# Best Auction Software for Small Business

  *By [Emma Stein](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/emma-stein)*

   Products classified in the overall Auction category are similar in many regards and help companies of all sizes solve their business problems. However, small business features, pricing, setup, and installation differ from businesses of other sizes, which is why we match buyers to the right Small Business Auction to fit their needs. Compare product ratings based on reviews from enterprise users or connect with one of G2's buying advisors to find the right solutions within the Small Business Auction category.

In addition to qualifying for inclusion in the Auction Software category, to qualify for inclusion in the Small Business Auction Software category, a product must have at least 10 reviews left by a reviewer from a small business.




  ## How Many Auction Software Products Does G2 Track?
**Total Products under this Category:** 101

  
## How Does G2 Rank Auction Software Products?

**Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:**

- 30 Analysts and Data Experts
- 4,800+ Authentic Reviews
- 101+ Products
- Unbiased Rankings

G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category.

  
  
---

**Sponsored**

### Auctria

Auctria makes live, silent or online auction fundraisers easy & affordable for groups large and small. Handle ticket sales, bids, purchases & donations.Track donors & items. Produce printed forms as needed, or put your catalog online & share on social media. Integrated credit card processing optional & accept online donations. Mobile and text based bidding available. Completely transparent pricing with no performance fees. Explore our demo or get started with a free account to try it out.



[Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=376&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=376&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=page_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=376&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=44586&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=376&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fauction-software%2Ff%2Fcommercial&secure%5Btoken%5D=9ac46145cc8d05f596382a3145e17c56aeff970b738d381b8fc9440eb52924fd&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.auctria.com&secure%5Burl_type%5D=company_website)

---

  ## What Are the Top-Rated Auction Software Products in 2026?
### 1. [Givebutter](https://www.g2.com/products/givebutter/reviews)
  Givebutter is the most-loved nonprofit fundraising platform, empowering millions of changemakers to raise more, pay less, and give better. Nonprofits use Givebutter to replace multiple categories of tools, including donation forms, fundraising campaigns, events, auctions, donor management (CRM), email, texting, and more—all for free, thanks to a 100% transparent tip-or-fee model. As the #1 rated nonprofit software company on G2 across multiple categories, Givebutter is on a mission to power the next billion changemakers. For more information on Givebutter, visit https://givebutter.com. Givebutter: Raise more. Pay less. Give better. 💛


  **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 2,050
**How Do G2 Users Rate Givebutter?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Ticketing:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 7.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Givebutter?**

- **Seller:** [Givebutter](https://www.g2.com/sellers/givebutter)
- **Company Website:** https://www.givebutter.com
- **Year Founded:** 2016
- **HQ Location:** Washington, DC
- **Twitter:** @givebutter (1,782 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/givebutter/about (149 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Who Uses This:** Executive Director, Director of Development
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management, Fund-Raising
  - **Company Size:** 83% Small-Business, 11% Mid-Market


#### What Are Givebutter's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (419 reviews)
- Fundraising (227 reviews)
- Intuitive (179 reviews)
- Easy Setup (175 reviews)
- Setup Ease (150 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Missing Features (86 reviews)
- Donation Management (64 reviews)
- High Fees (55 reviews)
- Limited Customization (55 reviews)
- Tipping Confusion (49 reviews)

### 2. [Bonterra OneCause](https://www.g2.com/products/bonterra-onecause/reviews)
  Raise more and reach more donors with OneCause fundraising software. Day in and day out, we put your cause at the center of everything we do. Our easy-to-use fundraising platform is designed to meet your donors where they are and maximize your impact. From auctions and peer-to-peer fundraising to online fundraising and Text2Give®, we’ve helped support 90,000+ campaigns so nonprofits can focus on what truly matters: advancing their mission. As a trusted provider of nonprofit auction software, we serve organizations across the United States and Canada and have been recognized with a BIG Innovation award and multiple customer service accolades from the Stevies, ICMI & CCW. OneCause offers powerful, easy-to-use fundraising software built to help nonprofits reach more and raise more. From online giving and auctions to peer-to-peer fundraising, events, appeals, and beyond—our all-in-one fundraising platform makes it simple to drive donor engagement and power year-round fundraising success. Since 2008, we’ve proudly partnered with more than 14,000 nonprofits, helping them collectively raise over $8 billion to fuel their missions. Whether you’re planning a gala, launching a giving day, or looking to grow donor engagement, OneCause is here to empower your mission. Our platform is built for flexibility, so nonprofits of all sizes can create giving experiences that inspire action. From ticketing and sponsorships to industry-leading silent & live auction software, custom branding, and donation processing, it’s your one-stop shop to raise more.


  **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 500
**How Do G2 Users Rate Bonterra OneCause?**

- **Ease of Use:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Ticketing:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 7.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Bonterra OneCause?**

- **Seller:** [Bonterra](https://www.g2.com/sellers/bonterra)
- **Company Website:** https://www.bonterratech.com/
- **Year Founded:** 2022
- **HQ Location:** Austin, United States
- **Twitter:** @BonterraTech (914 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonterra-tech/ (1,312 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Who Uses This:** Director of Development, Development Director
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management, Primary/Secondary Education
  - **Company Size:** 66% Small-Business, 31% Mid-Market


#### What Are Bonterra OneCause's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (56 reviews)
- Customer Support (43 reviews)
- Features (34 reviews)
- Fundraising (31 reviews)
- Easy Setup (24 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Learning Difficulty (10 reviews)
- Confusion (9 reviews)
- Difficult Learning (9 reviews)
- Limited Customization (9 reviews)
- Time-consuming (8 reviews)

### 3. [Greater Giving](https://www.g2.com/products/greater-giving/reviews)
  Greater Giving, a Global Payments company, is dedicated to providing technology solutions to the nonprofit community in order to improve their fundraising efforts. Greater Giving offers integrated and stand-alone solutions that include event management software, online registration and donation services, online bidding, on-site payment collection, and credit card processing. Best-in-class customer service is also provided leading up to and for the duration of an event. Since 2002, Greater Giving has processed more than $8B in credit card payments in support of nonprofit causes for thousands of organizations and schools across the United States and Canada. Greater Giving also provides free fundraising education resources throughout the year, including webinars, live seminars, eBooks, guides and blog articles. For more information, visit www.greatergiving.com.


