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Silent auctions are a staple fundraising event in the nonprofit industry, and they often bring in big fundraising dollars. They offer direct engagement with supporters and incentivize guests to donate. However, a glaring issue in the nonprofit space is the inefficient, frustrating, and stressful aspect of running an auction the traditional way.
Paper bids can be messy, disruptive, and hard to track. Long check-in and checkout lines make guests unhappy, and manually entering bidding data is time-consuming.
A good bidder experience is the key to a successful silent auction, and mobile bidding software is the future! This guide explores everything you need to know about mobile bidding software through the following sections:
- How does mobile bidding software work?
- What are the benefits of mobile bidding software?
- Top mobile bidding software platforms
How does mobile bidding software work?
Mobile bidding software is an interactive technology that enables silent auction guests to view and bid on items from their smartphones via a web browser (web-based) or a downloadable app (app-based). It is designed for mobile devices, making the auction experience more enjoyable for bidders, from check-in to checkout.
What are the benefits of mobile bidding software?
Silent auction software uses event management and bidding technology to eliminate the stress of traditional auctions. Organizations can simplify event setup and management, accept registrations, streamline check-in and checkout processes, and give bidders a way to view, bid, and purchase auction items—all online.
Here are a few additional benefits of using this technology:
1. Auction software enhances traditional auction events.
Auction platforms provide guests with a seamless, enjoyable mobile experience. Navigation is simple, the text is always legible, and images are properly sized.
Mobile bidding apps are fully functional on mobile devices, leveraging breakthrough technology to simplify auctions for guests. Guests will be able to build item watch lists, see real-time updates on bids (no need to refresh a browser), and receive push notifications when outbid.
Even web-based bidding is easy to use for donors on the go, as long as your website is optimized for mobile (and any modern donation website should be!). Online auction software streamlines your events while allowing your donors to choose the user experience that works best for them.
2. Mobile bidding software makes bidding more engaging.
App-based and web-based bidding options simplify the process by allowing guests to bid with the swipe of a finger or the click of a mouse!
In the time it takes a paper bidder to find an auction table, write down a bid, and place it in the basket, the app and web user will have already placed their bid and continued their conversation.
Simpler bidding means bidding happens quickly, keeping guests engaged and competing for their favorite items.
3. Auction software simplifies check-ins and checkouts.
Auction software allows guests to register for the event through your auction website. Guests can register individually or for a group and check in and check out without waiting in long lines. Since the auction software enables check-in and checkout, you will save time and raise more by eliminating manual data entry, long lines, and headaches for you, your staff, and your guests!
But what if my guests don’t want to download an app?
It’s understandable to worry about your guests’ willingness to download an app. However, it’s important to remember that downloading and using apps is a very familiar process to most Americans. These stats may put your mind at ease:
- According to the Pew Research Center, 97% of Americans own a cell phone, and 90% use smartphones.
- Americans of all ages use smartphones—even a majority of individuals over the age of 65 have one!
- 88% of time spent on a smartphone takes place on an app.
For the small percentage of guests who do not want to download an app, they will still be able to participate in your auction. Guests can register, check-in, bid, make purchases, and check out through a web browser or an auction worker set up with a virtual terminal. But for the majority of your guests, a mobile bidding app or web-based bidding is better than manual entry paper bidding.
Top mobile bidding software platforms
Start your search for the best mobile bidding software option for your organization with this comprehensive list.
1. Qgiv by Bloomerang
Mobile bidding software overview
Qgiv’s auction and event management platform is a convenient, user-focused tool designed to help you raise more money by giving your donors an amazing auction experience. We offer both app-based and web-based bidding, so there’s something for everyone!
Features
With Qgiv’s mobile bidding app, guests can:
- Check in by presenting their bidding number or QR code on the mobile app
- Learn how to use the app with an interactive tour
- Search, bid, and purchase items with just a swipe of a finger
- Bid in real time, build a watch list, and set a maximum bid
- Receive important auction updates automatically on their phone via push notifications
- Check out with the press of a button; no more frustrated donors waiting in long lines!
With Qgiv’s web-based bidding app, guests can:
- Engage in your auction based on their preference
- Bid on items, purchase event items like raffle tickets, and make fund-a-need donations on their desktop or mobile device
- View a running total and information about bid-on items in a convenient bidder dashboard
- Bid in real time
- Check out with the click of a button
Benefits
By choosing Qgiv, your organization will benefit from:
- A fully integrated event management system to streamline registrations with multi-guest ticketing
- Virtual invitation system so registered guests can invite their friends
- Easy item set-up to create new items, add descriptions, and categorize them for easy browsing. You can even import all items from a spreadsheet!
- Ability to track bidder activity and funds raised in real time at your event
- Onsite and offsite bids so busy donors can bid on their favorite items in real time—even if they can’t attend the actual event
- Simple checkout that lets donors pay on the app so you can dedicate more staff to retrieving items and thanking donors
- Time-saving features like automatically generated personalized bid numbers and unique QR codes that make it easy for your donors and staff to manage payments
Pricing
Qgiv’s auction software costs $259 per month. It includes app and web-based bidding options, donation forms, unlimited email and live phone support, and event management functionality. Learn more about our pricing.
2. OneCause
Mobile bidding software overview
OneCause is an auction and event management platform that offers a mobile bidding solution to help raise more at your events. This solution supports in-person, virtual, or hybrid fundraising events.
Features
- Express check-in and checkout
- Revenue-boosting tools such as competitive bidding, max bids, outbid notifications, and donation appeals
- Integrated ticketing and table management
- Customizable online sponsorship packages
- Mid-event donation appeals
Pricing
Request a demo on the OneCause website to access pricing information.
