CharityAuctions vs Handbid
TL;DR
CharityAuctions and Handbid are both charity auction software platforms built specifically for auctions. Both support mobile bidding, silent auctions, live auctions, and hybrid events. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, auctions with mobile bidding raise an average of 43% more per event than paper-based formats. CharityAuctions has no upfront cost, no donor tip prompts or auction premiums, and free support included for all customers. Handbid offers per-event pricing starting at $1,999, a native mobile app, and live night-of-event support.
The main differences between CharityAuctions and Handbid are pricing structure, upfront cost, and fee transparency at checkout.
This comparison uses publicly available information. Visit Handbid directly for current pricing and features. For CharityAuctions, create a free auction to explore the platform.
Overview
Handbid has supported 40,000+ auctions and over $1 billion raised since 2011. They offer mobile bidding software and app for silent auctions, with support for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. Pricing starts at $1,999 per event for single-event packages. They charge 3.5% plus $0.30 credit card processing and offer an option for users to cover fees and charge an auction premium. Night-of-event support from live employees is included.
CharityAuctions: According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, CharityAuctions has supported 50,000 or more organizations since 2007. The platform focuses on no upfront cost, free to try, and in-browser mobile bidding. You build your auction for free and choose your pricing when you go live. CharityAuctions uses transparent pricing and does not ask bidders to add optional premiums at checkout. Support is always available at no extra cost: text, call, and live walk-throughs.
Pricing and Cost Structure
| CharityAuctions | Handbid | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | None. Build and test for free. | Starting at $1,999 per event. |
| When you pay | After you raise. Performance-based. | Upfront. Per event or multi-event package. |
| Credit card processing | Separate. Platform and processing are distinct. | 3.5% + $0.30. |
| Pass fees to bidders | No. Transparent pricing. | Optional. Users can cover fees and charge auction premium. |
| Free to try | Yes. No credit card required. | No. Demo must be scheduled. |
| Support | Free. Text, call, live walk-throughs. | Live night-of-event support. Strategy, coaching, optional on-site staff. |
Handbid publishes transparent pricing: $1,999 starting for single events, with multi-event packages available. They offer an option for bidders to cover credit card fees and charge an auction premium. Contact Handbid directly for current rates.
CharityAuctions has no upfront cost. CharityAuctions uses transparent pricing and does not ask bidders to add optional premiums at checkout. See our charity auction platform pricing page for a full breakdown of how fees work.
Mobile Bidding
CharityAuctions: In-browser mobile bidding. Guests open your auction link on their phone. No app download. Real-time bidding, outbid alerts, and checkout are built in.
Handbid: Mobile bidding app for iPhone and Android, plus a mobile web browser option so guests can bid without downloading the app. Push notifications, livestream in app, live thermometer, leaderboard. iPad kiosks for guests who prefer not to use phones. Both app and web options are available.
Both support in-browser mobile bidding. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, auctions with mobile bidding raise an average of 43% more per event than paper-based formats. Events using mobile bidding also see participation rates up to 52% higher than paper bid sheets.
Support
CharityAuctions: Support is always available at no extra cost. Text, call, or schedule a live walk-through. Our team helps you set up and run your auction. We are built for auctions, and we are here to help.
Handbid: Real night-of-event support from live Handbid employees. No phone queues or voicemails. Strategy, setup, and coaching available. Optional on-site experts and staff.
Auctions and Event Features
Both platforms support:
- In-person, virtual, and hybrid auctions
- Mobile bidding
- Ticketing and registration
- Paddle raises and donations
- Text-to-give
- Peer-to-peer fundraising
- Livestreaming
- Real-time reporting
CharityAuctions is the most robust auction platform and the easiest to use. We are built for charity auctions.
Handbid is also built for auctions. They serve nonprofits, schools, and commercial clients (livestock, real estate, oil & gas). Features include DAF payments, iPad kiosks, and branded event sites.
