CharityAuctionsToday vs. Clickbid

With the growing need for online auction platforms, many organizations rely on solutions like CharityAuctionsToday and ClickBid to host successful fundraising events. Both platforms provide tools to streamline the auction process, engage bidders, and maximize donations. However, their features, pricing models, and user experiences differ significantly. This article compares the two platforms across these key areas to help you determine which is better suited to your needs.

Take a look at 13 top fundraising auction sites to see how they stack up against each other , and us.

CharityAuctionsToday vs. Clickbid Features

CharityAuctionsToday

CharityAuctionsToday is designed to be simple, flexible, and effective for a variety of auction types. Its core features include:

• Online, Silent, and Hybrid Auctions: The platform supports multiple auction formats, giving users flexibility.
• Mobile Bidding: Bidders can participate easily from their phones with a mobile-friendly design.
• Custom Auction Pages: Auction organizers can create fully customizable pages to showcase items and brand their event.
• Real-Time Analytics: Provides live tracking of auction activity, allowing organizers to monitor bids, donor engagement, and overall revenue.
• Integrated Payments: CharityAuctionsToday supports multiple payment gateways, making it easy for bidders to pay securely through PayPal, credit cards, and more.
• Fund-a-Need: Allows for direct donations to a specific cause, in addition to traditional bidding.

ClickBid

ClickBid also offers a comprehensive set of features for running auctions, focusing heavily on user engagement and event management:

• Mobile Bidding: Similar to CharityAuctionsToday, ClickBid prioritizes mobile bidding but with an app that users must download.
• Text-to-Give: This feature allows supporters to donate by sending a simple text message, expanding the avenues for fundraising. However, this is only available at higher pricing tiers.
• Event Ticketing: In addition to auctions, ClickBid supports ticket sales and guest management, making it useful for larger charity events.
• Live Event Streaming: A notable feature that allows organizations to stream live events directly on the platform, keeping virtual attendees engaged.

Feature Comparison Summary:

• Both platforms support mobile bidding, customizable auction pages, and integrated payments.
• CharityAuctionsToday excels in simplicity, making it easy for small to mid-sized events.
• ClickBid has some additional features like live streaming (only available at higher pricing plans), catering to more complex fundraising events.

CharityAuctionsToday vs. Clickbid Pricing

CharityAuctionsToday

CharityAuctionsToday offers flexible pricing plans:

• Flex Plan: No upfront cost, and  5% of the total auction revenue.
• Prepaid Plan: Offers custom solutions and costs between $297 and $1,500 per auction depending on your needs as well as a platform fee of up to 3%.
• Both CharityAuctionsToday plans include processing fees of 3% + $0.30 per transaction.

ClickBid

ClickBid operates on an annual subscription model, with pricing based on features:

• Essentials: This base plan includes unlimited auctions, mobile bidding, text messaging, and item management and costs $795 per year.
• Enhanced: Includes all the essential features plus unlimited ticketing and mass messaging. This package costs $1,295 annually.
• Full Suite: Larger organizations with complex needs can request customized pricing starting at $2,295.

Pricing Comparison Summary:

• CharityAuctionsToday has more flexible, event-based pricing options, which can be cost-effective for organizations hosting one-off auctions.
• ClickBid’s annual subscription offers value for organizations planning multiple events throughout the year, but its base price is higher.

CharityAuctionsToday vs. Clickbid Reviews

See how users rate us on different platforms. Keep in mind that aggregators like G2 and Capterra might include incentivized reviews.

User Review Comparison Summary:

• CharityAuctionsToday is loved for its simplicity, making it ideal for organizations looking for an easy, no-fuss solution.
• ClickBid is praised for its feature set and reliability but may require more technical know-how and a higher budget to unlock its full potential.

Wondering if an auction site is the real deal? Read our take on How to Tell if an Auction Site is Legit.

Conclusion

Choosing between CharityAuctionsToday and ClickBid depends on your organization’s specific needs.

• CharityAuctionsToday is best for small to mid-sized organizations looking for an easy-to-use platform with flexible pricing options. Its free-to-start plan with a percentage fee and simple interface make it a great choice for one-time auctions or recurring events.
• ClickBid is ideal for organizations running multiple events or larger-scale fundraisers that require advanced features like live streaming. The higher upfront cost is offset by its robust feature set, which can drive higher engagement and donations.

Both platforms have excellent customer support, making them reliable options for online fundraising, but understanding the scope of your event will help you choose the platform that fits your budget and needs.