The hidden cost of Zeffy

Nonprofits need reliable, transparent, and cost-effective fundraising solutions—especially when running online auctions. With so many platforms available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. While some competitors, like Zeffy, advertise a “zero-fee” model, their approach often comes with hidden costs that can leave donors frustrated.

In contrast, BiddingOwl.com offers a straightforward, feature-rich, and transparent online auction experience that puts nonprofits in control. Here’s why BiddingOwl is the better choice for your fundraising needs.

1. True Transparency in Fees

Zeffy markets itself as a “zero-fee” platform, but the reality is that it relies on mandatory donor tipping to cover processing costs. Here’s what that means for your donors:

• ZEFFY - A tip is automatically pre-selected at 15% for donations over $25 and can be even higher for smaller donations.

• ZEFFY - Donors not paying close attention may accidentally overpay, leading to frustration when they check their bank statements.

• ZEFFY - Some donors may feel pressured to tip more, thinking that your nonprofit will lose money if they don't.

• BiddingOwl takes a different approach. You can offset costs transparently by adding a Buyer's Premium—either a flat fee or a percentage—which is displayed before the bidder places their bid. This ensures that donors and bidders know exactly what they are paying, avoiding any surprises.

2. A Proven Track Record in Nonprofit Auctions

BiddingOwl.com isn’t just another fundraising platform—it’s designed specifically for auctions. Unlike Zeffy, which focuses on general donations and ticketing, BiddingOwl provides:

• Mobile Bidding and Silent Auction Tools
• Event Ticketing and Donation Management
• Bidder Management and Reporting Features
• Seamless Payment Processing using PayPal and Stripe

With BiddingOwl, your nonprofit doesn’t have to compromise on features or reliability.

3. Unmatched Customer Support

When you run an online auction, you need a support team that understands your needs and responds quickly. BiddingOwl takes pride in providing top-tier customer service that’s hard to find with competitors like Zeffy.

We offer:

• Responsive Support Team – Get help when you need it.

• Step-by-Step Auction Setup Assistance – No guesswork involved.

• A Robust Knowledge Base – Tutorials, FAQs, and expert tips to maximize your auction’s success.

Zeffy, on the other hand, lacks dedicated auction specialists, making it harder for nonprofits to get the specific guidance they need.

4. Flexible & Scalable for Any Fundraising Event

Every nonprofit has unique fundraising needs, and BiddingOwl.com adapts to your event type—whether it’s a silent auction, live auction, or hybrid event. With BiddingOwl, you’re not locked into a one-size-fits-all model.

Our platform supports:

• Small & Large Auctions – Whether you have 20 or 2,000 bidders, BiddingOwl can handle it.

• Online & In-Person Fundraisers – Run your event however you like.
• Custom Branding – Keep your nonprofit’s identity front and center.

Conclusion: BiddingOwl is the Clear Winner for Nonprofit Auctions

While Zeffy’s zero-fee claim may sound appealing at first, the reality of hidden tipping fees, limited auction features, and weaker support can negatively impact your fundraising success.

With BiddingOwl.com, you get:

• Full transparency in pricing
• Powerful auction features built for nonprofits
• Exceptional customer service
• Complete control over how you manage bidder fees

If you’re looking for a reliable, transparent, and feature-packed auction platform, BiddingOwl.com is the smart choice for your next fundraising event.