The Functioning and Attributes of Free Auction Sites
                     The Functioning and Attributes of Free Auction Sites
Fundraising through auctions has changed from what it was even a couple of years back. With the 
Covid-19 pandemic keeping people indoors, the traditional auction scenario of people bidding 
boisterously goaded on by a paddle-wielding auctioneer is no longer encouraged. Fortunately for 
fundraisers, online auction sites have adequately filled the vacuum left by the on-premises 
auctions. Now, all that you need is an Internet-enabled device like a smartphone, tablet, or laptop 
to take part in auctions anywhere around the world with free auction sites leading the charge. 
Functioning of free auction sites
Free auction sites have helped fundraisers raise billions of dollars in the recent past alone. Here is 
a guide to the functioning of these sites.
Fully secured sites: These free auction sites are highly secured platforms because they implement 
stringent donor protection guarantee programs. Any event, therefore, is fully safe from data 
breaches.
Quick grounding of online auctions: There are no restrictions for being on the site for auctions. 
Minimum eligibility requirements and no signup fees mean that fundraisers can get their 
fundraising events off the ground in minutes.
Fast withdrawal of funds: On free auction sites, funds can be withdrawn in minutes. In 
traditional auctions, you have to wait a long time for the formalities to be completed 
before the funds can be transferred to your account. Further, you can track the 
quantum of funds raised in real-time round-the-clock, giving you an idea of the 
success of the event.  
Event promotion: Simple and user-friendly tools embedded in the free auction sites 
enable you to promote the event to get maximum returns and participation. You can 
initiate an email campaign or create a buzz on social medial platforms to spread the 
word.
Customer support: You get customer service 24x7 on these sites. This is critical as 
online auctions are accessible from all corners of the globe cutting across time zones 
and hence continuous customer support is very necessary.
These are some of the aspects of free auction sites that lead to easy and seamless 
online auctions. 
The main point is how do these auction sites sustain themselves since they are 
purportedly free. The truth is that a community of generous donors ensures that these 
sites are not short of operating expenses since they are doing a good service to 
fundraisers who are often on a shoestring budget. Small tips by users of the sites often 
add up to substantial amounts from where the sites can be maintained. 
How free are these free auction sites? There are two aspects - platform fees and 
processing fees. 
Platform fees are administrative expenses like those for posting a page, uploading 
photos of items, and interacting with bidders. No fees are collected for these activities 
and hence the sites are considered to be free. However, payment processing fees like 
that charged by payment gateways have to be paid by the fundraisers.