  **Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 101
**How Do G2 Users Rate Greater Giving?**

- **Ease of Use:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Ticketing:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 7.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Greater Giving?**

- **Seller:** [Global Payments](https://www.g2.com/sellers/global-payments)
- **Year Founded:** 1967
- **HQ Location:** Atlanta, US
- **Twitter:** @GlobalPayInc (6,008 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-payments/ (24,709 employees on LinkedIn®)
- **Ownership:** NYSE:GPN

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management, Primary/Secondary Education
  - **Company Size:** 65% Small-Business, 29% Mid-Market


#### What Are Greater Giving's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (22 reviews)
- Customer Support (14 reviews)
- Event Management (10 reviews)
- Fundraising (6 reviews)
- Intuitive (6 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Learning Curve (7 reviews)
- Learning Difficulty (6 reviews)
- Not Intuitive (6 reviews)
- Auction Issues (5 reviews)
- Clunky Interface (5 reviews)

### 4. [Bonterra Network for Good](https://www.g2.com/products/bonterra-network-for-good/reviews)
  Reach your fundraising goals, connect with supporters, and advance your mission with Bonterra Network for Good all-in-one fundraising software. Overwhelmed by messy spreadsheets, toggling between applications, or tripping over complex and unnecessary features that aren’t worth paying for? Network for Good brings together all the tools, features, and guidance you need so you can confidently raise funds and build strong donor relationships. Built for small and growing nonprofits, only Network for Good is designed to help you become a better fundraiser. Get donor management, powerful communication tools, online fundraising features, and more—all in one integrated software. Plus, our best-in-class onboarding, customer service, and data migration are always included.


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 405
**How Do G2 Users Rate Bonterra Network for Good?**

- **Ease of Use:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Ticketing:** 7.4/10 (Category avg: 7.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Bonterra Network for Good?**

- **Seller:** [Bonterra](https://www.g2.com/sellers/bonterra)
- **Company Website:** https://www.bonterratech.com/
- **Year Founded:** 2022
- **HQ Location:** Austin, United States
- **Twitter:** @BonterraTech (914 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonterra-tech/ (1,312 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Who Uses This:** Executive Director, Development Director
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management, Fund-Raising
  - **Company Size:** 87% Small-Business, 11% Mid-Market


#### What Are Bonterra Network for Good's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (36 reviews)
- Donor Management (23 reviews)
- Features (23 reviews)
- Customer Support (18 reviews)
- Donations Management (17 reviews)

**Cons:**

- High Fees (9 reviews)
- Expensive (8 reviews)
- Missing Features (7 reviews)
- Poor Customer Support (7 reviews)
- Confusion (6 reviews)

### 5. [RallyUp](https://www.g2.com/products/rallyup/reviews)
  RallyUp is an online fundraising platform that helps nonprofits, schools, churches, and 501(c)(3) organizations raise more money with less complexity. We're the only fundraising software offering Full Stack Fundraising — 12+ stackable components in one campaign, one URL, and one checkout — including online and silent auctions, live auctions with mobile bidding, online raffles, sweepstakes, peer-to-peer fundraising, A-Thons (walk-a-thons, read-a-thons, and more), crowdfunding, ticketing and event registration, online stores, and native livestreaming. For galas and in-person events, we provide complete fundraising event software: Fund-a-Need, Paddle Raise+, Live Display, Event Balances, and QR code check-in. RallyUp's AI Fundraising Content Generator (launched 2026) is the first of its kind in fundraising software — AI built directly into the campaign builder, not bolted on as a separate tool. With one click, it drafts item descriptions, campaign descriptions, and donor emails. No prompts. No writer's block. Pricing is built for nonprofit budgets: a Free plan with donor tipping (no platform fee, ever), a per-campaign Flex plan with no annual contract, and Enterprise options for large nonprofits. No setup fees, no subscriptions, no surprises. Every RallyUp customer gets free Done-for-You support — real fundraising experts who plan, build, optimize, or complete your campaign at no cost, typically within one business day. Since 2013, more than 55,000 nonprofits — including New York Road Runners, the American Red Cross, Make-A-Wish, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation — have raised over $1 billion on RallyUp. Powerful nonprofit fundraising results made simple.


  **Average Rating:** 4.8/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 111
**How Do G2 Users Rate RallyUp?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.5/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 9.8/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 9.8/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Ticketing:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 7.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind RallyUp?**

- **Seller:** [Rallyup](https://www.g2.com/sellers/rallyup)
- **Company Website:** https://rallyup.com/
- **Year Founded:** 2014
- **HQ Location:** Tucson, Arizona
- **Twitter:** @rallyup (2,482 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/rallyup/ (23 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management, Education Management
  - **Company Size:** 75% Small-Business, 15% Mid-Market


#### What Are RallyUp's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (12 reviews)
- Customer Support (8 reviews)
- Fundraising (7 reviews)
- Staff Helpfulness (7 reviews)
- User Interface (7 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Confusion (3 reviews)
- Limited Customization (2 reviews)
- Time-consuming (2 reviews)
- Time-Consuming (2 reviews)
- Auction Issues (1 reviews)

### 6. [Handbid](https://www.g2.com/products/handbid/reviews)
  Handbid’s fundraising platform powers online auctions, mobile bidding, peer-to-peer fundraisers, crowdfunding, and text to donate. Handbid includes integrated ticketing, registration, live streaming, mobile bidding, donations, automatic payments, and checkout. Event managers can easily set up and manage an event from an easy-to-use backend manager. Whether you are looking to run an in-person, hybrid, or virtual fundraising event, Handbid has you covered!


