Now more than ever, electronic, touchless bidding is being highly sought after as the experience of choice for fundraising auctions. But, is Mobile Bidding the right solution for your next gala event? Read on below to find out!
What is Mobile Bidding?
Mobile Bidding allows your event attendees to bid and donate right from their smartphones. And, all without leaving the comfort of their seats! Instead of using paper and pen, silent auction bids, purchases, and donations are captured via a custom branded microsite—a small, streamlined website with a mobile-ready, app-like feel.
How does Mobile Bidding work?
When guests arrive at your event, they check-in just as they typically would. Upon check-in, your attendees will receive a text message with their unique log-in credentials and a hyperlink to your custom-branded microsite. Guests can then log in, add any missing contact and payment information, and start bidding—simple as that!
Your supporters no longer need to peruse tables crowded with bid sheets, pens, and elbows. They simply click on items that interest them, read up on the details, and submit their bids. And, forget guests not knowing when they are outbid! Instead of needing to run back to review bid sheets, your supporters will receive text notifications encouraging them to bid again.
Guests can also utilize our AutoBid feature to set a maximum bid for an item. Doing so lets our system bid for them until their maximum bid is reached. And, once bidding ends, guests can review their winnings and make their payments right from their seats.
Why is electronic bidding so beneficial?
Mobile Bidding can be extremely beneficial to your event and your team for a number of reasons. Below, we’ve outlined the top three!
- Streamline Guest Check-In: Gather your guests’ cell phone numbers, either at check-in or prior, and automatically text attendees their login credentials. Make your check-in process even more efficient by requiring that guests enter any missing contact information themselves, prior to being able to bid. This ensures you gather all the information you need to reconcile charges and distribute items at the end of your event!
- Extend Bidding Time Frame: Instead of closing your auction during dinner and keynote speeches, extend your silent auction all night! Eliminating bid sheets allows your guests to bid throughout the evening from the comfort of their seats. And, with longer bidding timeframes, you allow competition to continue and bring in extra bids!
- Quick & Easy Check-out: Once bidding has closed, your guests are able to pay right from their cell phone! This eliminates long, stressful payment and pickup lines that gala events often have. Instead, you’ll have happy bidders able to efficiently and easily support your event.
What to think about when considering Mobile Bidding
Mobile Bidding is a great addition to a lot of events. However, it will not be a great addition to EVERY event. When deciding if Mobile Bidding will work best for your event, consider and question the points below.
- Your past Event Experience: Start by reviewing your past, non-mobile bidding events. Did your guests have to stand in long lines to check-in, place bids, or make payments? Did your silent auction items produce less revenue than expected, based on their values? Answering “Yes” to either of these questions indicates that Mobile Bidding could benefit your next event!
- Size of your Silent Auction: Mobile Bidding works well for large and small silent auctions alike. With larger silent auctions, Mobile Bidding is an excellent choice and means you won’t have to make room for bid sheets. Meaning, you'll have room for other money-makers! However, with small silent auctions, you should plan to weigh the software cost against the revenue you hope to make.
- Cellular Network Capabilities: Your guests will need access to cellular data in order to use Mobile Bidding. You will need to verify the strength and speed of cellular data networks from within your event space. Be sure to perform tests to gauge how fast the internet is in and around your venue’s location.
- Your Audience Demographics: Demographics can be tricky when you are considering making a change, especially one that involves technology. If you’re worried that your crowd will be confused or frustrated by Mobile Bidding, consider having dedicated volunteers at your event to provide tech support. If you’re unsure how your supporters will feel, send out a quick survey to test the waters!
- Size of your Volunteer Team: If you are short-staffed, Mobile Bidding is a great option! This is because there is no need to manually clerk your silent auction. Instead, your volunteers can focus on your live auction and paddle raise.
