Handbid

Handbid is a strong fit for nonprofits that want polished mobile bidding and event-day auction support instead of a bare-bones online auction page. It is not the cheapest path, and less tech-comfortable guests may still need staffed registration and bidder help.

Quote-based on current Handbid pricing page; G2 lists a $1,396/year package that should be verified
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Tool Nutrition Label
Founded 2011
Headquarters United States; exact current headquarters should be confirmed
Company Size Private auction software company; exact current employee count not clearly disclosed
Funding Private company; public funding history not clearly disclosed
Pricing Model Custom fundraising and auction package based on event needs, support level, branding, and features
Free Trial No public self-serve free trial found; demo and pricing consultation offered
Contract Annual or event-based package depending on quote
Attendee Capacity Package-dependent; validate guest, bidder, and event limits in quote
Mobile App iOS and Android bidder app plus web bidding workflows
Offline Capability No
Data & Compliance Not clearly disclosed publicly
Expertise Level Intermediate
Event Types
Charity AuctionsFundraising GalasSchool AuctionsVirtual FundraisersHybrid FundraisersGolf Fundraisers
Key Integrations
Stripe (Native) Mobile Bidding App (Native) Reports/Exports (Native) Live Streaming (Native)
Support Channels
Pricing consultationLive demoConcierge supportKnowledge base and event checklists
Best For
  • + Nonprofits running high-stakes galas and silent auctions
  • + Fundraising teams that want mobile bidding, ticketing, donations, and checkout together
  • + Organizations that value hands-on support around event setup
  • + Hybrid or virtual auctions that need remote bidder participation
Not For
  • Small fundraisers that need a free or very low-cost auction tool
  • Organizations whose donor base struggles with mobile account setup
  • Teams that need published package pricing before taking a sales call
  • Groups looking for a full donor CRM rather than event fundraising software
Key Capabilities
Run mobile, web, and in-person silent auctions with competitive bidding workflows
Sell tickets, register guests, and support auction check-in and checkout
Collect donations, text-to-give responses, and appeal gifts
Manage auction items, bidders, invoices, payments, and receipts
Use leaderboards, displays, and live event tools to increase bidder energy
Report on event revenue, item performance, and auction activity
Honest Limitations

Current Pricing Requires Consultation

Handbid's official pricing page emphasizes custom packages rather than public tiers.

Mobile Comfort Still Matters

Review themes are positive, but some organizers report that less tech-savvy guests need extra help.

Auction Setup Takes Work

Item entry, bidder imports, ticketing, display sheets, and payment workflows still need a careful pre-event checklist.

Not A Complete Donor CRM

Handbid can power fundraising events, but donor stewardship may still live in another system.

Verify Payment Settlement

Confirm processor setup, fee treatment, refunds, and post-event reconciliation before launch.

Pricing Breakdown
Plan Price Details
Custom Handbid Package Quote-based Current official pricing is built around event requirements, branding, support, and feature mix
The Big Event $1,396/year listed by G2 Third-party listing only; confirm current availability and scope directly with Handbid

Hidden Costs to Watch

  • ! Payment processing fees
  • ! Extra onsite staffing or bidder support for less tech-comfortable audiences
  • ! Design, item photography, sponsor graphics, and auction data cleanup
  • ! Potential integration or export work into donor CRM

Handbid is built for fundraising events where the auction experience has to feel polished for both staff and donors. Its mobile bidding, ticketing, checkout, and display tools can remove a lot of paper chaos from gala night.

The tradeoff is planning discipline. Confirm pricing, processor setup, guest support, and post-event exports before signing, especially if your audience includes donors who may need help with app-based bidding.

Comparing this with other event tools?

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Questions to Ask the Vendor
  1. 1
    What exact package, event count, support level, and transaction fees are included in the quote?
  2. 2
    How will guests without app comfort bid, pay, and check out at the event?
  3. 3
    Which payment processor and settlement timeline will apply?
  4. 4
    What donor, item, bidder, and transaction data can we export after the event?
  5. 5
    Who is available during live event hours if check-in, bidding, or checkout breaks?
How we research tools

We research each tool by reviewing official documentation, pricing pages, and user feedback from Trustpilot, G2, and Capterra. If something's out of date or inaccurate, use the link below to flag it.

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