  **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 212
**How Do G2 Users Rate Handbid?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 9.8/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 9.6/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Ticketing:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 7.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Handbid?**

- **Seller:** [Handbid](https://www.g2.com/sellers/handbid)
- **Company Website:** https://www.handbid.com
- **Year Founded:** 2011
- **HQ Location:** Centennial, Colorado
- **Twitter:** @handbid (395 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/2390599/ (14 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Who Uses This:** Executive Director
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management, Primary/Secondary Education
  - **Company Size:** 71% Small-Business, 25% Mid-Market


#### What Are Handbid's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (9 reviews)
- Customer Support (5 reviews)
- Auction Management (4 reviews)
- Intuitive (4 reviews)
- Navigation Ease (4 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Confusion (3 reviews)
- Image Handling (3 reviews)
- Navigation Difficulty (3 reviews)
- Auction Issues (2 reviews)
- Ticketing Issues (2 reviews)

### 7. [ClickBid](https://www.g2.com/products/clickbid/reviews)
  ClickBid is a premier event fundraising platform designed to assist nonprofits in streamlining operations during fundraising events. This comprehensive solution caters to various fundraising activities, including galas, golf outings, and peer-to-peer campaigns, by enhancing the donor experience through features such as mobile bidding, event ticketing, and real-time engagement tools. By focusing on simplifying the logistics of fundraising events, ClickBid enables organizations to concentrate on what truly matters: building connections with their donors. The platform is particularly beneficial for nonprofits looking to enhance their fundraising efforts. Its day-of-event tools provide staff and volunteers with an intuitive interface that facilitates the management of live auctions, paddle raises, and guest registration. This user-friendly approach not only improves operational efficiency but also elevates the overall experience for attendees. Furthermore, ClickBid supports year-round giving through embeddable donation forms, ensuring that organizations can maintain donor engagement beyond just the main event. Security is a top priority for ClickBid, as evidenced by its adherence to SOC 2 and PCI compliance standards. This allows organizations to process payments securely through various methods, including credit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and even cryptocurrency. Such flexibility in payment options can significantly enhance donor participation and satisfaction, making it easier for supporters to contribute. To ensure that every nonprofit achieves success with their fundraising initiatives, ClickBid provides dedicated support. Each organization is paired with an Account Manager for onboarding and pre-event training, ensuring they are well-prepared for their event. Additionally, a remote support is available during live events, offering assistance through phone calls and text. Email, chat, and one-on-one meetings are available with Account Managers with swift response times. This commitment to support helps organizations navigate any challenges that may arise during their fundraising efforts. ClickBid also stands out with its seamless integration capabilities with leading Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems such as Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT, Virtuous, Bloomerang, Neon One, and Salesforce. Additional integrations with services like TravelPledge for no-risk auction items and Double the Donation for corporate gift matching further enhance the platform's functionality. With straightforward and transparent pricing, nonprofits can effectively budget for their events without worrying about hidden fees or unexpected costs, allowing them to focus on achieving their fundraising goals.


  **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 24
**How Do G2 Users Rate ClickBid?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Ticketing:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 7.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind ClickBid?**

- **Seller:** [ClickBid](https://www.g2.com/sellers/clickbid)
- **Company Website:** https://try.cbo.io/
- **Year Founded:** 2002
- **HQ Location:** Norton Shores, US
- **Twitter:** @ClickBidOnline (194 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/clickbid-llc (25 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management
  - **Company Size:** 92% Small-Business, 8% Mid-Market


#### What Are ClickBid's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (4 reviews)
- Fundraising (2 reviews)
- Intuitive (2 reviews)
- Ticketing Sales (2 reviews)
- User Interface (2 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Limited Features (2 reviews)
- Auction Functionality (1 reviews)
- Auction Issues (1 reviews)
- Clunky Interface (1 reviews)
- Data Transfer Issues (1 reviews)

### 8. [Auctria](https://www.g2.com/products/auctria/reviews)
  Auctria makes live, silent or online auction fundraisers easy & affordable for groups large and small. Handle ticket sales, bids, purchases & donations.Track donors & items. Produce printed forms as needed, or put your catalog online & share on social media. Integrated credit card processing optional & accept online donations. Mobile and text based bidding available. Completely transparent pricing with no performance fees. Explore our demo or get started with a free account to try it out.


