top of page
Search

Auction Best Practices

  • Writer: Ryan Mulcock
    Ryan Mulcock
  • Jul 15
  • 3 min read
ree

Auctions are one of the most dynamic and exciting tools in CreatorCart’s toolkit. They create urgency, exclusivity, and real-time competition—all of which drive conversions when done right. But the true key to a successful auction? Timely, strategic SMS messaging.

Here’s how to set up, promote, and run high-performing auction carts on CreatorCart using SMS as your main engagement engine:


1. Use SMS to Build Anticipation Before the Auction

Start the hype early. Let your audience know when your auction is going live. Use SMS to announce key details:

  • Start/end time

  • Product preview or teaser

  • “Get ready” message with a reminder opt-in link

Example: “🔥 Bidding opens at 6PM! Exclusive pieces available. Be ready: [link]”

Pro tip: Schedule reminders 24 hours, 1 hour, and 5 minutes before the auction starts to boost turnout.


2. Send a Live Link via SMS When the Auction Opens

The moment the auction starts, fire off an SMS blast with the live bidding link. This immediacy drives early traffic and ensures your most loyal followers are the first to bid.

Example: “⏳ Auction is LIVE! Bid now on limited-edition merch: [link] – Ends in 30 mins!”


3. Set Clear Auction Parameters

In the auction listing (and via SMS), make sure to clearly explain:

  • Minimum bid

  • Bid increments

  • End time

  • How winners will be notified (via SMS, of course!)

Transparency creates trust and encourages more participation.


4. Respond Quickly to Buyer Questions

If a potential bidder texts back with a question—like sizing, shipping, or item condition—reply ASAP. In auction environments, hesitation = lost momentum. Have quick replies or a team member ready to answer during live auctions.


5. Express Exclusivity to Build FOMO

Highlight scarcity in your SMS and social posts. The more exclusive it feels, the more urgency you’ll create.

Example: “💥 Only 1 available – auction closes in 10 minutes! Final chance: [link]”


6. Promote the Auction Across Social, But Close It Over SMS

Use your social media platforms to tease the auction, share countdowns, and build visibility. But always direct followers to opt-in for SMS to get access to the actual auction link and bid alerts.

This grows your SMS list and gives you more control over conversions.


7. Send Follow-Up SMS After the Auction Ends

After the auction, send personalized follow-ups:

  • Congratulate winners with a direct payment link

  • Thank participants

  • Offer a discount or early access to the next drop for non-winners

Example: “👏 You won! Complete your purchase now: [link]” or “Thanks for bidding! Didn’t win? Here’s 10% off your next order: [link]”


8. Keep Auctions Short and Punchy

Ideal auction length? 15–60 minutes. Enough time to drive engagement, but short enough to maintain urgency. SMS makes short windows work because you can instantly notify users at every stage.


9. Analyze & Iterate

Review data post-auction:

  • SMS open/click rates

  • Highest bid time

  • Number of bids per user

  • Drop-off points

Use this to fine-tune future auctions—like when to send bid alerts or how long to run the event.


Final Thoughts

Auction carts are fast, exciting, and high-converting—but only if you keep the energy up with smart SMS strategy. Treat your texts like a live emcee: keep your community informed, hyped, and ready to act.


👉 CreatorCart clients who use SMS effectively in auctions see significantly higher bid frequency and final sale values. Ready to try one? Set up your next auction and let SMS do the heavy lifting.


 
 
 
bottom of page