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🧪 How to Create a Mock Auction in ClickBid

🎯 Why Run a Mock Auction?

A mock auction is a great way to:

  • Train staff, board members, or volunteers

  • Test bidder experience from registration to payment

  • Explore ClickBid’s bidding features in a live setting—without processing real credit card transactions

💡 Tip: Mock auctions are perfect for board meetings, committee previews, or dry runs before the big event.

🛠️ Step 1: Create the Mock Event

  • Go to Organization → Events

  • Click the + Add Event button (blue)

Enter details for your mock auction:

  • Event Name

  • Start/End Dates

  • Keyword (this creates your link URL)


  • Save your event

📌 Info: You’ll need the right user permissions to add a new event.

🎁 Step 2: Prepare Sample Items

  1. Go to Items → Manage Items

  2. You’ll see sample/test items automatically created for you

  3. To quickly configure them:

    • Select all items

     

    • Scroll down and click Batch Update

    • Choose:

      • Closing Time (recommend 15–30 minutes from now for testing)

      • Status: Set to Active

    • Click Update Items

💡 Tip: A short bidding window helps you see outbid and winner notifications in real time during your session.

🏠 Step 3: Share the Auction Link

  1. Return to your Home Page

  2. Find the Important Link section with your event keyword

  3. Copy the auction URL

  4. Share it with your board, committee, or test users

🧑‍💻 Step 4: Experience Bidding as a Participant

  • Click the Auction button in the top menu

  • Click on any item’s Place Bid button

  • You’ll be prompted to:

    • Enter your email and mobile number

    • Receive and enter a one-time login code

  • Place a bid:

    • Choose the next available amount

    • Or place a Max Bid to let the system auto-bid on your behalf

📌 Info: You’ll receive text notifications when outbid, with a direct link to rebid.

💡 Tip: Encourage your team to test out:

  • Bidding on multiple items

  • Competing with each other

  • Donating if donation items are active

🏆 Step 5: Simulate Payment & Checkout

When your test items close:

  • Winning bidders will receive a text message with a link to complete payment

⚠️ Note: If this is a true mock event, a merchant account is not required. Credit card transactions will not be processed unless a merchant account is active.

To simulate checkout:

  1. Go to Event Central → Event Payments

  2. Find the winning bidder(s)

  3. Click the blue Checkout button

  4. Choose a payment type:

    • Check

    • Cash

    • Other

  5. Submit the transaction

  6. The system will send a receipt via email to the bidder

💡 Tip: For test events, we recommend selecting cash or check to avoid unnecessary credit card fees or refund scenarios.

🧪 Final Thoughts

Running a mock auction helps everyone get comfortable with:

  • Registration and bidding flows

  • Outbid and winner notifications

  • The checkout and payment process

It’s the best way to ensure your live event runs smoothly—for your team and your guests.