  **Average Rating:** 4.8/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 115
**How Do G2 Users Rate Auctria?**

- **Ease of Use:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 9.6/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Ticketing:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 7.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Auctria?**

- **Seller:** [Auctria](https://www.g2.com/sellers/auctria)
- **Year Founded:** 2011
- **HQ Location:** Ottawa, CA
- **Twitter:** @Auctria (344 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/16273936/ (19 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Who Uses This:** Executive Director
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management, Primary/Secondary Education
  - **Company Size:** 88% Small-Business, 10% Mid-Market


#### What Are Auctria's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (2 reviews)
- Fundraising (2 reviews)
- Intuitive (2 reviews)
- User Interface (2 reviews)
- Auction Management (1 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Auction Functionality (1 reviews)
- Clunky Interface (1 reviews)
- Donor Management (1 reviews)
- Email Issues (1 reviews)
- Navigation Difficulty (1 reviews)

### 9. [HelloFund](https://www.g2.com/products/hellofund/reviews)
  HelloFund is an auction and event management platform built specifically for private schools, Catholic schools, and mission-driven nonprofits running high-impact fundraising events. Designed for galas, silent and live auctions, and major development events, HelloFund combines powerful event technology with hands-on support to help organizations execute professionally and maximize revenue. Built for Auction & Gala Success HelloFund supports the full event lifecycle, including: Silent and live auctions with mobile bidding Ticketing and sponsorship sales Guest management and table assignments Paddles Up / Fund-a-Need appeals Raffle and sign-up parties Onsite check-in and checkout Real-time text notifications and reporting A Dedicated Event Specialist Every organization is paired with a dedicated Auction & Event Specialist who helps configure event pages, import auction items, train volunteers, and guide teams through event night — so no one is left managing a critical fundraiser alone. Flat-Fee Pricing HelloFund uses a transparent flat-fee model rather than charging a percentage of funds raised, allowing schools and nonprofits to keep more of their event revenue. Proven Results Events on HelloFund average over $127,000 in credit card volume — significantly higher than typical results on general-purpose fundraising platforms. Best suited for organizations planning fundraising events expected to generate $25,000 or more and seeking a fully supported, professional auction experience.


  **Average Rating:** 4.9/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 27
**How Do G2 Users Rate HelloFund?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Ticketing:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 7.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind HelloFund?**

- **Seller:** [HelloFund](https://www.g2.com/sellers/hellofund)
- **Company Website:** https://www.hellofund.com/
- **Year Founded:** 2017
- **HQ Location:** Austin, US
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/hellofund (7 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management
  - **Company Size:** 63% Small-Business, 30% Mid-Market


#### What Are HelloFund's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Customer Support (5 reviews)
- Ease of Use (4 reviews)
- Easy Setup (3 reviews)
- Efficiency Improvement (3 reviews)
- Fundraising (3 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Limited Customization (1 reviews)

### 10. [Accelevents](https://www.g2.com/products/accelevents/reviews)
  Accelevents is a modern, enterprise-ready event management platform built for organizations that need flexibility, speed, and reliability across every phase of the event lifecycle. The platform supports in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, combining robust registration tools, real-time badge printing, mobile event apps, and abstract management in one, easy-to-use system. With Accelevents, organizers can: • Set up branded event registration pages in minutes • Build stunning event websites and emails • Offer on-site and self-serve event check-in with badge printing • Deploy a fully customizable mobile app for attendees • Track session attendance and issue CE credits or certificates • Equip exhibitors with built-in lead capture tools • Manage speaker content, agendas, and networking • Access live analytics, engagement data, and post-event reporting • Integrate with Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, and other CRM and marketing tools Accelevents is trusted by event teams at the fast-growing companies and global enterprises to run conferences, trade shows, field marketing events, employee summits, and more. From registration and access control to mobile engagemen


  **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 157
**How Do G2 Users Rate Accelevents?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Ticketing:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 7.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Accelevents?**

- **Seller:** [Accelevents](https://www.g2.com/sellers/accelevents)
- **Company Website:** https://www.accelevents.com
- **Year Founded:** 2015
- **HQ Location:** Boston, MA
- **Twitter:** @AccelEvents (1,091 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/10499335/ (60 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management, Events Services
  - **Company Size:** 55% Small-Business, 36% Mid-Market


#### What Are Accelevents's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (16 reviews)
- Customer Support (15 reviews)
- Features (14 reviews)
- Helpful (14 reviews)
- Easy Setup (12 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Limited Customization (5 reviews)
- Not Intuitive (5 reviews)
- Missing Features (4 reviews)
- Software Bugs (4 reviews)
- Confusing Processes (3 reviews)

### 11. [SchoolAuction.net](https://www.g2.com/products/schoolauction-net/reviews)
  SchoolAuction.net is an easy-to-use fundraising event software platform built to help schools and nonprofits plan, manage, and run successful fundraising events—from gala auctions to online campaigns and hybrid fundraisers. Designed by event organizers for event organizers, it offers all the tools you need to simplify ticketing, manage donations, track bidders, and handle check-in and checkout with ease. Whether you’re hosting a live, silent, online, mobile, or hybrid event, SchoolAuction.net provides a secure and customizable solution to fit your organization’s goals. You can create unique event sites, sell tickets and sponsorships, manage item procurement, and process payments in one place—without hidden fees or complicated add-ons. Our intuitive interface and flexible plans make it simple for both new and experienced teams to get started. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of schools, churches, and nonprofits across the U.S. and Canada raise millions of dollars to support their communities. SchoolAuction.net also offers weekly live training webinars, friendly customer support, and a variety of plan options—including the Acorn Plan for smaller events and annual plans for organizations that host multiple fundraisers each year. If you’re looking for reliable, affordable fundraising event software that grows with your organization, SchoolAuction.net is the all-in-one platform to make your next event smooth, efficient, and profitable. Visit www.schoolauction.net to start a free trial or schedule a demo today.


