Online PTA auctions are fast becoming the go-to choice for UK school fundraisers — reaching more parents, attracting bigger bids, and saving hours of admin time. If you’ve already read our earlier posts like “Why UK PTAs Are Switching from Raffles to Online Auctions” or “How to Run a Successful Online PTA Auction: A Step-by-Step Guide” , this piece dives deeper into the strategies that help maximise engagement and donations.
Define Your Fundraising Goal and Strategy
Start by setting a clear fundraising target — for example, £5,000 for new library books or playground upgrades. Decide whether your online PTA auction will:
- Run entirely online
- Be part of a hybrid event (paired with a school fair or quiz night)
- Operate for a fixed bidding window (typically 5–7 days)
A defined structure helps volunteers plan promotion and prize sourcing effectively.
Choose the Right Online Auction Platform
Your platform makes or breaks the experience. Look for:
- Mobile-friendly interface — most bids now happen on phones.
- Custom branding with your school’s name and colours to build trust.
- Automatic outbid alerts to keep competition lively.
- Low or no commission fees, so more money stays in your school.
Aucly provides all of these features, built specifically for PTAs — making online auctions quick, transparent, and fun for parents.
Curate Your Prizes for Maximum Bidding Power
A well-balanced prize mix keeps everyone engaged:
- Headline lots — e.g., hospitality tickets, weekend breaks, or signed memorabilia.
- Everyday wins — restaurant vouchers, hampers, and children’s activity passes.
- Unique experiences — something parents can’t buy elsewhere, like a behind-the-scenes tour from a local business.
Include high-quality photos and engaging descriptions. A strong presentation matters even more online, where bidders can’t see items in person.
Tip: The PTA UK silent auction guide has additional ideas for building your prize list.
Promote Your Online PTA Auction Effectively
A successful auction starts with strong communication. Spread the word through:
- School newsletters, class WhatsApp groups, and social media.
- Daily “lot highlights” to keep excitement building.
- A QR code linking directly to your auction homepage.
Open bidding a few days early to capture busy parents, and share countdown updates during the final 24 hours — urgency drives action.
Run the Bidding Window and Keep Energy High
Keep your auction open for at least five days so everyone has a chance to join in. Encourage participation with:
- Leaderboards or live updates.
- “Buy it now” options for popular items.
- Themed mini-competitions (e.g. Which class can place the most bids?).
These small touches can significantly boost total funds raised.
Collect Payments and Thank Your Supporters
Once the auction closes:
- Notify winners immediately and provide easy payment links.
- Set a payment deadline (72 hours works well).
- Publicly thank donors and bidders on your auction page and school channels.
Transparency and gratitude turn one-time participants into repeat supporters.
Learn and Build for Next Time
After the event, review:
- Which prizes attracted the most bids.
- Which promotion methods delivered the most traffic.
- Any friction points in payments or communication.
Use these insights to streamline your next event. Keep a donor contact list and follow up early for future sponsorships.
Final Thoughts
Running an online PTA auction doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs structure, the right tools, and good communication. Whether you’re new to digital fundraising or looking to improve results, platforms like Aucly make it easy to run a secure, mobile-friendly auction that parents genuinely enjoy.
For more inspiration, check out:
- 7 Proven Auction Tips Every UK PTA Should Know
- Practical PTA Fundraising Tips: Building Lasting Partnerships and Choosing the Right Prizes
Written by the Aucly team — helping UK PTAs raise more with less effort.