Silent auction display sheets done right
By the 32auctions team•Updated June 2026•Powering auctions since 2008Display sheets sell the item; bid sheets capture the bid. Here's what each needs — and how a QR code bridges paper and online bidding.
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A silent auction display sheet presents an item — its name, number, description, value, and a QR code — while a bid sheet records bids (manually on paper, or automatically online). The most effective setup today is a printed display sheet with a QR code that sends guests straight to online bidding, so you get the visual appeal of physical tables plus the urgency and reach of digital bids. 32auctions generates printable display and bid sheets with QR codes for you.
What goes on a display sheet
The display sheet is your item's storefront. It should make someone want to bid before they've even thought about the price:
- Item name and lot number
- A vivid, benefit-led description
- Fair market value
- Starting bid and bid increment
- Donor/sponsor credit (with logo if applicable)
- A clear photo of the item
- A QR code linking to online bidding
- Closing time / how bidding ends
Display sheet vs. bid sheet
| Display sheet | Bid sheet | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Sell the item | Capture the bid |
| Key contents | Photo, description, value, QR code | Name, bid amount, increment lines |
| Lives | On the item table / easel | Next to the item (paper) or on phones (online) |
| Modern version | Printed with a QR to bid online | Replaced by digital bidding + leaderboard |
Why QR codes changed the game
A printed sheet alone limits bidding to whoever is standing at the table. Add a QR code and any guest can scan, open the item in their browser, and bid from their seat — or get outbid alerts after they've walked away. This is the heart of mobile bidding: keep the tactile, browsable display tables, but capture bids digitally so nothing is lost and bidding never stops.
Print yours automatically
You don't need to design sheets in a word processor. 32auctions generates printable display sheets and bid sheets with QR codes from the items you've already entered — consistent, professional, and linked to your live auction. For the paper-bidding format specifically, see our silent auction bid sheet guide and template.
Layout tips
- One item per sheet keeps tables clean and scannable.
- Make the QR code large and label it 'Scan to bid' — don't make guests hunt for it.
- Lead with the photo and a one-line hook, then the details.
- Show the starting bid and increment clearly so bidding is frictionless.
Key takeaways
- Display sheets sell the item; bid sheets capture the bid.
- Include name, description, value, starting bid, photo, and a QR code.
- A QR code bridges printed tables and online bidding — keep both.
- 32auctions generates printable display and bid sheets with QR codes for you.
Print display sheets with QR codes free
Enter your items once and 32auctions creates professional display and bid sheets that link straight to online bidding.
Common questions
Display & Bid Sheets FAQs
What's the difference between a display sheet and a bid sheet?
A display sheet sells the item — photo, description, value, and a QR code. A bid sheet records bids, either on paper or, increasingly, online. Many events use a printed display sheet whose QR code routes all bidding to the web.
What should be on a silent auction display sheet?
Item name and number, a vivid description, fair market value, starting bid and increment, donor credit, a photo, the closing time, and a QR code to bid online.
How do QR codes work on display sheets?
Guests scan the code with their phone camera, which opens that item in their browser. They can bid instantly and receive outbid alerts later — no app required. 32auctions adds QR codes to your sheets automatically.
Can I print display and bid sheets from 32auctions?
Yes. Once your items are entered, 32auctions generates printable display sheets and bid sheets with QR codes, so the printed table and your online auction stay in sync.
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