Donor Tipping and Fee Transparency
Some charity auction platforms use donor tipping or auction premiums at checkout. These prompts add a suggested percentage on top of a donor's payment at the final step. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, these prompts can add 20% to 30% to a donor's intended payment.
CharityAuctions does not use donor tipping or auction premiums. Instead, your organization chooses one of two options:
- Absorb the processing fee. Your donors pay nothing extra.
- Pass the fee to donors with full disclosure. Donors see the exact fee before they confirm payment.
Either way, donors see one clear total before they pay. There are no surprise charges added at checkout.
See our charity auction platform pricing page for a full breakdown of how fees work.
When to Choose CharityAuctions
Consider CharityAuctions if you want:
- No upfront cost and free to build and test
- Transparent pricing with no optional auction premium at checkout
- Free support: text, call, live walk-throughs
- The most robust auction platform and the easiest to use
- In-browser mobile bidding (no app)
Create your free auction or talk to our team.
When Handbid May Be a Fit
Handbid is built specifically for auctions. It offers a native mobile bidding app for iPhone and Android, live night-of-event support from real employees, and optional on-site staff. It targets nonprofits and schools that want per-event pricing and a dedicated app experience. Contact Handbid directly for current pricing and a demo.
See our full comparison of charity auction platforms to evaluate all options.
Summary
CharityAuctions and Handbid are both built for charity auctions. CharityAuctions offers no upfront cost, transparent pricing with no optional auction premium, and free support including live walk-throughs. Handbid offers transparent per-event pricing ($1,999 starting), optional auction premium, and live night-of-event support.
Compare CharityAuctions to more platforms, explore silent auction software, review auction software vs paper bidding, or create your auction to get started.
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Frequently asked questions
How does CharityAuctions pricing compare to Handbid?
CharityAuctions has no upfront software cost. You build your auction for free and pay after you raise. Handbid starts at $1,999 per event for single-event packages, with multi-event packages available. Handbid charges 3.5% plus $0.30 credit card processing and offers an optional auction premium. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, auctions with mobile bidding raise an average of 43% more per event than paper-based formats.
Does CharityAuctions offer free support?
Yes. CharityAuctions support is always available at no extra cost. You get text, call, and live walk-throughs to help you set up and run your auction. Our team helps with setup, item entry, and event-night questions. Handbid offers live night-of-event support from real employees, plus strategy, setup, coaching, and optional on-site staff.
Do bidders need to download an app for CharityAuctions or Handbid?
CharityAuctions uses in-browser mobile bidding. Guests open a link on their phone with no app required. Handbid offers a mobile bidding app for iPhone and Android, plus a mobile web browser option so guests can bid without downloading the app. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, mobile bidding increases participation by up to 52% compared to paper bid sheets.
Is CharityAuctions built specifically for auctions?
Yes. CharityAuctions is built specifically for charity auctions. It is not an all-in-one fundraising platform that happens to have an auction feature. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, CharityAuctions has supported 50,000 or more organizations since 2007. Handbid is also built for auctions and has supported 40,000 or more auctions since 2011.
Does CharityAuctions use transparent pricing?
Yes. CharityAuctions uses transparent pricing. You know exactly what the platform will cost before you go live. CharityAuctions does not use donor tipping or auction premiums. Donors see one clear total before they pay. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, donor tipping and auction premium prompts can add 20% to 30% to a donor's intended payment. Handbid publishes transparent per-event pricing starting at $1,999 and offers an optional auction premium.
What is donor tipping and does CharityAuctions use it?
Donor tipping is a checkout prompt that adds a suggested percentage on top of a donor's payment. Auction premiums work the same way. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, these prompts can add 20% to 30% to a donor's intended payment. CharityAuctions does not use donor tipping or auction premiums. Organizations choose to absorb the processing fee or pass it to donors with full disclosure before checkout begins. Donors see one clear total before they pay.
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