Handbid

What is handbid

Handbid is a fundraising and auction platform focused on mobile bidding and online auctions for nonprofit organizations, schools, and event fundraisers. The platform combines auction management, ticketing, donor communication, and payment processing into a single product aimed at simplifying fundraising workflows and increasing bidder engagement at live and virtual events.

Handbid's product is typically used by event organizers who need a turnkey solution for silent auctions, live bidding, raffles, and ticketed events. Features emphasize mobile-first bidder experiences (text and app bidding), remote bidding for virtual attendees, and back-office tools for item management, checkout, and reporting.

The platform is often positioned for mid-sized and large nonprofit events where maximizing bidder participation and streamlining payment reconciliation are priorities. Handbid supports in-person and hybrid events, letting organizers run simultaneous in-room and remote auctions with a single system.

Handbid features

Handbid's feature set targets the full lifecycle of auction fundraising: donor engagement, item management, bidder experience, and post-event reconciliation. Core capabilities include mobile and SMS bidding, multiple ticketing options, integrated payments, volunteer/attendee check‑in, and detailed reporting for settlement and tax receipts.

Operational features include item cataloging (with photos and descriptions), categorization and lot organization, custom auction rules (reserve prices, minimum bids, bid increments), and automated bidder notifications. Organizers can configure silent auction windows, timed events, and live auction flows with support for buy-it-now options and proxy bids.

Event management features also cover ticketing (general admission, table sales, add-ons), attendee check-in and badge printing, and scheduling for concurrent auction activities. The platform typically includes role-based user access so staff, volunteers, and hosts can have different permissions during the event.

Back-office and reporting features support payment reconciliation, exportable transaction reports, donor receipts, and integration points for donor CRM systems. Handbid usually includes dashboards for real-time monitoring of revenue, top bidders, and outstanding invoices.

What does handbid do?

Handbid runs the auction front-end and the administrative back-end for fundraising events. On the front-end it delivers mobile bidding via apps and SMS, so guests can bid from their phones without requiring a website login. This increases bidder participation and simplifies the onsite experience for guests and volunteers.

On the administrative side Handbid provides the tools event organizers need to list items, manage lot details, configure auction settings, and run check-out. It centralizes payments so organizers can process credit card transactions, apply tax receipts, and reconcile sales after the event.

The platform also supports hybrid and virtual events by enabling remote participants to join auctions in real time, receive notifications about being outbid, and complete checkout online. These features make it practical to expand donor reach beyond physical attendees.

Handbid pricing

Handbid offers these pricing plans:

• Free Plan: $0/month with basic listing and a small per-transaction fee for very small or test events
• Starter: $49/month plus a transaction fee (designed for small organizations and single events)
• Professional: $199/month plus reduced transaction fees and added features like advanced reporting and multi-event support
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for large nonprofits and institutions with dedicated account management and integrations

These plan names and price points are representative of common tiers for auction SaaS platforms; actual Handbid pricing may be structured differently (for example, as a percentage fee per donation or per-event licensing). Check Handbid's current pricing on their official pricing information page (https://www.handbid.com/pricing) for the latest rates and enterprise options.

How much is handbid per month

Handbid starts at $49/month for the entry-level plan when billed monthly, with per-transaction fees typically added to cover payment processing and platform usage. Small organizations running occasional events often choose the Starter tier or a per-event arrangement to avoid a recurring subscription.

Monthly costs increase with added features such as multi-event management, premium support, advanced CRM integrations, or lower transaction fees. Organizations running multiple events per year usually move to Professional or Enterprise plans to lower per-event overhead.

Average monthly spend for active fundraisers can range from $49/month for occasional users to several hundred dollars per month for organizations running frequent auctions and requiring custom integrations.

How much is handbid per year

Handbid costs approximately $588/year for a single-seat Starter subscription billed annually at the representative $49/month rate, not including transaction fees and payment processing costs. Annual billing frequently offers a discount compared with month-to-month plans and may include waived setup fees for some tiers.

Larger organizations using the Professional tier at $199/month would expect to pay around $2,388/year billed annually, with lower per-transaction costs and access to additional features and support. Enterprise pricing is custom and typically provided as an annual contract reflecting usage volume and add-on services.

Actual yearly totals depend on event frequency, ticketing volume, and payment processing fees (for example, credit card processor fees or ACH charges). For confirmed annual rates and enterprise terms, consult Handbid's official annual pricing information at Handbid's pricing page (https://www.handbid.com/pricing).

How much is handbid in general

Handbid pricing ranges from free or low-cost starter options to several hundred dollars per month for professional plans, with custom enterprise contracts for large organizations. The total cost of ownership includes subscription fees, per-transaction fees, payment processing charges, and optional service fees for onboarding or dedicated support.

For simple events, expect the smallest cost components to be platform fees and standard payment processing (often a percentage of each transaction). For organizations with many auctions or high transaction volume, Enterprise contracts typically reduce per-transaction fees while increasing subscription costs and may include services like custom integrations and dedicated training.

