How you’ll access the auction
Most guests enter the auction from their phone via a link sent by text at check-in (or shared by the host in advance).
Tap the auction link to open the auction on your phone.
In many events, this link is a “magic link,” meaning it can recognize you so you can jump into bidding with less friction.
If you don’t receive a text at check-in, see Troubleshooting below.
Browsing the auction and finding items
Once you’re in, you can browse items and see live activity as bidding happens. Goodworld auctions are designed to update in real time—so you don’t have to refresh to see the latest bids and winners.
What you might see on an item page (varies by event settings):
Current top bid (and sometimes a count or list of bids)
A bid button (and/or a “Buy Now” option if enabled)
Item details, photos, restrictions, and redemption notes
Placing a bid (including max bidding)
Place a standard bid
Open an item.
Tap Place Bid.
Follow the prompts to confirm your bid.
Anonymous bidding and what others can see
Many silent auctions are configured so bidder identities are hidden. Depending on the event, you may see:
No bidder names (anonymous), and
Either a full list of anonymous bids or just the top bid + bid count.
If you’re not seeing names, that’s intentional—it keeps it a “true” silent auction.
Outbid alerts and notifications
Goodworld can send instant notifications when you’re outbid, so you can jump back in quickly.
You may also receive notifications if you win an item (event-specific).
If you win: checkout and payment
At the end of the auction (or when an item closes), you’ll typically get a prompt/link to check out for what you’ve won.
Payment timing depends on the event’s setup
Some events require a saved payment method before you can bid. Others allow you to bid first and pay later (helpful when guests may pay by cash/check at an in-person checkout table).
Either way, winners will be guided to a checkout experience to complete payment. Goodworld supports winner self-checkout and can also support invoices/batch charging depending on how the host runs the event.
Important: picking up items
Many in-person events still require winners to stop at a checkout/prize table so staff can confirm payment and hand over physical items, gift certificates, or redemption details.
Common troubleshooting
“I didn’t get the auction text.”
Ask event staff to confirm your phone number is on your registration.
If your number was missing, staff may update it and resend the auction access message.
“The link opens, but it doesn’t know who I am.”
You can still browse, but when you try to bid you may be asked to enter your information so the system can associate bids/checkout with you.
“I want to pay cash or check.”
That’s usually handled at the event’s checkout table. You can still participate in bidding; just follow the host’s instructions at checkout.
Quick tips for a smooth auction night
Keep your phone charged (or bring a charger).
Turn on notifications (so you don’t miss outbid alerts).
If you plan to bid competitively, consider setting a max bid (if enabled).