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 195
**How Do G2 Users Rate SchoolAuction.net?**

- **Ease of Use:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Ticketing:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 7.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind SchoolAuction.net?**

- **Seller:** [SchoolAuction.net](https://www.g2.com/sellers/schoolauction-net)
- **Year Founded:** 2006
- **HQ Location:** Portland, OR
- **Twitter:** @schoolauction (152 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/schoolauction/ (7 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Who Uses This:** Executive Director, Development Director
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management, Primary/Secondary Education
  - **Company Size:** 75% Small-Business, 19% Mid-Market


#### What Are SchoolAuction.net's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (8 reviews)
- Customer Support (5 reviews)
- Intuitive (3 reviews)
- Reporting (3 reviews)
- Staff Helpfulness (3 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Email Issues (3 reviews)
- Difficult Learning (2 reviews)
- Editing Difficulties (2 reviews)
- Email Functionality (2 reviews)
- Ticketing Issues (2 reviews)

### 12. [Givergy](https://www.g2.com/products/givergy/reviews)
  Givergy is on a mission to help organizations raise more funds and change charitable giving worldwide. As a certified B Corporation with an award-winning fundraising platform, Givergy offers a range of cutting-edge fundraising solutions and expert advice. With operations in North America, UK & Europe, Australia, and Hong Kong, Givergy has supported over 3,000 nonprofits and charities to help them raise over USD $1.1 billion worldwide, helping some of the biggest names in the fundraising industry. The Givergy fundraising platform covers every aspect of fundraising regardless of an organization's size. To get started, visit www.givergy.com


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 20
**How Do G2 Users Rate Givergy?**

- **Ease of Use:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 9.6/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Ticketing:** 6.2/10 (Category avg: 7.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Givergy?**

- **Seller:** [Givergy](https://www.g2.com/sellers/givergy)
- **Year Founded:** 2011
- **HQ Location:** London, UK
- **Twitter:** @GivergyGlobal (3,788 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/givergy (80 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management
  - **Company Size:** 60% Small-Business, 40% Mid-Market


#### What Are Givergy's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (5 reviews)
- Customer Support (3 reviews)
- Event Management (2 reviews)
- Intuitive (2 reviews)
- Staff Helpfulness (2 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Difficult Learning (1 reviews)
- Difficult Learning Curve (1 reviews)
- Difficulty (1 reviews)
- High Fees (1 reviews)
- Integration Issues (1 reviews)

### 13. [GiveSmart](https://www.g2.com/products/givesmart/reviews)
  Inspire and engage donors with our smart, simple online fundraising, event, and donor management tools. GiveSmart is the easy-to-use, innovative, and modern online fundraising and donor management platform that elevates any fundraiser. From mobile-friendly silent auctions to dynamic peer-to-peer events and guest management to donor engagement, we’re the solution to turn your mission into something that moves donors.


  **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 156
**How Do G2 Users Rate GiveSmart?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 0.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 0.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Ticketing:** 0.0/10 (Category avg: 7.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind GiveSmart?**

- **Seller:** [Momentive Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/momentive-software-6b7726d2-a4ae-4771-9b91-b7656a87e5c3)
- **Year Founded:** 1992
- **HQ Location:** St. Petersburg, FL
- **Twitter:** @NimbleAMS (957 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentivesoftware/ (839 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Who Uses This:** Development Director
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management, Fund-Raising
  - **Company Size:** 66% Small-Business, 28% Mid-Market


#### What Are GiveSmart's Pros and Cons?


**Cons:**

- Expensive (1 reviews)
- High Fees (1 reviews)
- Payment Issues (1 reviews)
- Poor Customer Support (1 reviews)
- Poor Support Services (1 reviews)

### 14. [BiddingOwl.com](https://www.g2.com/products/biddingowl-com/reviews)
  There is a reason BiddingOwl is the top charity auction provider in the industry. They offer exceptional customer support and a full-service management platform to ensure your auction event, whether it be online or in-person, runs smoothly. Besides online/mobile auctions, BiddingOwl supports traditional paper bid sheets, tickets, donations, paddle raises, fund-a-need and more. Try them out. You won’t be disappointed. Free non-profit charity auction software - Yes, it's true! We strongly believe in non-profit fundraising and want to make our easy-to-use software available to as many charities as possible. Our auction manager is free! We place no restrictions on the number of items, users, donors, or solicitors. Why would we? We want you to succeed and raise as much money as possible. No subscription - Nope, no subscription fee either. Just pure free and easy-to-use software to run your non-profit charity auction. 5% to make each dollar go further - The use of our software to manage your auction is absolutely free. You can run as many silent and live auctions as often and as long as you want. However, if you like to use our online auction platform to set up your own online auction fundraiser, we do ask for 5% of your highest bids. The benefits greatly outweigh the cost. Online and pre-bid silent and live auctions raise on average far more money than the traditional format alone. Compare us to our competitors and we know you'll like us better! "We raised $10,000 even before the actual event. The use of BiddingOwl's online auction website truly made the difference!" – Olivia Smith, Co-Chair, Rotary Club of Gaylord Radio Auction


  **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 46
**How Do G2 Users Rate BiddingOwl.com?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.5/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Ticketing:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 7.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind BiddingOwl.com?**

- **Seller:** [BiddingOwl](https://www.g2.com/sellers/biddingowl)
- **HQ Location:** Gaylord, MI
- **Twitter:** @Biddingowl (184 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/16112572/ (1 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management, Fund-Raising
  - **Company Size:** 77% Small-Business, 21% Mid-Market


#### What Are BiddingOwl.com's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (2 reviews)
- Auction Management (1 reviews)
- Customer Support (1 reviews)
- Design Quality (1 reviews)
- Features (1 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Clunky Interface (1 reviews)