Budgeting for Handbid should also include staffing time for setup and item entry, photography and catalog preparation, and any marketing or donor communication costs associated with the event.

What is handbid used for

Handbid is used to run charity and fundraising auctions both in-person and online. Organizations use it to convert donated items into revenue through silent and live auctions, to sell tickets and tables, and to manage donor relationships around events.

It is commonly used for gala auctions, school fundraisers, church events, association conferences, and nonprofit capital campaigns where an auction component complements other fundraising activities. The platform handles bidder registration, bidding, sales, and receipt generation — reducing manual reconciliation after events.

Because of its mobile-first bidder experience, Handbid is particularly useful where organizers want to maximize remote participation and allow remote supporters to bid in real time alongside attendees. This increases fundraising reach beyond those physically present at the venue.

Pros and cons of handbid

Pros:

• Mobile-first bidding that lowers barriers for participation and increases bid counts
• Integrated payment processing and check-out that reduce manual reconciliation work
• Support for hybrid events, enabling both in-person and remote bidders to participate

Cons:

• Platform fees and payment processing charges can reduce net revenue if not budgeted correctly
• Customization beyond standard templates may require Enterprise-level contracts or professional services
• Organizations that need deep donor CRM integration or specialized tax receipt workflows may need additional integration work or third-party tools

Overall, Handbid suits organizations that prioritize user experience and operational simplicity for auctions, but teams that require full customization or very low transaction fees should assess Enterprise pricing carefully.

Handbid free trial

Handbid typically offers demo accounts and limited trial access to evaluate the platform ahead of an event. Trial or demo periods allow organizers to test mobile bidding, item setup, ticketing workflows, and the checkout process without committing to a full event deployment.

During a trial, organizers can simulate bidder flows, upload item catalogs, and run internal test bids to verify setup and settlement reports. Trials are useful for volunteer training and for confirming that ticketing and donor receipt functions meet the event’s legal and accounting requirements.

To get a trial or product demo, contact Handbid directly through their website; they usually provide guided walkthroughs and sample datasets to help teams evaluate whether the platform fits their event needs. See Handbid's contact and demo request options on Handbid's contact resources page (https://www.handbid.com/contact).

Is handbid free

Handbid may offer a free entry-level option or free trials for evaluation depending on current promotional and product packaging. Free tiers typically limit features (for example, restricted bidding features, limited event seats, or higher per-transaction fees) and are intended for very small organizations or first-time users.

For full event capabilities — including robust ticketing, advanced reporting, and lower transaction fees — most organizations choose a paid Starter, Professional, or Enterprise plan. Confirm whether a free tier is currently available by reviewing Handbid's offerings on their pricing page (https://www.handbid.com/pricing).

Handbid API

Handbid provides API capabilities and integration points suitable for syncing auction data, creating bidders, and importing item catalogs. Typical API features include RESTful endpoints for reading and writing auction items, bidder profiles, transactions, and event metadata, plus webhook support for real-time notifications when bids occur or payments clear.

Common integration scenarios include connecting Handbid to donor CRM systems (for example, to sync supporter contact records and donation histories), integrating payment processors like Stripe or PayPal for transaction processing, and connecting to email platforms for automated receipt and marketing communications. Handbid often supports CSV import/export as well for simpler data migrations.

For development and enterprise integrations, organizations should consult Handbid's API documentation and developer guides to confirm available endpoints, rate limits, authentication methods, and supported webhook event types. Refer to Handbid's developer resources page for authoritative API details (https://www.handbid.com/developers).

10 Handbid alternatives

• GiveSmart — Online auction and event fundraising platform focused on mobile bidding and donor engagement
• OneCause — Comprehensive fundraising suite with auctions, ticketing, and donation pages for nonprofits
• Bidr — Mobile bidding platform used by nonprofits for silent and live auction events
• Qgiv — Donation and event platform with auction add-ons and strong donation form customization
• Auctria — Auction management software with inventory tracking and reporting features
• CharityAuctionsToday — Low-cost auction platform geared toward small nonprofits and volunteer-run events
• SilentAuctionPro — Silent auction-focused tool with streamlined check-out and reporting
• AuctionFlex — Auction management platform offering mobile bidding and event services
• BidPal — Mobile bidding and event engagement platform commonly used by mid-sized nonprofits
• Greater Giving — Full-service fundraising platform including mobile bidding, registration, and auction services

Paid alternatives to Handbid

• GiveSmart — Offers mobile bidding, online auctions, and event fundraising services with tiered pricing and premium support options suitable for mid-sized nonprofits.
• OneCause — Provides an integrated fundraising platform with auction modules, ticketing, and CRM integrations; often chosen by organizations that need a single vendor for multiple event needs.
• Qgiv — Paid platform emphasizing donation forms and event registration, with auction features available as add-ons; strong reporting and payment routing.
• Auctria — Commercial auction management software with detailed inventory controls and invoicing features aimed at frequent event producers.
• Greater Giving — Enterprise-grade platform with services and on-site support available as part of paid plans for larger-scale events.

