Silent auctions are not the same as regular auctions. Buyers and attendees will place their highest bids on a ballot or piece of paper that is often placed in front of each auction lot. The Silent Auction will end at the time specified by the auction coordinators, and the highest bidder on each sheet of paper will be declared the auction winner for that lot. Typically, silent auctions are used to raise funds for a charitable event, social cause, or non-profit organization. The silent aspect refers to the absence of an auctioneer actively selling goods or services. Instead, silent bidders participate on their own initiative. Fixed bid increments and a starting auction price are most commonly used in silent auctions.