How does BetterUnite handle a live auction with both in-room and online bidders?
Item Live View gives the auctioneer a single hybrid screen showing in-room and online bids together, so remote paddles compete with the ballroom in real time. You can also publish a public catalog preview of live items without enabling online bidding.
How do volunteers record bids fast enough for a live auction?
Quick Add is built for live-room speed: log bids by bidder number, guest name, or phone number, with multiple volunteers entering simultaneously. Planned bid ladders with custom increments keep the ask sequence tight.
What is a virtual paddle raise?
Remote attendees give at set levels from their phones while the in-room paddle raise runs, all feeding one real-time thermometer with running totals and per-level impact statements (“$5,000 feeds 10 families for a month”).
How do winners pay after the hammer falls?
Bulk award to highest bidders triggers winner texts and emails and loads carts automatically, and preauthorized cards charge instantly. If a winner backs out, mark the second or third bidder as winner in one click.
Can we show a fundraising thermometer the whole room can see?
Yes. The real-time thermometer projects on any screen and climbs as paddle-raise gifts and auction revenue land, a proven room-energy driver.