### 15. [Charity Auctions](https://www.g2.com/products/charity-auctions/reviews)
  CharityAuctions is a cloud-based fundraising and auction management software platform specifically designed to assist nonprofits, schools, and community organizations in creating, managing, and promoting various types of fundraising auctions. This comprehensive solution enables users to efficiently handle online, silent, and live auctions, providing a centralized system for listing items, managing bidders, processing payments, and analyzing fundraising performance. The platform caters to organizations of all sizes that aim to enhance their event fundraising efforts and foster donor engagement. With its user-friendly interface, administrators can swiftly set up events, customize landing pages to reflect their branding, and monitor progress in real time. Participants benefit from the flexibility of bidding from any device, receiving instant notifications about their bids, and completing secure payments online, making the entire process seamless and accessible. Key features of CharityAuctions include robust event and auction management tools that allow users to organize online, mobile, and in-person auctions. Customizable event pages and streamlined bidder registration enhance the user experience. The platform also supports mobile bidding, auto-bids, credit card pre-authorization, invoicing, and offline payment tracking, ensuring a comprehensive bidding and payment process. Additionally, built-in CRM functions enable organizations to track donor data, manage communications, and monitor engagement effectively. CharityAuctions provides real-time dashboards and post-event reporting, allowing organizations to measure performance and identify future fundraising opportunities. Communication tools, such as automated email and text notifications for bids, outbids, receipts, and updates, keep participants informed and engaged throughout the auction process. Common use cases for the platform include school fundraisers, nonprofit galas, charity golf outings, church benefits, and community events, all of which benefit from increased participation and reduced administrative workload. The platform's integration capabilities with payment gateways, CRM systems, and social media further simplify promotion and payment collection. Users can manage multiple fundraising events within a single account, making CharityAuctions a scalable solution for organizations that host recurring or multi-chapter events. By combining auction tools, donor management, and reporting in one cohesive system, CharityAuctions empowers organizations to focus less on logistical challenges and more on nurturing donor relationships and maximizing fundraising potential.


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 37
**How Do G2 Users Rate Charity Auctions?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.5/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Charity Auctions?**

- **Seller:** [Charity Auctions](https://www.g2.com/sellers/charity-auctions)
- **Company Website:** https://charityauctions.com/
- **Year Founded:** 2007
- **HQ Location:** Chicago, IL
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/charity-auctions-today/ (8 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management
  - **Company Size:** 84% Small-Business, 14% Mid-Market


#### What Are Charity Auctions's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (3 reviews)
- Auction Management (1 reviews)
- Customer Support (1 reviews)
- Email Notifications (1 reviews)
- Fundraising (1 reviews)


### 16. [Silent Auction Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/silent-auction-pro/reviews)
  Simplify every aspect of running your event! Eliminate check-in / check-out lines, store credit cards, sell tickets, online, mobile, paper, live auction bidding options. Manage contacts, track donations, create auction bundles and printed material, write thank you letters and more. Simple, affordable and powerful event management software for any organization. Includes FREE phone support, FREE night of event support, video tutorials and more. To find out how we can best assist with your event, please schedule a complimentary demo/consultation, or call us at (408) 583-4880 x1. We're here to help!


  **Average Rating:** 4.9/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 110
**How Do G2 Users Rate Silent Auction Pro?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Silent Auction Pro?**

- **Seller:** [Silent Auction Pro](https://www.g2.com/sellers/silent-auction-pro)
- **Company Website:** https://www.silentauctionpro.com
- **Year Founded:** 2007
- **HQ Location:** Lake Villa, IL
- **Twitter:** @SilentAuctionPr (109 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1618330/ (9 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Who Uses This:** Executive Director
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management, Education Management
  - **Company Size:** 80% Small-Business, 18% Mid-Market


### 17. [Giveffect](https://www.g2.com/products/giveffect/reviews)
  Giveffect is the leading fundraising, events, online donations, offline gift tracking, volunteer management, donor management and constituent relationship management software for nonprofits - and more. Connected and automated.


  **Average Rating:** 4.1/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 62
**How Do G2 Users Rate Giveffect?**

- **Ease of Use:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Ticketing:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 7.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Giveffect?**

- **Seller:** [Giveffect](https://www.g2.com/sellers/giveffect)
- **Year Founded:** 2012
- **HQ Location:** San Francisco, CA
- **Twitter:** @Giveffect (1,168 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/giveffect/ (14 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management
  - **Company Size:** 83% Small-Business, 17% Mid-Market


#### What Are Giveffect's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Customer Support (10 reviews)
- All-in-one Solutions (6 reviews)
- Ease of Use (6 reviews)
- Features (6 reviews)
- Staff Helpfulness (6 reviews)

**Cons:**

- High Fees (3 reviews)
- Limited Features (3 reviews)
- CRM Integration (2 reviews)
- Data Transfer Issues (2 reviews)
- Donation Management (2 reviews)

### 18. [Event.Gives](https://www.g2.com/products/event-gives/reviews)
  We are Fanatics About Event Success! Event.Gives is the easiest and most reliable event fundraising platform for any size organization or nonprofit. With our Interactive Ticketing, Live.Events, Super Fast Check-In and other top-of-the-line fundraising features, we will make your next event a success. We are democratizing fundraising event attendance and are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.


