iBid

What iBid is

iBid is a web-based mobile bidding and charity auction service for organizations raising funds. Its Auction AutoPilot™ supports the process from soliciting items and managing a catalog through bidding and closing. Guests can bid remotely, including when they cannot attend in person, and receive instant text alerts when another bid passes theirs. Organizers can send guests text messages and email updates through the portal, while organizations can add their logo, colors, sponsor images, and a message to the bidding experience. After an auction closes, guests receive a text link to a digital receipt. iBid supports silent, live, and online auctions, payment processing, and event reporting, and runs with Events.org. Donor information can be exported with an Open API. iBid describes donor information as secure; Events.org says stored card details are protected with industry-standard encryption. A free plan is listed as free, with 3.5% payment processing fees plus $1, which the bidder can cover, and a $100 referral credit. Event-day customer support is listed at 866.513.7627.

Who it suits

iBid suits charitable organizations that run fundraising auctions and want guests to bid remotely or at an event. It supports silent, live, and online auction formats.

Limits

The free plan lists payment processing fees of 3.5% plus $1; the $1 can be covered by the bidder. It also lists a $100 referral credit.

Getting started

1. Open the iBid website.
2. Set up the auction and solicit items.
3. Build and manage the item catalog.
4. Customize the bidding experience with your organization’s branding and message.
5. Use the portal to run bidding and closing, then guests can access their digital receipt by text link.

Verdict

iBid covers auction management, remote bidding, guest updates, and checkout for charitable fundraising auctions. Its free plan has listed processing fees of 3.5% plus $1, which bidders can cover.