Online auctions have become commonplace by 2021. Instead of spending the weekend cleaning the garage and the house so you can host a yard sale both mornings next weekend, now those turning their various-shaped dust-collectors into dough via online auctions are turning to online auctions. These auctions hold all the relevant details, match buyers and sellers, and support the transfer of funds on behalf of both parties.
When it comes to the software used to support online auctions, there are many features depending on the site’s specific needs. As the process becomes more sophisticated, the software requirements do too. Based on information from Maxanet regarding what makes a software platform successful, consider which element makes the top 5 software solutions a stand-out for this year.
- OneCause
One of the best aspects of this software is that it allows users, bidders, and donors, to access the auction via a mobile application, making it easily accessible from any device. Also, the software does the bulk of the work of managing bids. This frees the auction hosts to focus on other issues related to the charity event. Finally, OneCause offers multiple packages to choose from to accommodate any size organization.
- Qgiv
This software is also available through a mobile app, and it will even allow the users to set up notifications. Whether it is watching a particular item or wanting to know immediately if they are outbid, this software will enable donors and bidders to follow the results in real-time.
- Snowball
As the name implies, Snowball software encompasses many charitable giving components, with online auctions being just one of them. This package allows donors to go beyond merely offering items to auction. With this platform, charities can accept text-to-give donations, set up online giving, and much more. This package will require a higher investment for its use, but if there are demands for the other options available, it may be worth it to invest in everything at one time.
- Handbid
The beauty of Handbid is the availability of tools that excite bidders and thereby increase bidding activity. With features such as live leaderboards, the quintessential visible fundraising thermometer, and activity trackers, donors are compelled to jump in. The ability to see the instantaneous results of their contributions or lackluster response allows donors to respond to make a difference for the charity.
- ClickBid
The feature that makes ClickBid a stand-out is the opportunity to allow donors to set up ongoing contributions. Donations that are automated do not risk being forgotten. ClickBid also offers what many will see as a great relief–the ability to follow a link to participate in the online auction. Some donors are not thrilled about the requirement to have one more app to download to their device and will appreciate that they can still engage with ClickBid without any additional data storage requirements.
As charities move towards offering new and exciting ways to collect fundraising dollars, it’s a great idea to explore the various platforms on the market to assist the charity in that endeavor. Not all charities have the same needs, and so it goes that there’s no cookie-cutter software solution. All of these software options will engage and excite users to contribute to the cause. Hopefully, they will enjoy the satisfaction of their contribution and enjoy the method by which they contributed.