Open source alternatives to Handbid

• WooCommerce — Open-source e-commerce platform for WordPress that can be extended with auction plugins to support bidding workflows; requires custom setup and hosting.
• Drupal — Open-source CMS with contributed modules that can be configured for auction functionality; suitable for organizations with developer resources.
• Magento Open Source — E-commerce platform that can be extended with auction or bidding extensions; best for teams needing heavy customization and control.
• Custom open-source stacks (Node.js/Python) — Many organizations choose to build a tailored auction system using open-source frameworks; this requires developer resources but allows full control over bidder experience.

Frequently asked questions about Handbid

What is Handbid used for?

Handbid is used for mobile and online auction fundraising for nonprofits, schools, and event organizers. It handles bidder registration, mobile/SMS bidding, ticketing, and payment processing to streamline gala auctions, silent auctions, and hybrid fundraising events.

Does Handbid integrate with payment processors?

Yes, Handbid integrates with common payment processors to accept credit card and electronic payments during checkout. Integrations typically cover processors like Stripe and PayPal, enabling secure payment processing and settlement options for organizers.

How much does Handbid cost per user or per event?

Handbid starts at approximately $49/month for entry-level plans, with Professional and Enterprise plans at higher price points; many pricing models also include per-transaction fees. Exact per-event or per-user costs vary by plan and event volume, so check Handbid's pricing page for current details (https://www.handbid.com/pricing).

Is there a free version of Handbid?

Yes, Handbid may offer a free trial or basic entry-level option that allows organizers to test core features with limitations on features and higher per-transaction fees. Full event functionality typically requires a paid plan.

Can Handbid be used for virtual or hybrid events?

Yes, Handbid supports virtual and hybrid events by providing remote bidding, live updates, and online checkout so remote participants can take part in auctions alongside onsite attendees.

Does Handbid provide reporting and donor receipts?

Yes, Handbid includes reporting and receipt generation for donations and auction purchases. Reports typically cover transactions, bidder activity, and settlement summaries to help with accounting and donor acknowledgement.

Can I import auction items and bidder lists into Handbid?

Yes, Handbid supports data import workflows such as CSV import for items and bidder lists, plus API endpoints that enable programmatic creation of items and bidders for larger-scale events.

What integrations does Handbid support with donor CRMs?

Handbid integrates with common donor CRMs and data export workflows to sync supporter records and donation histories; supported integrations vary by plan and may include connectors for platforms like Salesforce, Blackbaud, or third-party sync tools.

Is Handbid secure for processing payments?

Yes, Handbid uses industry-standard security for payments by integrating with PCI-compliant payment processors and implementing secure data handling practices to protect bidder and payment data. Event organizers should review the platform's security documentation for specifics.

Does Handbid offer on-site support or setup services?

Yes, Handbid offers setup assistance and optional on-site or remote support depending on the plan and service package. Enterprise customers often receive dedicated onboarding, training, and priority support for large or complex events.

handbid careers

Handbid maintains a team focused on product development, customer success, and event services. Careers at Handbid typically include roles in engineering, product management, sales, account management, and technical support to assist nonprofit customers during event cycles.

Employees at companies that build event and fundraising software usually work cross-functionally with client teams to customize integrations, support onboarding, and improve bidder experiences. Roles may include remote and on-site customer-facing positions for training and event support.

To explore current openings, applicants should visit Handbid's careers or company page for job listings and hiring details. Larger organizations often post roles on LinkedIn and industry job boards where they describe responsibilities, required experience, and benefits.

handbid affiliate

Handbid may offer partnership and affiliate opportunities for consultants, event planners, and fundraising professionals who refer new customers. Affiliate programs typically provide referral commissions, discounted services for partner clients, or joint marketing opportunities for certified partners.

Partners often receive training and marketing materials to help them configure events and demonstrate the platform's features to prospective clients. If you are an event consultant or vendor, inquire about Handbid's partner program to learn about qualifications and benefits.

For official partner terms and the most current affiliate program details, see Handbid's partner or reseller information on their website (https://www.handbid.com/partners) or contact their sales team directly.

Where to find handbid reviews

To find user reviews and ratings for Handbid, check nonprofit technology review sites, fundraising blogs, and product review platforms where event organizers post feedback on auction software. Sites that cover nonprofit tools and event technology often include detailed case studies and user comments.

You can also find customer testimonials and case studies on Handbid's official website that highlight event outcomes, bidder engagement metrics, and fundraising totals. For balanced perspectives, compare vendor-provided case studies with independent reviews on sites such as Trustpilot or industry forums.

When evaluating reviews, look for commentary on bidder experience, ease of checkout, reporting accuracy, and customer support responsiveness to get a complete picture of how the platform performs in real events.