Need to kick off your auction ahead of schedule? No problem! You can open bidding before your official start date so guests can get a head start. Here’s how to do it in just a few steps.
⚙️ Step 1: Set Your Items to Active
Before bidders can start bidding, your items need to be marked as Active.
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Go to the Items tab. Click Manage Items.
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Locate the Status column and make sure all item statuses are set to Active. If not, change their status:
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Change the number of entries shown to All.
- Click the top checkbox to Select All.
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Scroll to the Batch Update section.
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Find the Status area and check the box.
- Select Active from the dropdown.
- Click Update.
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Your items must be active to allow bidding.
⚙️ Step 2: Enable Early Access
Allow bidders to log in and start bidding before your scheduled start date.
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Go to Software Settings.
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Click Landing Page Content.
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Select the Log-In/Register tab.
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Find the Open Auction Early? setting and select Yes.
This setting lets bidders access the landing page and begin bidding ahead of time — perfect if you want to create early momentum!
📣 Step 3: Notify Your Bidders
Once early access is enabled, let your bidders know the auction is open! You can do this by sharing your landing page URL/QR code, or through mass messaging.
📱 If You Have Mass Messaging
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Go to Bidders > Text/Email Bidders.
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Compose your message. For example:
The auction is now open! Tap here to bid: [u] -
Add the [u] shortcode for the bidding site link.
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Optional: Include [b] to show each guest’s bidder number.
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Set the filter to All Bidders.
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Click Text Bidders.
Send a test message to yourself first so you can see exactly what your guests will receive.
📝 If You Do Not Have Mass Messaging
You can notify bidders externally via email, or notify newly registering bidders using custom welcome text or the welcome email.
Option 1: Custom Welcome Text
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Go to Software Settings > Auction Settings > Butler Settings.
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Scroll down to the Custom Welcome Text section.
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Type a message letting guests know the auction is open.
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Use the [u] shortcode for the bidding link and [b] for bidder numbers.
This message appears when someone registers online or checks in during the event.
Option 2: Welcome Email
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Go to Software Settings > Auction Settings > Bidder Settings.
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Scroll to the Welcome Email section.
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Amend your message to include language stating the auction is open.
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Use your landing page link (found on your homepage).
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Shortcodes like [u] or [b] cannot be used here.
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Messages sent via Welcome Email do not support shortcodes — be sure to copy/paste your full landing page link instead.
✅ You're All Set!
Once your items are active, early access is enabled, and your guests are notified, your auction is officially open ahead of schedule!