Auctions | 24 November 2025
What Is the Difference Between Dutch Auctions and English Auctions? (And How to Host Them)
Understanding these two auction styles can help you raise more money with less stress
8 minute read
If the phrase “we’re doing an auction” sends a wave of panic through your group chat, you’re not alone. For many volunteers, it’s just another task that comes with zero instructions, high expectations, and a looming event date circled on the calendar.
The good news is that you don’t need to be a professional auctioneer to figure this out. You don’t even need to love public speaking. Once you understand how the two most common auction styles, Dutch and English, actually work, the rest becomes much easier to plan.
Knowing the difference between a Dutch auction vs. English auction can shape how your guests engage, how much money you raise, and how well your night goes. Whether you’re planning a small school fundraiser or a big annual gala, choosing the right format gives you a head start.
Let’s walk you through both types of auctions, give you clear examples, break down their pros- and cons, and show you how to host them without the guesswork.
Understanding the basics of auction formats
Let’s start by looking at how each type of auction works. No jargon and no fluff, just the essentials.
What is a Dutch auction, and how does it work?
A Dutch auction flips the typical bidding process on its head. Instead of starting low and working upward, this format begins with a high price that steadily drops until someone decides it's worth locking in.
The first person to accept the price wins: no back-and-forth, no drawn-out bidding war. It rewards quick decisions and works especially well when you’re trying to move a lot of similar items or keep things moving on a tight schedule.
This approach is often used in settings like flower markets or produce auctions, where items are perishable and speed matters. In fundraising, Dutch auctions come in handy when you’re selling multiples of the same thing, like 50 raffle baskets, wine bottles, or branded merch. You can start at a high price and lower it gradually until guests begin to buy.
It’s simple, fast, and can be a fun way to switch up your event format, especially when you want to keep people on their toes.
What is an English auction, and why is it so common?
If you’ve ever seen a movie scene with raised paddles, fast-talking auctioneers, and a dramatic final bid, congrats, you already know the basics of an English auction.
This is the most familiar format for most people. Bidding starts at a base amount and goes up as participants outbid each other. The item goes to the highest bidder once no one wants to go higher.
English auctions are popular because they build excitement. They work well when you’re offering something unique or emotionally compelling, like a signed guitar, vacation getaway, or one-of-a-kind classroom art project. These items tend to spark a competitive spirit, and that’s what drives bids upward.
Picture a fundraiser where a weekend beach house is up for grabs. It starts at $300. A few hands go up. Then more. The crowd gets louder, the emcee fuels the energy, and it finally sells for $1,100 to thunderous applause. That’s the kind of moment English auctions are made for.
English auctions translate well across almost every event format. They work in person with paddles, online with automatic bidding tools, and even on paper during community fundraisers. The style is familiar and easy to follow, which is why most auction software supports English auction bidding for online and mobile events. They may take a little more time, but they often bring in higher bids. Plus, let’s face it, they’re also just plain fun to watch.
Comparing Dutch vs. English auction formats
What makes these auctions different from each other?
English auctions go up in price. Guests bid higher and higher until no one wants to top the current offer. It’s public, social, and often strategic.
Dutch auctions go down in price. The price drops until someone accepts it. No bidding war; just a quick decision before someone else grabs it.
English auctions feed off group energy. Dutch auctions are more individual: quiet, fast, and based on timing. One’s competitive, the other’s calculated.
Dutch auction vs. English auction: which one creates more excitement?
English auctions build buzz. Paddle numbers go up, the emcee keeps things lively, and bidding wars can get the room cheering.
Dutch auctions have a different kind of tension: who’s going to say yes first? It’s less dramatic but still fun, especially with multiple or identical items.
In person, English auctions feel more theatrical. Dutch auctions are smoother and more efficient. English auctions work smoothly online, on paper, and in person. Dutch auctions can also be used online if the software supports a price-drop format.
Dutch auction vs. English auction: which one is faster?
Dutch auctions are faster by design. You set a high starting price, lower it in steps, and wait for someone to act. Great for tight schedules or bulk items.
English auctions take longer, but that pacing helps build value and emotional investment. If you’ve got a big-ticket item and a little time, it’s worth it.
Need quick wins? Go Dutch. Want to create a moment? Stick with English.
