Silent Auctions
While Silent Auctions are not a function in Ludus, there is a way you could set that up if desired. This would be set up using the Collections feature in Ludus.
Create a Silent Auction
To start, you will want to create a Form for the items in your Auction under More (at the top of your account) -> Forms .
This Form should include a question asking for the patron's bid and any additional information you need from them.
Next, go to Collections (at the top) -> select Standard in the dropdown -> and click + Add Collection.
Do NOT attach the Form you created here.
Once the Collection is created, you can create each Fee.
The Fees created will be for each of the items available at your silent Auction and should be $0 (this will make sense later).
Additionally, you will want to attach the Form you created to each Fee.
In addition to each of the items in your auction, you will want to create one final fee that is:
- Set up with a $0 minimum and allow patrons to enter a custom price.
- Admin Only
This price will be used to invoice the patron who wins the auction.
Once those are created, you can turn the Collection on under Options (next to the event) -> Turn On.
Ending the Silent Auction
Once the Auction is complete, you can view the bids and send invoices to the winning bidders by:
Going to the Submissions report (next to the Collection).
Once that report is opened, you will want to export it and sort by the items that were bid on.
The Form responses will show up in this report with each patron's bid.
Finally, go to New Order (next to the Collection) -> Select the Admin Only price -> and input the amount the patron bid to win the item.
Once the amount and patron information is input, you can then send them an Invoice for that item.
It is recommended to read more on Invoicing and how it works.
You will repeat the above process for each patron with a winning bid and the item they won.
Want to see this done? Follow along in the video below: