6 Best Online Auction Software Solutions

Online auctions are an effective and engaging way to raise funds for your nonprofits. There are also numerous online auction software solutions that help nonprofits create, manage, and master online auctioning. 

However, with so many options on the market, choosing the right one for your organization can be daunting. Fortunately, we’re here to help. 

If you’re interested in investing in online auction software, then look no further. Here are the top auction software solutions to help your nonprofit maximize participation and reach your goals.

6 Top Auction Software Solutions For Nonprofits

While there are dozens of online auction software options out there, these software options are the best of the best. Whether you need something affordable or feature-rich, there's an option here for you.

1. BiddingOwl

No online auctioning list would be complete without BiddingOwl. BiddingOwl is a user-friendly online auction software solution designed with nonprofits in mind. It has a range of features to help organizations manage auctions and reach their goals.

As for the software, BiddingOwl allows nonprofits to set up and manage online auctions from one easy-to-use dashboard. Users can use a wide array of listing tools, bid-tracking features, and communication tools to create engaging and effective online auctions. 

Main Features

• A friendly user interface that is easy to understand and navigate. 
• Mobile bidding that allows donors to place bids and track auctions on the go. 
• Branded auction website that users can customize to suit their brand and mission statement. 
• Built-in event management tools to help manage online auctions. 
• Promotional tools to boost your fundraiser marketing efforts. 
• Bidder management tools for swift and accurate bidder activity tracking. 
• Secure payment processing with multiple payment options. 
• Detailed reporting and analytics to track auction performance and objectives. 

2. Handbid 

As the name so cleverly suggests, Handbid is a mobile auctioning app that focuses on providing an effortless mobile bidding experience. It’s a good bidding tool for nonprofits looking to engage potential sponsors through their smartphones.

The platform is designed to enhance user experience and maximize participation in fundraising events. By making bidding available on the go, there are no more limitations on when or where supporters can participate. 

Main Features

• App and auction site customization.
• A simple, easy-to-use app for both iOS and Android smartphones. 
• Mobile-friendly auction catalog with item descriptions and image slides.
• Secure payment process with multiple payment options.
• Live and silent auction options.  
• Instant push notifications and updates on bids.
• User management tools to manage both bidders and auction staff. 

3. Charity Auctions Today 

Charity Auctions Today is best known for its feature-rich design. It’s a popular option for online charity auctions and was designed to keep auctioneers in full control. 

The platform's tools are effective at maximizing returns and helping charities reach their goals. The platform also supports various types of auctions, including silent, live, and online-only auctions. This versatility has become one of its biggest selling points. 

Main Features

• Supports silent, live, and online-only auction types. 
• Mobile responsive design for on-the-go use. 
• Detailed bidder behavior and action trends reporting and analytics. 
• Social media integration for fast and easy social sharing. 
• Secure payment process with multiple payment options. 
• Invoicing templates for quick payment collection. 

4. ClickBid 

ClickBid is a simple but effective online auction software solution. It supports both online and hybrid auction formats and sports an easy-to-use user interface. Beyond ease of use, ClickBid is also affordable, making it a great option for charities that need to minimize expenses. 

Even though its design is simple, ClickBid still offers a host of management, tracking, and sharing features that help charities reach their targets. 

Main Features 

• Simple, user-friendly design. 
• Online and hybrid bidding options. 
• Customizable branded auction websites. 
• Text bidding for increased accessibility and participation. 
• User profiles with basic CRM features.
• High qualify live video streaming. 
• Auction reporting and analytics to track performance. 
• Automatic receipts and thank you messages to participants.

5. 32Auctions

32Auctions is another affordable online auction software solution with a straightforward design. The software has a minimalist approach to online auctioning, with basic but necessary tools and features. 

The software doesn’t come with all the extra bells and whistles. The design and cost make it especially practical for small charities and individuals.

Main Features 

• Free software, with users only charged for listing more than 100 items. 
• Simple setup and navigation perfect for beginners. 
• Accessible from mobile for increased reach. 
• Customizable auction pages. 
• Real-time bidding push notifications and updates. 
• Secure payment processing with multiple payment options. 
• Bidder profiles for easy donor tracking and communication. 
• Reporting and analytics to track performance. 

6. GiveSmart 

GiveSmart is on the opposite end of the spectrum from 32Auction. It’s a feature-rich, all-in-one online auction software with auction and event management tools. 

GiveSmart, while feature-dense, is still easy to use. It offers many integration options for flexible and versatile fundraising planning, execution, and tracking. However, the price matches the features. GiveSmart is one of the more expensive options on the market. 

Main Features

• Robust catalog of tools for both auction and event management. 
• Mobile design that allows users to bid and receive updates on the go. 
• Customizable branded auction websites. 
• Text bidding for increased accessibility and participation. 
• Bidder registration and ticketing tools. 
• Bidder profiles for easy donor tracking and communication. 
• Secure payment processing with multiple payment options. 
• Detailed reporting and analytics to track performance. 

Comparison Table: Online Auction Software Solutions

Key Takeaways

Choose software that matches your organization’s technical comfort level. While some platforms offer extensive features, others focus on simplicity. Consider your team’s ability to manage the platform and train volunteers effectively.

Don’t overlook customer support quality. When your auction is live and donors are bidding, having access to real human support can make the difference between a successful event and a technical disaster. Look for providers offering phone support, not just email tickets.

Mobile optimization isn’t optional anymore. Your donors expect to bid from their phones during events. Ensure your chosen platform provides a seamless mobile experience that keeps bidders engaged throughout the auction.

Transparent pricing protects your budget. Hidden fees and surprise charges can eat into your fundraising profits. Seek platforms with clear, upfront pricing that includes all the features you need without unexpected costs.

Consider your growth trajectory. The software that works for your small annual auction might not scale with your organization’s growth. Choose a platform that can accommodate increasing donor numbers and more complex events over time.

Conclusion

Online auction software can be a game changer. Not only does it help you host online auctions but it also simplifies much of the behind-the-scenes operations. However, with so many options to choose from, finding the right fit can be overwhelming. 

Each of the above online auction software solutions offers powerful features geared toward maximizing participation and sales. So, browse this list and choose the online auction software that suits your nonprofit's needs. 

But, if you’re looking for the best, don’t look any further than BiddingOwl. Our standout online auctioning software is smart, versatile, feature-rich, and affordable – everything you need to reach your nonprofit’s goals sooner. So, try BiddingOwl today! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if online auction software will actually increase our fundraising totals?

Most nonprofits see increased participation and higher bid amounts with online platforms because they remove barriers to bidding. Donors can participate from anywhere, receive real-time notifications about outbids, and easily increase their bids without waiting in line. The key is choosing software that makes bidding intuitive and exciting rather than complicated and frustrating.

What kind of customer support should I expect during my auction event?

Look for providers offering live phone support during your event hours. Email-only support isn’t sufficient when you have donors trying to bid and technical issues need immediate resolution. The best platforms provide dedicated support teams familiar with auction dynamics who can quickly resolve bidding problems, payment issues, or registration difficulties.

What happens if donors have trouble bidding during our event?

Choose a platform with proven reliability and immediate technical support. Your software provider should offer real-time assistance to help donors with registration, bidding, or payment issues. The best platforms also provide simple troubleshooting guides and have backup systems to prevent technical failures during critical auction moments.

Can online auction software integrate with our existing donor management system?

Many platforms offer integration capabilities or data export options that work with popular donor management systems. This integration helps you track donor engagement, follow up after events, and maintain comprehensive donor records. Ask potential providers about specific integrations with your current systems before making a decision.

How do we handle payment processing and ensure donor information stays secure?

Reputable auction platforms use secure payment processing systems that comply with industry standards for protecting financial information. Look for platforms that integrate with trusted payment processors like Stripe or PayPal, and ensure they handle PCI compliance requirements. Your donors’ payment information should never be stored on unsecured servers or handled manually by your organization.