check, if allowed)

This is especially helpful for:

• In-person events

• Guests who need assistance

• Group or sponsor checkouts

Required Payment Settings

If your event has “Must provide payment information before bidding” enabled:

• Guests must add a valid payment method before placing any bids

• This helps ensure a smooth checkout process and reduces unpaid balances after the auction closes

Receipts and Confirmation

After payment is completed:

• Guests receive an automatic receipt by email (The customized Guest Cart Receipt email in Communications area.)

• Paid auction items are clearly marked as paid

• Admins can track payment status in real time from the dashboard

Need Additional Help?

We're here to assist you in any way we can. Don't hesitate to reach out to support@betterunite.com

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