Handbid
Auction software
Fundraising software
Nonprofit software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$1,999 per event
Free Trial
Free version unavailable
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What is Handbid
Handbid is mobile bidding and auction software used by nonprofits and schools to run silent auctions, live auctions, and related fundraising activities. It supports event-based fundraising workflows such as item cataloging, bidder registration, bidding from mobile devices, checkout, and payment processing. The product is typically used for in-person galas as well as hybrid formats where attendees bid from their phones. It also includes tools that support donor engagement and reporting around auction performance.
Mobile-first bidding experience
Handbid centers the bidder experience on mobile devices, which fits common silent-auction and gala workflows. Bidders can browse items, place bids, and receive outbid notifications without needing paper bid sheets. This can reduce manual effort for volunteers during the event. Mobile bidding also supports hybrid participation when some bidders are not physically present.
End-to-end auction operations
The platform covers core auction operations including item management, bidder registration, bid tracking, checkout, and payments. Having these functions in one system can reduce reliance on separate spreadsheets and point solutions. It is designed for event staff to manage auction status in real time. This helps organizations reconcile winners and payments more quickly after the auction closes.
Nonprofit event fundraising fit
Handbid is built for nonprofit fundraising events where auctions are a primary revenue driver. It supports common event constructs such as packages/items, donors/sponsors, and post-event reporting. The workflow aligns with volunteer-led events that need structured processes for check-in and checkout. This focus can make it easier to deploy than general-purpose commerce tools for auction-style fundraising.
Auction-centric scope
Handbid is strongest when an auction is central to the fundraising strategy. Organizations that primarily need year-round donation forms, peer-to-peer fundraising, or broader nonprofit CRM capabilities may need additional systems. This can increase integration and data reconciliation work. Fit is best evaluated for non-auction campaigns.
Implementation and training effort
Event teams typically need to configure items, packages, bidder data, and payment settings ahead of time. Volunteer-run organizations may need training to manage check-in, bid monitoring, and checkout smoothly. The operational workload can be significant for large item catalogs or complex event rules. Planning time is required to avoid day-of-event issues.
Data portability and integrations vary
Nonprofits often need auction data to flow into donor databases, accounting tools, and email platforms. Integration depth and export formats may not match every organization’s existing stack, requiring manual exports or custom processes. Reporting may need additional manipulation for finance or development teams. Buyers should validate available integrations and API/export options for their environment.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nonprofit | Starting at $1,999 per event (official Packages page) | Auction & event software for nonprofits; single-event and multi-event packages; strategy, setup & coaching; on-site experts available; low credit-card processing fee (3.5% + $0.30). See "Packages" on Handbid site. |
| Commercial | Custom pricing | White-label to your brand; back-office integration; integrated payments; fixed and variable pricing available; low credit-card processing fee (3.5% + $0.30); contact sales / book a demo. |
| Handbid+ (Custom/White-label) | $27,000 - $33,000 (one-time range, blog) | Custom auction website + app (white-label) — Handbid+ full customization and mobile app. Price range from Handbid blog (schedule a demo for custom quote). |
Additional notes:
- Processing fees: Handbid uses Stripe; official docs state recommended/use Stripe with a payment processing fee of 3.5% (3.95% for Amex) + $0.30 per transaction.
- Promotional trial: Handbid has offered a 2-week free trial in a promotional offer (e.g., AFP/G2 promotion). Availability may be promotional/limited; contact Handbid for current trial offers.
