There are so many things you need to juggle to make an auction fundraiser a success – and something that can be a big help is having the right software. Auction software can help you stay on top of various aspects of your fundraiser, simplify your coordination, ease any strain on your team, and free up your resources for other event needs.
Auction management software helps nonprofit and charity organizations simplify auction event planning and running. Your organization can use auction software for online, hybrid, or in-person fundraisers.
The right auction software enables you to host seamless virtual auctions and offers fantastic advantages for simplifying physical or hybrid events.
Overall benefits of using auction solutions, no matter the fundraiser type, include:
To enjoy the advantages of auction management software, you need to choose a solution with the perfect features for your needs. While you may have goals that are unique to your organization, these are some of the basic features that can benefit any NPO team planning an auction:
Pick a system that’s easy to use and accessible. The simpler it is, the better! Having a user-friendly interface means event bidders can learn how to use it and enjoy the auction experience to the fullest, keeping them engaged and involved.
Usability is also key for your team’s event coordination. When your software is simple to learn and straightforward, you don’t have to spend money and time training your team on how to use it. Instead, it becomes a handy and quick-to-implement way to get your planning up and running.
With mobile-friendly bidding options, you have a much larger bidder pool for your fundraising. More people can participate on the move using smartphones and tablets. This feature can also ensure your event team stays in the loop during live auctions, giving them access to bidding updates on the go.
Safe and secure transactions are key to managing your auction event successfully. Keep bidders’ payment information safe, while also providing convenience, by offering diverse options for checkout.
Seamless, hassle-free digital payments enhance the bidding experience and make it easier for you to keep track of the funds you raise. Consider software with multiple payment options like PayPal, debit, and credit payments.
A branded event website or page can be an invaluable one-stop for all your fundraiser information. The software you choose should enable you to create unique event pages for separate auctions where bidders or online users can learn more about your fundraiser.
Look for software with custom landing pages, custom URLs, mobile usability, and live auction hosting. Match these features with a powerful social media marketing plan to transform branded pages into the central hub for your event.
A robust auction management system can help you take control of bidders and auction items. It can be an awesome way to simplify bidder experiences by offering them a central space for event activities. You can use it to share information, create a catalog of your items and item information, and simplify payments. It also gives your team an efficient way of registering participants, collecting bidding data, sharing bidding instructions, and tracking bids.
For item management, your team can upload pictures and information to showcase bids, much like an e-commerce storefront.
Get a deep dive into auction data through software analytics and reporting features. Learn more about item performance, top and general bidders, overall attendance, bidding frequency, and more. With auction good management software, you should get an automated snapshot of your fundraiser, helping you improve your fundraising strategy for more successful events in the future.
You can, for example, use analytics to guide you on the best types of bid items to source. Got tons of bids on food items, for example? Then have more items for foodies at your next event!
Once you’ve thought about the features that will best match your goals, consider these key factors for picking the right software:
What kind of event are you hosting? Every fundraiser type has unique elements that tell you what kind of software you need. A silent auction, for example, is all about the mystery, so you need a way to keep bidders anonymous.
Using dedicated auction software will help you pull off the logistics of the event. Select a solution that can handle diverse kinds of auctions, including hybrid, in-person, and virtual events. That way, you can use it over and over for different auctions.
When choosing your software, think about flexibility. Will the solution you choose allow you to grow? Switching from one platform to another for every event or as your business grows can cost you time and money.
Pick an option that gives you room to grow as your NPO expands and your events transform. For example, your solutions should allow you to add management users, host larger events, and more.
When creating your software budget, don’t just think short term! Consider what the long-term costs of it will be, too. How much will it cost to implement it, including initial payments, training your employees, integrating systems you already use, onboarding users, etc.? These are some of the immediate costs you can think about.
Long-term costs include the monthly and maintenance fees, how much you must pay for additional users, and more. You want to go with a sustainable option that you can afford for a long time.
Your software provider can help you navigate challenges and introduce your new software to your team. What kinds of support channels does the provider have available and how accessible they are in urgent situations? Examples of support you may need include 24-hour phone support, email assistance, and troubleshooting resources.
What do other NPOs have to say about the software you’re considering? Reviews and testimonials can tell you tons about whether a solution can work for your needs.
As you scroll through reviews, look out for the features you want and see what other companies say about them. Great testimonials on these features can mean the software is a match for you.
Auction software transforms how NPOs plan and execute auctions. Still, shopping around for the ideal solution for you? This article is the perfect checklist to help you make the best choice.
BiddingOwl offers easy-to-use auction software to make fundraising a breeze! Contact us today to get a comprehensive platform that works for your nonprofit organization.
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