25 Best Auction Websites

Looking to build a standout online webpage? Our guide including our 25 favorite auction websites showcases the best in design, functionality, and user experience. Get inspired by examples from fine art, estate, real estate, and surplus auction companies—and discover tips to create a seamless, engaging platform your visitors will love. For more ideas, check out our best website designers article!

Top Auction Website Designs

1. eBay

This example had a great balance of white space in order to make everything look sharp and easy to read. A search bar was an addition we couldn’t ignore, especially for a company like this one. They showcase many popular products in order to get customers get excited. eBay had marketing in mind when allowing for an ability to see what current prices are and how many people are watching an item.

2. Bidding For Good

We loved how this example has simplistic graphics to help show what they as a company do. Their simple fonts are another thing that we enjoyed because customers don’t get distracted by these visuals. A live chat is a feature that we noticed in here, an hope other businesses can take inspiration from. Their navigation is very basic which makes it easy to find objects that you are searching for.

3. Charity Auctions Today

Right away, our team thought this logo was very creative and combined their values well. Their graphics and images was an addition that we couldn’t ignore. Charity Auctions Today uses blue, white, orange and green which we like because it creates a unique harmony. This professional font was refreshing to feel more reliable as a company.

4. Live Auctioneers

In Live Auctioneers, we noticed how there was a sense of organization for all their featured items. Showing how many people are viewing each item live was a brilliant addition. Showing television networks that have featured their business was another feature that we enjoyed. We also loved how there was a search bar that helps people to find the items they’ve been searching for.

5. Sotheby’s

We love how this company has a mix of auctions and exhibitions in order to attract many customers. Having many buttons to help guide viewers to additional information or other areas of this website was a great choice. Their images showcase that they are a high quality provider, or they wish to be perceived as so. Sotheby’s domain is also extremely simple and easy to find.

6. Auctria

We quickly noticed how Auctria showed awards that they have received. They did a great job with their 3D graphics and bulleted information to help everything feel more organized. Using banners to display information was definitely refreshing and it helped to break up information. Another thing that we liked was their vertical line that follows information to help readers understand their business process.

7. Artsy

This example was amazing because they took advantage of a theme for their auctions. Even though they sell art, they offer a variety of styles, mediums, colors, and themes. We also thought it was a nice touch to include news articles right along next to their art. Another feature you might notice was this white and black color scheme that allows these pieces to stand in the spotlight.

8. Charitybuzz

There was lots of high quality images that allow for a stunning look, and creates trust with their business. We thought it was great how they included an estimate for final sale and current bid. Being able to favorite items in order to find them later was a great addition. As reviewers, another feature we enjoyed was how red text was used in order to highlight biddings ending soon.

9. Give Smart

This was thoughtful because of their creative graphics and stunning photo frames. Another creative quality was their bulleted information to keep everything looking clean and organized. There was also a good balance of icons and statistics. Their use of an easy to use form in order to request a demo for why their service is perfect for you.

10. Invaluable

There was a variety of different items that were up for sale through this company which we loved. Invaluable did a great job organizing all their images so that it doesn’t feel too overwhelming. Featuring live auctions with lots of products that are known to appear was also interesting. They also had ease of use in mind when creating a section for popular upcoming events.

11. Abell Auctions

Almost right away, we noticed how they utilized an auction calendar which is an interesting idea. Their balance between white space, text, and fonts which made for a stunning look. Including their stories in order to engage people in their information. Their classy logo was another inclusion that we enjoyed because it reflects their company in a logical manner.

12. Christie’s

Large imagery was a very impactful feature in Christie’s webpage. This template was very well organized, which made their content flow nicely. They used images taken at many different angles in order to create a more diverse look for their selection of products. For their upcoming auctions, it was nice that they included where the auction will take place.

13. Auction.com

We loved how right away, they established a green and blue color palette that stuck throughout their entire pages. Including videos was an aspect that we absolutely enjoyed. Showcasing a clean and intuitive layout, they like to keep things simple. Being able to look at houses for auction by state, county, city, zip code or address was something that really grabbed our attention.

14. ACV Auction

We loved how this slanted graphic that appears in their logo is recreated over and over to create a sense of repetition. Their titles use large fonts that helps them stand out and create a sense of visual hierarchy. Having lots of short paragraphs was another thing that was extremely helpful for those wishing to read through their content. ACV Auction also did an amazing job with their domain that was simple and easy to remember.

15. Copart

This was an example that we loved because of their relaxing blue and yellow accents. There was small patterns for their graphics that adds a sense of uniqueness to their pages. We really liked how they labeled what was included in each service plan and how much it costs. Including buttons in order to enhance usability was definitely refreshing.

