In the ever-changing world of fundraising, adaptability is key. Traditional paper bidding has long been a staple for silent auctions, but as technology continues to evolve, so do the methods for engaging donors and maximizing fundraising efforts. 

Enter mobile bidding - a transformative solution that not only streamlines the auction process but also opens doors to a wider audience and enhances donor engagement. At ClickBid, we understand the significance of this transition and the immense benefits it offers to charitable organizations looking to take this next step to elevate their fundraising efforts. Follow along for our best practices and helpful tips to transition into mobile bidding.

The Evolution: From Paper to Mobile Bidding 

Gone are the days of cumbersome paper bid sheets, smudged bidding amounts, and chaotic manual tallying at the last second of your event night. With a mobile bidding platform, the auction experience is revolutionized, offering a seamless and efficient solution for both organizers and participants. By transitioning to mobile bidding, organizations unlock advantages that pave the way for increased revenue and higher donor engagement. 

Streamlined Process, Amplified Results 

One of the most compelling benefits of mobile bidding is its ability to streamline auction processes, resulting in a boost in fundraising revenue. Studies have shown that organizations levering mobile bidding platforms raise at least 30% more funds compared to traditional paper bidding methods. 

Collecting bid sheets, determining winners, and adding up event totals are all transformed when adopting an online platform. These tasks become automated and event data is displayed quicker, saving you time to spend connecting with donors at your event. 

Expanding Donor Reach: Anytime, Anywhere Access 

With traditional paper bidding, participant’s attendance is limited based on geographic location, event timing, and any pre-existing commitments. If guests can’t attend your event due to being out of town with work, feeling sick, or having a prior commitment, they are unable to participate, leaving dollars on the table for your mission. 

By adopting mobile bidding, you can allow your entire donor base to participate in your event, regardless of geographic location, resulting in higher bidder involvement, friendly competition, and more funds raised.

Adopting mobile bidding allows remote supporters to contribute to your mission, who may not have been able to participate otherwise. The accessibility and convenience offered by online bidding empowers your donors to engage in the auction from anywhere, at any time, ensuring community participation.

Enhanced Efficiency and Donor Experience 

When thinking about a traditional fundraising gala, a challenge that comes to mind is the long lines of attendees at registration and checkout. An online fundraising platform like ClickBid simplifies this challenge by effortlessly managing attendee contact information and registration status in one place. 

Centralizing guest and sponsorship information, meal selections, and table assignments into a single accessible platform streamlines the process for multiple volunteers and event helpers to efficiently manage and access data simultaneously. No longer are the days of highlighting a guest’s name off a printed spreadsheet and passing said paper back and forth between volunteers. Utilizing an event fundraising software such as ClickBid ensures these challenges are simplified by consolidating all relevant information from multiple spreadsheets into one cohesive platform.

Adopting an online fundraising platform not only simplifies processes for the nonprofit and event volunteers but it also provides a user-friendly and engaging experience for donors as well. Winning bidders can be notified immediately after the auction closes, convenient links can be sent via text or email to help streamline payment collection, and donors don’t have to leave their seats to check if they’re still the top bidder. These user-friendly features leave your donors happy without extra stress added to your nonprofit. 

Making the Switch: How ClickBid Can Help 

Transitioning from paper bidding to mobile bidding may seem daunting, but with ClickBid, the process is straightforward. Our comprehensive platform provides the necessary tools and support needed to make it a smooth transition for your nonprofit. From setting up auction items to managing attendee information, we’re confident that you can get set up quickly and ensure a successful event. 

On-Demand Training Videos 

Our team has invested significant time and effort into crafting our ClickBid Training Hub, a series of on-demand training videos broken down into categories to help guide new nonprofits on the basics of ClickBid. We highly encourage all nonprofits to explore our training hub, where they can discover the extensive capabilities of the ClickBid software and unlock its full potential. 

Real People, Real Experience

Every charity partnered with ClickBid is assigned an Account Manager to provide a helping hand. With a dedicated onboarding meeting, you’ll learn the basics of the software and understand best practices that apply to your event. 