  **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 115
**How Do G2 Users Rate Event.Gives?**

- **Ease of Use:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind Event.Gives?**

- **Seller:** [Event.Gives](https://www.g2.com/sellers/event-gives)
- **Year Founded:** 2013
- **HQ Location:** Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
- **Twitter:** @EventGives (3,791 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/eventgives/ (15 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management, Hospital & Health Care
  - **Company Size:** 64% Small-Business, 32% Mid-Market


#### What Are Event.Gives's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Donation Tracking (1 reviews)
- Donor Management (1 reviews)
- Ease of Use (1 reviews)
- Event Management (1 reviews)
- Integrations (1 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Clunky Interface (1 reviews)
- Technical Issues (1 reviews)
- Time-consuming (1 reviews)
- Time-Consuming (1 reviews)

### 19. [ReadySetAuction](https://www.g2.com/products/readysetauction/reviews)
  ReadySetAuction is a cloud-based auction software solution for silent, live, mobile, and online fundraiser auctions. Nonprofits can manage every detail of their benefit auction in real time including guest management, donor and donation tracking, printed catalog, bidsheets and more. RSA offers online ticket & sponsorship sales, mobile bidding during events and online auctions before and after your event. It also includes full-featured cashiering with low-cost credit card processing, including fast & easy check-in, check-out and receipts, and reporting.


  **Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0
  **Total Reviews:** 17
**How Do G2 Users Rate ReadySetAuction?**

- **Ease of Use:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
- **Auction Listings:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Bid Confirmation:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10)
- **Ticketing:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 7.6/10)

**Who Is the Company Behind ReadySetAuction?**

- **Seller:** [DonorPerfect](https://www.g2.com/sellers/donorperfect)
- **Year Founded:** 1981
- **HQ Location:** Fort Washington, PA
- **Twitter:** @DonorPerfect (6,884 Twitter followers)
- **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/donorperfect-software/ (273 employees on LinkedIn®)

**Who Uses This Product?**
  - **Top Industries:** Non-Profit Organization Management
  - **Company Size:** 71% Small-Business, 24% Mid-Market


#### What Are ReadySetAuction's Pros and Cons?

**Pros:**

- Ease of Use (1 reviews)
- Reporting (1 reviews)

**Cons:**

- Clunky Interface (1 reviews)
- Difficult Setup (1 reviews)
- Not Intuitive (1 reviews)


    ## What Is Auction Software?
  [Vertical Industry Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/vertical-industry)
  ## What Software Categories Are Similar to Auction Software?
    - [Fundraising Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/fundraising)
    - [Donor Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/donor-management)

  
---

## How Do You Choose the Right Auction Software?

### What You Should Know About Auction Software

### What is Auction Software?

All auction software falls into one of two main segments: for-profit auctions and nonprofit auctions. For-profit auctions are run by auction houses and other businesses as a primary source of revenue, while nonprofit auctions are either run specifically for charity or used as a means of raising funds for the nonprofit itself. While these uses are distinct, there are tools that are able to encompass the needs of both.

More and more online and mobile auction features are employed during live or silent auctions. This allows much of the paperwork to be stored within the tool itself and makes it much easier for participants to place bids at their convenience. Rather than writing a bid on a sheet at a silent auction and circling back around to check on a bid’s status, bidders are enabled to place bids on their mobile phone and be notified when they win or are outbid. For the auction organizers, it is that much easier to see the overall performance and easily collect payments.

For organizers of fundraising events (especially charity events), silent or live auctions are often the preferred approach, so it is much easier to have an auction software that also contains ticketing and other event planning features. Charity auctions may take many forms, hence these tools are often both robust and flexible.

Regardless of whether the auction is for charity or profit, online auctions are an easily managed method of hosting an auction. While it may be difficult to assure the quality of high-end items, the ability to create an auction site, place bids in real time, automatically determine the maximum bid, and manage an unlimited number of bids makes the online forum worthwhile.

Online auction software and silent auction software are also extremely helpful for organizations that only do occasional fundraising. From creating an auction event to building an auction website, some platforms can handle all aspects of auction management so organizers can focus on building interest for the auction itself.

Key Benefits of Auction Software

- Take the live auction online
- Engage a much larger group of attendees for the auction
- Organize the auction catalog
- Register donors and attendees online for live auctions
- Produce live and dynamic auction data that is never out of date

### Why Use Auction Software?

Auction management software—if not online auction software—helps maintain records as well as organize the auction itself. Web-based software helps build online auctions, while auction houses may be more concerned with inventory management and accounting than highest or lowest unique bidders.

Online auctions, however, present a multitude of challenges. Creating multiple auctions at once may prove difficult, but some auction platforms are equipped to create custom websites for one or multiple auctions. Whether it is a penny auction (which requires bidders to pay their bid upfront, whether they win or lose) or a more traditional auction, online auction software keeps both organized and helps auctions run smoothly with little input.

Nonprofit organizations utilize auctions widely and there are many different solutions available for different needs. Auctions are a proven fundraising method so auction software is commonplace in the nonprofit world. Fundraising is already difficult; auction software makes the process of running an auction easy and simple so organizers can focus more on their work.

### Who Uses Auction Software?

**Auctioneers —** Auctioneers can refer to either a contracted auction business or any business seeking to sell an array of items. An auction business may be an auction house that hosts live auctions, or it may be an auction site for online bidding. Almost any auction platform will allow users to adjust the auction format and create an auction design that fits their needs. From livestock auctions to high-end art and antiques, anyone whose business model revolves around bidding on products can benefit from using auction software.

**Nonprofits —** While auctioneers conduct auctions to sell inventory and generate profit, nonprofits use specifically designed auction software that enables them to conduct auctions as a fundraising event. This typically would be a silent auction that includes a live portion during a gala event, as well as an online listing for donors to bid remotely. Nonprofits use this type of software to manage event registration, auction listings, donation processing, and event communications. Nonprofits can make use of for-profit auction products, however, they benefit greatly from the added functionality that nonprofit auction or event fundraising software offers to enhance donor or guest experience.

### Kinds of Auction Software

Auction software falls into two general categories: for-profit auctions and nonprofit auctions. Within those two main categories, there are several different kinds of auction software that may be helpful. Many auction platforms may support multiple kinds of auctions, making them versatile enough to support a variety of needs.