16. GalaBid

We thought this small message bubble that is used in their logo was nice, plus, they reused it to create a sense of unity. This site also has a great addition of rounded image frames (in both rectangle and hexagons). They also did an amazing job with their professional text choice. We enjoyed their color choice that was different and grabbed attention.

17. Municibid

This was an example that is sure to inspire other companies with their organized information. It was extremely helpful to have a section for popular auctions, while also sorting into categories on the left side. The ability to search by location was something that we noticed. A search bar can be found in this header which makes it very easy for people to find what they’re looking for.

18. Catawiki

Showcasing a clean and intuitive layout, Catawiki keeps things simple. As we scrolled through, something that we noticed was their use of icons to help organize their objects. Additionally, many texts were highlighted with bright blue in order to show where additional links are included. A simple balance of white space was refreshing for a unique site.

19. eBid

One of the first things that we noticed was their sections for each type of auction or product. It was interesting to also include listings that have recently closed because it helps people understand how much certain items are selling for. Another thoughtful quality in eBid was their color accents of red and blue. A clearly labeled menu was also nice to keep everything oganized.

20. Champaign County Auctions

The white, blue and orange color palette seen in this custom auctioning website stood out to us because it creates a sleek and professional design. Our web designers thought this website was a good example for auctioning sites because of their optimized content. Their icons seen throughout their pages was refreshing for a custom site. Champaign County Auctions had internet marketing in mind when building the captivating font for their website. Give some thought to the creative design of this auction website when developing your next website.

21. MaxSold

There was lots of image collages to help people know what they could find at each auction. They really thought about their viewers when ensuring simple navigation throughout these pages. It was interesting to show why the seller is auctioning off their items. Using red text to show how much time is left on auctions was a choice that we couldn’t ignore.

22. Direct Liquidation

Visuals dominate this site by blending icons, graphics and images. A search bar is something that proves to be helpful for any type of company, but especially ones like this one. There are also lots of high quality, professional looking images in that highly engaged customers. There is also a perfect balance of white space that makes for an alluring template.

23. eSnipe

This was a unique idea for a business, but they also had a creative look. We loved how their was 3D cartoon graphics that make for an interesting look. Including a table to show off their WinPoints plan was helpful for anyone considering this service. Adding in buttons to keep people visiting more areas of their site is something else that is always helpful.

24. Auto Bid Master

Once again, a search bar can be noticed here which is a great addition. We like how they have a contrast of light and dark colors throughout these pages. Including their customer reviews right in their homepage was also a nice idea. A bright color scheme helped make this auction company stand out for sure. Additionally, their domain was very simplistic in order to allow for finding their site easily.

25. Heritage Auctions

Making use of bright red banners over images to show upcoming or recently started auctions was the first aspect we noticed about Heritage Auctions. Integrating social media was another feature that we noticed and enjoyed. Everything was organized and placed logically making it very easy to find information. They also did a great job with professional looking images.

How to Build a Great Auction Website

Are you building a new webpage for your auction company? Yay! Let’s explore the some steps to create or redesign. If you’ve already chosen your domain, hosting, and platform, feel free to skip ahead.

1.) Purchasing a Domain Name

Choosing a domain name is key to your auction company’s online identity—it’s your web address and an important part of your branding. Here’s how to pick the perfect one:

1. Brainstorm: Start by writing down some domain names using your business name, auction type, and location.
2. Simplicity: Keep your domain name simple, clear, and easy to spell—avoid complex words, hyphens, or numbers.
3. Consistency: Make sure to include your brand name in your domain—for example, avoid names like SoldSoldSold.biz if your company is Bill’s Fast Auction Company.
4. Availability: Check if your desired domain is available. If it’s taken, see if it’s unused and for sale—but avoid overspending on it.
5. Domain Extensions: Choose a domain extension that fits your site—.com is most common, but options like .net, .org, or .auction may suit your business better.
6. Legal Considerations: Before registering, run a trademark search to avoid infringing on other brands—don’t use names tied to other auction companies or software providers.
7. Register the Domain: Once you’ve chosen an available domain, register it through a trusted provider like GoDaddy, or Namecheap for easy management.

2.) Choosing a Website Platform

After choosing a domain, you’ll have to pick a platform. WordPress is a great option for auction sites with content, calendars, chat, and contact forms, though builders like Wix can work too.

1. WordPress: WordPress is a flexible, popular CMS ideal for auction sites of all sizes. With thousands of themes and plugins, it supports everything from basic pages to advanced bidding features. Most users opt for the open-source version on their own hosting for greater control and scalability.
2. Wix: Wix is a hosted website builder with easy-to-use tools, similar to WordPress. It’s a good option for auction sites and doesn’t require separate hosting.