At ClickBid, we know that every fundraising event is different. Our team will take the time to understand your event and your needs and provide you with the necessary support and tools needed to meet your goals. 

Day of Event Support

We also understand the critical need for immediate assistance, especially during the hustle and bustle of event nights. That’s why we offer this unique level of personalized support tailored to each event. 

Through a dedicated phone number, nonprofits gain direct access to a ClickBid team member who is readily available to address any inquiries that may arise. We recognize the extensive checklist of tasks nonprofits manage on event days to ensure success. Therefore, we provide genuine human support just a phone call away precisely when it's needed most. This dedicated support shows ClickBid’s unwavering commitment to guaranteeing a seamless experience for all nonprofits. 

Versatile Platform

ClickBid’s platform stands out for its remarkable versatility, offering nonprofits endless possibilities to maximize its usage and elevate their fundraising efforts. From selling tickets to galas to organizing golf outings, talent shows, voting contests, apparel sales, sporting events, peer-to-peer donation collections, and much, much more, the potential is truly limitless. 

Whether it's engaging donors at high-profile events or rallying supporters to participate in community voting competitions, ClickBid provides the tools and flexibility needed to execute unique and one-of-a-kind fundraising initiatives with ease, leaving supporters excited to support your mission. 

Tips for Successful Implementation 

Launching a mobile bidding event may seem daunting, but with ClickBid, the transition becomes seamless. You don’t need a tech-savvy event planner to navigate the simple steps of launching a successful event. Here are some helpful tips for new charities embarking on their mobile bidding journey. 

Tip #1 - Test, Test, Test! 

Before launching your first mobile bidding event, it’s important to thoroughly test the functionality. Create a demo event to simulate the donor experience and see firsthand how supporters will interact with the system. By placing test bids and donations and navigating through the payment process, you’ll gain insight and confidence to help guide your donors and have troubleshooting information if any questions arise.

Testing allows you to identify any issues or elements of improvement. You’ll familiarize yourself with the platform, enabling you to proactively ensure a seamless experience for both organizers and donors.

Tip #2 - High-Quality Photos of Auction Items

Donors are drawn to visually appealing items, so it’s essential to showcase your auction items in the best light possible. By capturing high-quality images with depth and clarity, you provide bidders with a vivid understanding of the item’s potential and ignite excitement. Be sure to include multiple images from various angles to offer a comprehensive view of the item and provide additional information if needed. 

With ClickBid’s platform, uploading multiple high-quality images is easy and quick. By investing time in capturing compelling images, you’ll increase the attractiveness of your items, ultimately enhancing the success of your fundraising efforts. 

Tip #3 - Get Help When You Need It

Navigating the potential of ClickBid’s platform can be complex, but you don’t have to go at it alone. At ClickBid, we understand the importance of timely assistance to ensure a positive experience for our charities. We’re here to support you every step of the way, providing dedicated technical support whenever you need it. 

Where you have questions, encounter challenges, or simply need guidance on using our platform, your dedicated Account Manager is ready to step in and offer expert assistance. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed, our goal is to empower you to make the most of your fundraising efforts with confidence and ease. 

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It 

Discover the power of ClickBid’s platform through our client Success Stories, where we highlight real charities just like yours that are actively using ClickBid and having real success! Our success stories offer firsthand experience with ClickBid, showcasing real-world examples of how to unlock new possibilities and the lasting impact within their communities. 

The Germantown Knights of Columbus transitioned to mobile bidding with ClickBid back in 2020 and achieved remarkable results leaving them no choice but to continue their mobile bidding strategy. The results spoke for themselves as the organization witnessed an increase in participation, higher bidding activity, and ultimately greater fundraising success. 

Partnering with ClickBid: Your Key to a Lasting Impact 

Transitioning to mobile bidding with ClickBid isn’t just a change - it's a strategic investment in the future of your fundraising initiatives. By embracing this innovative technological solution, charities can unlock a wealth of benefits, from higher donor participation to streamlined event processes and positive donor experiences.

With ClickBid as your trusted partner, navigating this transition becomes seamless and rewarding. Our team is dedicated to leveraging our experience and expertise to empower you to continue to make a difference in your communities.