What is a Chinese Auction (Tricky Tray Fundraiser)? 

Posted by Jordan Morris on 4 April 2025

How to Run a Chinese Auction For Fundraising Success

If you’re on the hunt for fundraising ideas that feel a little different, you may have come across the term Chinese Auction, sometimes called a tricky tray. Not sure what it is or how to run one? You’re in the right place.

A Chinese Auction is a fantastic way to add excitement to your fundraising strategy—while potentially bringing in some serious revenue. With the right prizes and planning, you’ll enjoy hosting the event just as much as your guests enjoy taking part.

Here’s everything you need to know about Chinese Auctions and how to make yours a success.

What is a Chinese Auction?

The term Chinese Auction actually blends two popular fundraising styles: a traditional raffle and a silent auction.

Here’s how it works:
Guests purchase bundles of tickets and use them to “bid” on the prizes they want to win. Each prize has its own pot or container, and guests can place as many tickets as they’d like into each one—boosting their chances of winning a specific item. A ticket is then drawn at random from each pot to determine the winner, just like a raffle.

This format adds an element of strategy and excitement, as guests decide how to spread their tickets between items. It also encourages higher participation—because the more tickets a guest buys, the better their odds!

Why Chinese Auctions Work for Fundraising

Let’s face it—after years of raffles, wine walls, and bake sales, many supporters are craving something new. That’s why Chinese Auctions are a great way to stand out. They feel interactive, fresh, and just a little bit glamorous—especially if you make it an evening affair.

Although they’ve been around for decades, Chinese Auctions still feel novel because they’re less common than other raffle-style events. Yes, they take some planning—but if you secure the right prizes, you’ll see a serious return on your effort.

Bonus: They’re adaptable. From black-tie galas to community centre gatherings—or even online events—a Chinese Auction can fit your audience and venue.

How to Plan a Chinese Auction

1. Choose the Right Venue

A Chinese Auction doesn’t require a grand ballroom, but your space should reflect the type of event you’re hosting. High-end prizes call for a more polished venue, while smaller gatherings might work in a school hall or community space. Planning a virtual Chinese Auction? Use a fundraising platform that lets you showcase prizes with high-quality visuals and automated ticket tracking.

2. Secure Great Prizes

The more desirable your prizes, the better your auction will perform. Try to mix small-ticket and big-ticket items—gift baskets, local experiences, spa days, or even consignment items (which Givergy can help source). Lean on your network and local businesses and remember: who you know often matters more than what you know when it comes to sourcing amazing donations.

3. Invite the Right Mix of Guests

Balance is key. You want guests who will enjoy the experience—and some who are willing to spend big. One great trick: Invite the individuals or businesses who donated your larger prizes. Not only does it serve as a thank-you, but they may bid on other prizes or share your event with their network.

Chinese Auction Rules: Keep It Fair and Fun

The rules are simple:

• Guests purchase ticket bundles before or during the event (in-person or online).
• Each prize has a dedicated container where tickets can be submitted.
• The more tickets a guest places for a prize, the better their odds of winning.
• A winner is randomly selected from each pot.

Important tip: Have someone neutral draw the winners. This keeps everything transparent and ensures no participant feels the process is unfair.

Ready to Try It?

A Chinese Auction is a brilliant way to bring people together, raise money in a fun and engaging way, and give your fundraiser a unique edge. It’s low-pressure for guests, exciting to run, and flexible for organisations of all sizes.

Whether you’re planning an in-person gala or a virtual draw, platforms like Givergy make it easy to manage ticketing, collect donations, and showcase your prizes beautifully. And the best news? You can create your campaign today 100% free of charge, by clicking get started!

Jordan Morris

Givergy

Jordan joined Givergy after studying Politics with International Relations at the University of York. He has over two years experience within the charity sector working as a face-to-face fundraiser and as a constituency campaigner. After experiencing the sector from within and knowing first-hand the impact digital solutions can make to fundraising strategies, Jordan is now dedicated to innovating the way charities fundraise to ensure they maximise returns from every fundraising campaign.