Choosing the right format for your fundraising event
Knowing how these auctions work is one thing; choosing the right one is where things really come together. The format you use can shape the entire experience for your guests and impact how much money you raise.
Think about your items and audience
The format should fit the kind of items you’re offering. The format should also fit the way guests take part, whether that’s in person, online, or through mobile bidding.
Unique, high-interest items, like VIP experiences, artwork, or vacation packages, are better suited for English auctions. These are things people are likely to get emotionally invested in. A little competition can drive bids up and make the moment more exciting.
Identical or similar-value items, like raffle baskets, bottles of wine, gift cards, or classroom projects, are perfect for Dutch auctions. Instead of forcing a bidding war for each one, you can offer them to multiple people at a gradually dropping price. It’s clean, fast, and fair.
Also, think about your guests. Have they attended fundraisers before? Do they understand how bidding works? Are they likely to get caught up in the excitement, or would they rather keep things straightforward?
If your audience includes many newcomers, a Dutch auction can feel more approachable. If your crowd loves a little friendly competition, English auctions will give them exactly that.
The pros and cons of each approach
Here’s a quick breakdown of what each format brings to the table.
English auction
Pros
- Most online bidding platforms perform English auctions
- Similar emotional value online as they do in-person
- Builds energy and suspense
- Great for unique items
- Encourages competitive bidding
Cons
- Takes more time
- Requires a confident emcee or auctioneer
Dutch auction
Pros
- Fast and efficient
- Works well with bulk or repeatable items
- Easy for guests to follow
Cons
- Less dramatic
- May bring in lower per-item bids if not paced correctly
From a volunteer standpoint, think about how much setup each one takes. English auctions might need printed paddles, scripts, and practiced transitions. Dutch auctions can be more plug-and-play, especially with tools that automate price drops or sales.
Guest communication is also a factor. Clear instructions are critical, especially if people haven’t seen a Dutch auction before.
Hosting a hybrid event? You can use both!
Here’s the best part: you don’t have to pick just one.
Plenty of fundraisers mix both Dutch and English auctions in the same event to keep things fresh and flexible. It adds variety, helps you handle different item types, and gives guests multiple ways to participate. English auctions flow easily in online or hybrid setups, and Dutch auctions can work digitally as well when supported by the right tools.
For example:
- Use an English auction for your showstopper items, things you want to highlight and build buzz around.
- Run a Dutch auction for things like mystery boxes or classroom art, where multiple people can walk away with the same thing.
This combo works especially well in hybrid or virtual events where pacing and screen fatigue are concerns. Switching up the format helps hold attention while moving the event along.
Offering both formats also creates more opportunities for guests to say “yes.” Some will jump into the bidding war. Others will wait for the perfect Dutch auction price drop. Either way, you win.
How to host an English auction with confidence
A strong English auction doesn’t need theatrics, but it does need structure, energy, and a plan.
Set your starting price and minimum
Start bids at about 30–50% of the item’s value to get the action going. For donated items, you can start even lower. If you’ve set a reserve price, decide it early and keep it private. If bidding stalls, pivot and bundle the item or move it online later.
Create a bidding environment that encourages action
A confident emcee makes all the difference. They don’t have to be a pro, but they should be someone who can read the room, keep it light, and move things along.
Use tools like Silent Auction Pro to show live bids, send outbid alerts, and let guests participate by phone. Combine that with paddles, screens, and countdowns to keep people tuned in and ready to bid. f you’re running the auction online, Silent Auction Pro’s automatic bidding, countdowns, and alerts keep the action moving without needing a live auctioneer.
Wrap it up with ease
Celebrate each win with a quick thank-you, then move right along. Use mobile checkout and automated receipts to skip long lines at the end of the night and make life easier for both guests and volunteers.
How to run a Dutch auction that works for everyone
Dutch auctions move fast, but the right setup keeps things clear, fair, and fun. Some platforms might also offer tools to run Dutch auctions online, where price drops are automated and guests can tap to claim an item from their phones.
Start with a high anchor price
Kick things off with a high starting price, not because you expect bids there, but because it helps frame the item’s value. As the price drops, guests will see the deal. Just make sure they know how it works: once someone accepts the current price, that item’s gone.
Use clear increments and timing
Decide in advance how much the price will drop and how often. For example, lower the price every 30 seconds in $10 steps. Use live announcements, screens, or countdown timers, whether in person or online, so guests know what’s happening and when.