**For-profit auctions:**

**Live auctions —** Live auctions are still widely used and require their own specialized features. Many of them involve maintaining records and catalogs in real time so auctioneers have the most up-to-date information. Live auction software may also help manage online and phone bidders during a live auction.

**Online auctions —** There are many different kinds of online auctions, which differ mainly in how the winner is determined. Highest and lowest unique bidder auctions choose (usually automatically) the bidder who is the only person to bid the highest or lowest amount. However users would like their auction to function, there is likely a software solution that to help them create it.

**Nonprofit auctions:**

**Silent auctions —** Silent auctions are a mainstay of fundraisers and are typically a manual affair for both guests and organizers alike. Silent auction software, however, makes it much simpler by allowing participants to place bids using their phones or computers and then notifying bidders if or when they have been outbid. Organizers can then easily process payments and keep track of what was sold to whom. This removes the tedious process of managing paper bid sheets and manual bid updates for guests.

**Fundraising event auctions —** Fundraising or charity events may use more than one type of auction to secure donations. With fundraising event software, organizers can run multiple kinds of auctions, manage ticketing and attendance, and collect donations all in one place. Fundraising event auction software encompasses aspects of [event management platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/event-management-platforms) or [event registration & ticketing software](https://www.g2.com/categories/event-registration-ticketing), while also primarily allowing organizers to run and manage fundraising auctions easily and efficiently.

### Auction Software Features

Auction software may contain a multitude of features, all of which help auction organizers build and run a variety of auctions both online and offline.

**Bidder profiles or registration —** For organizers running an online auction, registering bidders is crucial for knowing who bought what, and where each item should be delivered. If bidders also have the ability to create a profile, auction owners can gain insight into bidders’ habits and which products are more popular than others. These kinds of analytics help with details such as price optimization and auction timing, as well as monitoring bidder behavior and weeding out bots or other security risks. Registration is also beneficial to the bidders, as they don’t have to keep entering information such as their address and payment information each time they place a bid. For a live auction, bidder registration makes auction resolution much smoother if payment, contact information, and other important details are collected upfront.

**Bidding styles —** The advantage of auction software is that the bidding style can be set at the beginning of an auction; all bidding information is then filtered through these rules to determine an outcome. For instance, an online auction can easily become a lowest unique bidder auction with little to no work on the part of the organizer, with the winner automatically chosen at the end of the auction given the set parameters.

**Inventory management —** Auctions wouldn’t exist without inventory, so it’s crucial to have up-to-date, accurate information about what is and is not available. For live auctions, lots can be easily cataloged and maintained before and after the auction. For online auctions, inventory is managed in real time as auctions close, so nothing is sold more than once. Some products also allow for printable listings to be designed for guests to refer to during a live or silent auction.

**Payment collection and processing —** For online auctions especially, gathering payment is a crucial step. With most auction software, this is easy, since many tools include built-in payment gateways. Security goes hand in hand with payment, so most auction tools with a payment gateway will have some kind of security measure to ensure customer information is safe. Some online platforms may allow customers to add payment information to their profile, making it easier for all parties to complete the transaction.

**Website design —** Both live and online auction tools may contain features that allow organizers to create custom websites for their auction. Whether that’s simply an informational website or a fully online auction, that depends on both the tool and the user. The advantages of having a custom auction website are huge. Websites help tremendously with marketing and creating interest, especially for a charity event. If the auction is occurring entirely online, a website is a major requirement.

**Photo gallery —** Both online auctions and live auctions can benefit from photo galleries showing the items being auctioned. Online auctions especially require this function, as customers will likely not see the actual product until it arrives if they win the auction. Photo galleries allow organizers to post multiple photos of each item so bidders can get a full idea of what they are buying.

**Event management —** Some auction software contains event planning features that are especially useful for planning fundraiser events that feature auctions. Guest ticketing and registration is a major component of this feature, making it easy to manage attendance. Custom websites also play a part in this, making it easy for people to register for the event and buy tickets online. They can even potentially view the auction lots and make advance bids, helping organizers estimate how many donations they will receive.

**Mobile bidding —** Modern auction software allows for guests to make bids via text message and can receive automated updates whenever they are outbid. Auctioneers can also utilize a mobile interface to send mass notifications to auction attendees and monitor auction statuses.

**Donation collection —** Specifically for nonprofit auction products, bidders can make general donations to the organization in addition to bidding on specific auction listings. Some products allow for organizations to redirect bidders directly to a website donation page, while others will collect payment and segment it from auction revenue when nonprofits pull end-of-auction financial reports.

**Reporting —** Once auctions are concluded, users can pull financial and inventory reports for accounting purposes. These are useful to ensure all bids are collected before items are shipped (for online auctions) and can provide year-over-year performance analysis for auctions.

### Potential Issues with Auction Software

For the most part, auction software can be configured to work for standard auctions, regardless of being for-profit or nonprofit. Buyers, however, should be aware of specialized auction products that may not suit their needs, particularly in the case of reverse auctions or automobile auctions. Reverse auctions commonly refer to the procurement process for businesses, in which the roles of buyer and seller are reversed. Public sector agencies most commonly utilize these to receive service bids from interested parties. Dedicated software solutions manage the procurement auction process, but these would not be usable by those seeking to run a traditional auction for listing items.

In the case of automobile auctions, standard auction products may lack the functionality to list all the required information when listing cars for interested buyers. Specialized auto auction marketplaces are designed to comply with legal compliance when selling and purchase automobiles. [Other automotive software](https://www.g2.com/categories/other-automotive) contains auction products specifically for selling automobiles.