3. Handbid
Mobile bidding software overview
Handbid prioritizes creating a positive attendee experience with user-friendly mobile bidding software. Handbid’s app-based tool fosters an immersive experience for guests, increasing their likelihood of bidding higher and more frequently.
Features
- Outbid notifications
- Live thermometer, leaderboard, and ticker to encourage higher bids
- In-app livestream to showcase fundraising progress
- Apps available for both iPhones and Androids
- Easy, secure payment process for guests
Pricing
Plans start at $1,396, with both single and multi-event packages available.
4. Snowball Fundraising
Mobile bidding software overview
Snowball Fundraising offers auction software to help quickly set up events and engage guests both virtually and in person. Using Snowball, organizations can benefit from unlimited auctions, auction items, and bidders.
Features
- Customizable auction item descriptions with up to five photos per item
- The ability for supporters to bid on unlimited items
- Automatic email and text outbid notifications
- Seamless online payment portal
- Text-to-Bid functionality that allows guests to submit bids using SMS messaging
Pricing
Snowball’s unlimited auctions cost $849 annually, plus a 2.5% + $0.30 transaction fee.
5. ClickBid
Mobile bidding software overview
ClickBid’s mobile bidding software helps make the auction process more efficient and convenient for both event planners and guests. Donors can skip long checkout lines and instead bid and pay for items directly from their phones.
Features
- Ability to enable supporters to participate in your auction from anywhere in the world
- Customizable donation forms
- Automatic payment collection and receipting
- Donation goal display
- Easy-to-use event metrics dashboard
Pricing
Plans start at $759 annually.
6. Giveffect
Mobile bidding software overview
Giveffect offers auction fundraising software to centralize all event planning in one convenient system. Giveffect also offers many other fundraising tools, from volunteer and membership management to marketing and communications, meaning your organization can benefit from simultaneous data access and collection across all software platforms.
Features
- Customizable and shareable auction pages
- Automated winner notifications
- Instant checkout for winners with pre-authorized credit cards
- Live event broadcast
- Option to place bids through text
Pricing
Plans that include CRM software start at $399 monthly. There is also a Fundraising Only tier with auctions, tickets, and products for $299 monthly.
7. Greater Giving
Mobile bidding software overview
Greater Giving’s mobile bidding technology empowers nonprofits to run 24/7 online fundraisers and make events more interactive. With Greater Giving, attendees can bid using smartphones or bidding stations at in-person events.
Features
- Auction website optimized for all browsers
- Laptop and tablet bidding options
- Buy now feature to enable donors to purchase packages at a fixed price
- Bid tracking
- Sponsor logo display
Pricing
Greater Giving offers multiple packages based on your needs. Visit their website for more information.
8. Silent Auction Pro
Mobile bidding software overview
Silent Auction Pro seeks to be a partner in all auction and event management efforts. Their mobile bidding software allows nonprofits to take their events to the online realm and reach a broader audience.
Features
- Online auction catalog
- Support for live and in-person auctions
- Fixed price items
- Outbid text and email notifications
- Sponsor highlights
Pricing
Plans that include mobile bidding start at $749 annually.
9. Auctria
Mobile bidding software overview
Auctria helps run silent, live, and online auction events with convenient mobile bidding software. The platform helps raise money and awareness for nonprofit causes through event management and marketing tools.
Features
- Text-to-register
- Sponsorship recognition
- Branded auction website
- Automated bidding process, from registration to checkout
- Dashboard reports
Pricing
Auctria offers a free plan. Paid options start at $350 annually.
10. Accelevents
Mobile bidding software overview
Accelevents facilitates stress-free event planning with a solution created to streamline the attendee journey. The solution includes a mobile event app for attendees to get event information, engage with exhibitors, and provide feedback.
Features
- Outbid notifications
- Text-to-bid
- Custom links for guests to enter payment information
- Option to download bidder and auction winner histories to determine your top-performing items
- Mobile and desktop checkout options
Pricing
Plans start at $5,000 for hosting single events.
11. Event.Gives
Mobile bidding software overview
Event.Gives is a fundraising solution for selling tickets, fostering donor relationships, and managing events. The platform facilitates fast event check-ins, real-time attendee engagement, mobile checkout, and customer support.
Features
- Tailored AI-generated item descriptions
- Event livestreaming
- Interactive chat for participants
- Instant payouts
- Fraud detection
Pricing
Event.Gives offers flexible pricing with a 4.5% platform fee. Use the fees calculator on their website to help estimate costs.
12. ReadySetAuction
Mobile bidding software overview
ReadySetAuction markets itself as a “one-stop, cloud-based auction software solution for your silent, live, mobile, and online fundraiser auctions.” The platform is designed to help manage all aspects of auction planning in real time.
Features
- Tracking for multiple types of donations, including in-kind gifts, sponsorships, and item donations
- Combine donations into baskets
- Ability to preview your mobile bidding site as you build it
- Three bidding options for supporters to choose from
- eBidder self-checkout
Pricing
Plans start at $1,099 annually.
Final thoughts
Planning your auction has never been easier with mobile and web-based bidding at your donors’ fingertips. Ready to plan your next auction? Download our free auction planner, and then schedule your free demo to learn how Qgiv’s online auction software can work for you and your organization!
Looking for more free resources to help plan your next auction event? Start with these comprehensive guides:
- 10 Steps to Planning a Fundraising Silent Auction. If you’ve never run a silent auction, this step-by-step planning guide is an excellent resource for ensuring you cover all the bases.
- 100 Themed Silent Auction Basket Ideas for Fundraisers. Looking for silent auction basket ideas? Explore this list of options to wow your donors.
- Silent Auction Rules for Greater Fundraising Success. Silent auctions rely on careful planning to be successful. Follow these rules to plan your best event yet.
