Freedom251 › Fundraising Event Software
Bid Beacon
What Bid Beacon is
Bid Beacon is an online silent-auction platform for fundraising. Organizers can create and configure auctions with a setup wizard, then use bidding extensions, proxy bidding, and max bidding to support their events. Full auctions can be customized with color themes, banner images, logos, and custom links or access codes. Organizations can import up to 600 auction items at a time using a preformatted template. When items close, Express Banking through Stripe Connect can charge winners automatically. An active CommuniBee subscription enables Stripe, Square, PayPal, and offline payment options; Bid Beacon also integrates with CommuniBee and Raffle Rocket. Supported currencies are USD, CAD, GBP, EUR, AUD, and NZD. Bid Beacon says payment information is handled by PCI-compliant Stripe and that it does not store credit-card or banking information. The service is aimed at event fundraisers, charities, nonprofits, school societies, sports clubs, and for-profit retailers. It is available on Android, iOS, and the web. Admin functions require a web browser; they are unavailable in the downloaded app. Email customer support and live Bid Beacon 101 group sessions are available. Bid Beacon is owned and managed by Launch57, a Canadian mobile software development company, and was founded in 2018 in Edmonton, Alberta.
Who it suits
Bid Beacon suits charities, nonprofits, school societies, sports clubs, retailers, and event fundraisers running silent auctions. It fits organizers who need auction branding and bulk item import, with web access for administration.
What it does well
- Auction setup wizard guides organizers through configuration.
- Imports up to 600 auction items at a time.
- Supports proxy bidding, max bidding, and bidding extensions.
- Full auctions can charge winners automatically when items close.
- Supports six currencies and integrates with CommuniBee and Raffle Rocket.
What to know first
- Admin functions require a web browser.
- Full Auction charges a 4.9% platform fee per transaction.
- Stripe Connect adds a 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fee.
- Additional payment options require an active CommuniBee subscription.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Full Auction | 4.9% platform fee per transaction, collected up to a $999 Platform Fee cap · unlimited guests, items, images, and admin roles · optional duration up to 365 days · Stripe Connect 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fee | On request |
As bidbeacon.com lists them, read 2 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the Bid Beacon website.
- Use the auction setup wizard to create and configure an auction.
- Choose the free plan or review the Full Auction option.
- Use a web browser for admin functions; the service also lists Android and iOS apps.
- Import auction items with the preformatted template if needed.
Verdict
Choose Bid Beacon if your organization needs a silent-auction platform with bulk item import, configurable branding, and automatic winner charging. Look elsewhere if admins need to manage auctions in the downloaded app or if the Full Auction transaction fees do not suit your event.
Questions
Is Bid Beacon free?
A free plan is listed. The Full Auction plan has no listed fixed price and charges a 4.9% platform fee per transaction, collected up to a $999 platform fee cap.
What does Stripe Connect cost for Full Auction?
Stripe Connect charges 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Which platforms can I use?
Bid Beacon is available on Android, iOS, and the web. Admin functionality requires a web browser.
What payment options does it support?
Full auctions use Express Banking through Stripe Connect. An active CommuniBee subscription enables Stripe, Square, PayPal, and offline payment options.
Which currencies are supported?
Supported currencies are USD, CAD, GBP, EUR, AUD, and NZD.
Who makes Bid Beacon?
Bid Beacon is owned and managed by Launch57, a Canadian mobile software development company.
Facts from Bid Beacon's own pages
- Admin limitation
- Admin functionality is unavailable in the downloaded app and requires a web browser. · bidbeacon.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Audience
- The service is aimed at event fundraisers, charities, nonprofits, school societies, sports clubs, and for-profit retailers. · bidbeacon.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Bidding
- The platform supports bidding extensions, proxy bidding, and max bidding. · bidbeacon.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Branding
- Full auctions include custom color themes, banner images, custom links or access codes, and logos. · bidbeacon.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Bulk import
- Organizations can import up to 600 auction items at a time using a preformatted template. · bidbeacon.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Currencies
- Supported currencies are USD, CAD, GBP, EUR, AUD, and NZD. · bidbeacon.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2018 · bidbeacon.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Edmonton, Alberta, Canada · bidbeacon.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- Bid Beacon integrates with CommuniBee and Raffle Rocket. · bidbeacon.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Maker
- Bid Beacon is owned and managed by Launch57, a Canadian mobile software development company. · bidbeacon.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Payment options
- An active CommuniBee subscription enables Stripe, Square, PayPal, and offline payment options. · bidbeacon.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Payments
- Full auctions use Express Banking through Stripe Connect, with automatic winner charging when items close. · bidbeacon.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Product
- Bid Beacon is an online silent-auction platform for fundraising. · bidbeacon.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Security
- Bid Beacon says it does not store credit-card or banking information; payment information is handled by PCI-compliant Stripe. · bidbeacon.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Setup
- The auction setup wizard guides users through creating and configuring an auction. · bidbeacon.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- Email customer support and live Bid Beacon 101 group sessions are available. · bidbeacon.com, 2 Oct 2026
Where Bid Beacon stands on Freedom251
- Fundraising Event Software#3 of 31