Auctioneers usually add eCommerce only when creating an online auction marketplace—but it’s a competitive space with many established platforms.

Web Hosting Requirements

Platforms like AuctionNinja or Shopify include hosting, so no separate service is needed. For self-hosted sites, you’ll need a reliable hosting provider. Here are some options:

1. WP Engine: WP Engine offers reliable hosting and a user-friendly control panel, making it ideal for auction sites. It includes seamless backups, though costs can rise with advanced features.
2. SiteGround: SiteGround is a reliable host with excellent support, user-friendly backups, and affordable pricing—great for auction companies.
3. Digital Ocean: Digital Ocean offers powerful cloud hosting, best for advanced needs. It’s a solid option if you have technical expertise—consider AdminGeekZ for server management help.

3.) Selecting a Website Template

For most auction companies, using a pre-built website template is an affordable, efficient choice. If you prefer a unique design, consider hiring a professional web developer or custom ecommerce developer .

Here are some top theme marketplaces to explore:

WooCommerce Auction Themes

You’ll find a variety of ecommerce auction themes for WooCommerce on ThemeForest.

iBid – Themeforest

$75

More info

Besa – Themeforest

$59

More info

Shopify Auction Themes

Explore free and paid themes at themes.shopify.com, or consider options available on marketplaces like ThemeForest.

iBid – Themeforest

$95

More info

Gemmart – Themeforest

$29

More info

Wix Auction Themes

Browse through free and paid themes in the Wix marketplace at wix.com, where you can find suitable options.

4.) Crafting Content & Adding Visuals

With your domain, platform, and theme ready, it’s time to create compelling content!

Here are some tips for writing engaging website copy:

1. Know your target audience: Before writing, understand your audience—their demographics, needs, and interests. Tailor content to them to boost relevance and search visibility.
2. Define your key messages: Define your key messages to reflect your brand, highlight your strengths, and clearly show the benefits of your business’ service.
3. Keep it concise and scannable: Since readers often skim, keep content concise. Use short paragraphs, bullet points, subheadings, and bold text to enhance readability.
4. Create clear and compelling headlines: Create compelling headlines that highlight your auction site’s value and draw visitors in to explore more.
5. Incorporate keywords strategically: Use tools like Ahrefs or Semrush to find relevant keywords and add them naturally to your content. Avoid overuse to maintain readability and user experience.
6. Maintain a conversational tone: Write in a friendly, conversational tone that connects with your audience. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and speak directly to your readers.
7. Edit and proofread: Always proofread before publishing. Check grammar, spelling, flow, and brand consistency—tools like Grammarly can help!
8. Utilize ChatGPT for assistance: Need help with ideas or content? Try AI tools like ChatGPT for support.

Pair your content with high-quality visuals. Here are some tips:

1. Opt for high-quality images: Use high-resolution, well-composed images—blurry visuals can hurt your reputation.
2. Ensure relevance: Choose images that support your content and add context or visual interest to your auction site.
3. Explore stock photo resources: Use trusted stock sites like Unsplash, Pixabay, or Shutterstock for quality auction-related images. Follow licensing rules and give credit when needed.
4. Customize images when possible: If possible, customize images to match your brand for a cohesive look. Tools like Adobe Photoshop or Canva can help.
5. Optimize image file sizes: Compress images to reduce load times without losing quality. Tools like TinyPNG can help improve speed and SEO.

5.) Post Launch Strategies

Once your auction site is live, focus on key post-launch tasks to boost its success. Here are some essential tips:

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Boost local visibility with strong SEO—research keywords, optimize content, build internal links, and update regularly. Consider hiring our SEO team or using services like The HOTH.
2. Paid Advertising: Attract targeted traffic with paid ads on platforms like Google or Facebook. Use ourPPC management services or find experts on sites like Mayple for quick results.
3. Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO): Use tools like Google Analytics to track performance and spot drop-off points. Run A/B tests with VWO to boost conversions and improve user experience.
4. Website Security: Protect your auction site with strong security: use SSL, firewalls like Sucuri, and regular backups. Keep everything updated, monitor for threats, and consider tools like UptimeRobot for uptime tracking.
5. Website Maintenance: Keep your auction site running smoothly with regular maintenance. Update WordPress plugins/themes, monitor speed, fix errors, and back up often. Use our website maintenance services or hire freelancers on Upwork.
6. User Feedback and Testing: Gather user feedback and run tests to understand visitor behavior. Use insights to improve and optimize your auction site over time.
7. Content Updates: Keep your content fresh with regular auction blog posts and updates. Accurate, engaging content attracts visitors and encourages shares and return visits.

Post-launch digital marketing is key to long-term success. Stay proactive, track performance, and adjust strategies to meet your goals and audience needs.

FAQs about Web Development for Auction Websites