Goodworld offers flexible and secure checkout options to collect payments from winning bidders after an auction concludes. Whether you’re running a virtual or in-person event, admins can choose between automatic charges, emailed invoices, or manual checkout to ensure every item is paid for efficiently. SMS and email tools help you notify winners and provide a user-friendly way to complete their purchases.
What is the Auction Checkout Process?
The Auction Checkout Process is how winning bidders are prompted to pay for their items after an auction hosted on the Goodworld platform ends. Admins can choose how they want to process payments—automatically charging cards, sending invoices, or letting winners check out manually.
These flexible options ensure a streamlined experience for organizations and participants alike, with customization available for fee coverage, payment method collection, and personalized communications.
Required Payment Methods
Admins can require bidders to input a payment method before placing a bid. This setting is controlled in the Basic Settings of the event under the “Require Payment Method to Bid” toggle.
Requiring payment upfront gives organizations the ability to charge winners immediately after the auction, either individually or through a batch process.
Checkout Methods for Admins
1. Batch Charge
Organizations that require bidders to enter a payment method before bidding can request the Goodworld support team to execute a batch charge. This method automatically charges all winning bidders using the payment methods they submitted when placing their bids.
This is the most hands-off option for admins and is ideal for fast post-auction reconciliation.
2. Email Invoice
Admins can manually send an invoice to auction winners after the event concludes. This is useful for events where payment method collection wasn’t required at the time of bidding.
In the Auction tab, admins can:
View items that have or have not been paid for.
Click “Charge Now” to charge the stored payment method (if available).
Choose to “Send Invoice” to email the winner a checkout link where they can enter or update their payment method.
3. SMS Checkout Links
Goodworld’s SMS Communications feature allows admins to send custom text messages with dynamic checkout links. These messages can include a “{{Checkout URL}}” merge tag, guiding each winner directly to their personalized payment page.
SMS is especially effective for live or time-sensitive events and gives donors the flexibility to use a different payment method than the one entered to bid.
Processing Fees and Coverage
Admins can configure how transaction fees are handled:
Pass Fees to Donor: Winners are given the option to cover fees during checkout.
Absorb Fees: The organization covers the fees, which are subtracted from the winning bid total.
Fee Structure:
Credit Cards: 2.2% + $0.30
+1% for international cards
3.5% flat for American Express
ACH Transfers: 0.8%, capped at $5
For example, a $100 bid using a credit card would result in approximately $97 going to the organization if the donor doesn’t cover the fee.
Use Cases for Auction Checkout
In-Person Gala Auction
A nonprofit hosts a live gala and requires bidders to enter a payment method before placing bids. After the event ends, the organization requests a batch charge to automatically collect payments, making the process effortless for both staff and attendees.
Virtual Silent Auction
An organization runs a week-long silent auction without requiring upfront payment methods. After the auction ends, admins use the “Send Invoice” option to email checkout links to winners. The winners enter their payment details and receive receipts automatically.
Mobile Checkout with SMS
During a livestreamed fundraiser, admins use custom SMS with the {{Checkout URL}} tag to instantly notify winners when bidding ends. This ensures a fast, mobile-friendly experience and helps maximize same-day payment completion.