Make it easy to say yes
Keep participation straightforward. Use QR codes, mobile links, and automated bidding tools to let guests act fast.
Examples of items that work well in Dutch auctions
Dutch auctions are best for items where you have more than one to sell, or when you want to keep things fast and simple.
Try them for:
- Raffle baskets (especially if you have a few versions of similar value)
- Drink tickets or wine pulls
- Branded swag bags or spirit gear
- Bulk gift card packs
- Class projects or artwork with multiple copies or prints
These items don’t need long bidding wars, and many guests will happily jump in at the right price.
Examples of events that have used both auction formats
A lot of successful events use a mix of Dutch and English auctions to play to the strengths of each format. It keeps the night interesting, gives more guests a chance to participate, and helps you raise more money across different item types.
Here are a few real-world setups that work well:
Charity gala
- English auction for the big-ticket items like VIP dinners, getaways, or once-in-a-lifetime experiences
- Dutch auction to move through a lineup of themed gift baskets or mystery bags without taking up too much time
School fundraiser
- Dutch auction to sell multiples of a class project, like a custom student art calendar or framed photo prints
- Keeps things efficient and gives more families a chance to participate
Sports booster event
- English auction for autographed memorabilia, exclusive game-day experiences, or season passes
- Dutch auction for team gear bundles, drink tickets, or merchandise packs, especially if you’ve got plenty to go around
This approach keeps your audience engaged without overwhelming your planning team. When you use a platform that handles both formats, managing the logistics becomes much easier.
Make the logistics less chaotic and more clickable
Whether you're going with a Dutch auction, an English auction, or mixing both, the behind-the-scenes setup can quickly become a tangle of spreadsheets, emails, and late-night planning sessions. That’s where Silent Auction Pro makes a real difference, especially for English auctions. Our platform streamlines these popular options online, on paper, and in-person. Silent Auction Pro supports Dutch auctions in live environments and offers full English auction support across online, mobile, and in-person formats.
It’s built for teams like yours: volunteers, part-timers, committee members who already have a million other things on their plates. You don’t need a tech background or an event planner’s budget to make this work.
With Silent Auction Pro, you can:
- Set up online and mobile bidding that’s easy for guests to use
- Send real-time outbid notifications to keep the energy going
- Build a custom landing page with your own branding, images, and details
- Manage ticketing for Dutch-style auctions with bundled options and add-ons
- Use drag-and-drop seating tools to speed up check-in at live events
- Schedule messages, set reminders, and track everything in one place
You don’t have to do it alone. Every event comes with free support, including your own personal event coach who can walk you through the setup and troubleshoot with you in real time.
So if you’re feeling like you need six more hands or an extra month to pull it all together, this is your sign that you don’t. You just need a better system with powerful tools.
One auction format isn’t better; it’s just different
Here’s what it all comes down to: Dutch auction vs. English auction isn’t a battle. It’s a choice.
Both formats have their strengths. Both can raise serious money. The trick is knowing your crowd, your items, and your event flow, and picking the one that helps you meet your goals with the least amount of stress.
English auctions are great for high-value, one-of-a-kind items that build energy and spark a little friendly competition. Dutch auctions shine when you’ve got multiples to move, a limited window of time, or guests who prefer something simple and fast.
Using both can give you the best of both worlds.
Whatever you choose, you don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right tools and support, you can run a smooth, fun, and profitable event, even if it’s your first time doing it.
Ready to run a better auction?
If you’re still figuring out whether a Dutch or English auction fits your event, Silent Auction Pro makes it easy to test both.
Request a free demo and see how the platform handles bidding, ticketing, tracking, and more. Whether you’re planning an in-person gala, a virtual raffle, or something in between, we’ll help you set it up, keep it organized, and take the pressure off.
Whether your event is live, online, or a mix of both, the platform handles the bidding styles you choose with minimal setup. You’ve got the cause. We’ve got the tools to help you raise more with less stress.
Let’s make your next fundraiser the one that feels less like chaos and more like a win.
Tricia Harris | Customer Engagement & Retention and Marketing Managert | Mississippi
My guiding principle has always been simple: maximize profits while cutting costs in every way possible. I’ve built a reputation for being resourceful, creative, and committed to helping organizations succeed—especially when resources are limited. Learn more about Tricia here.