Choosing the right event fundraising platform is critical to saving time, raising more and engaging your valuable donors. A Handbid comparison to ClickBid.
When choosing between fundraising veterans ClickBid and Handbid, the biggest difference is how your donors access your auction. Handbid relies on an app-store download, whereas ClickBid operates directly in a mobile browser—meaning your donors are one click away from bidding. Both platforms offer robust features and competitive credit card rates, but ClickBid is designed to get your guests participating faster, without the hassle of an app.
ClickBid started in 2002 as an in-person event fundraising platform. Using computer based bidding, charities were able to increase the frequency of bids, shorten lines at check-in and check-out and give donors an exciting and competitive experience. Over the years, ClickBid has expanded to provide online auctions, mobile bidding, ticket sales and live video.
The key to ClickBid is the simplicity of using a single tool for unlimited events throughout the year. Backing up your simplified experience is a dedicated support representative who follows your account all year. They will help you setup all your events and guide you through all the fundraising opportunities.
Handbid has been around since 2011 and has a lot of fundraising-specific features. Handbid reviews complement the platform’s comprehensive auction capabilities, which include gamification features like interactive puzzles. However, Handbid gatekeeps essential support for nonprofits behind higher-tier packages and has a small number of CRM integrations. In addition, their app provides an “event barrier” that can slow down participation at events and become a bottleneck at registration.
Handbid packages start at $1,395 and increases from there depending on features and support requested. Handbid’s credit card fees are industry low of 3.5% with .30 cents per transaction.
Annual License: $1,495 (unlimited events)
Paid Support: $0
Credit Processing Fee: $1,575 (3.5%)
Per Transaction Fee: $0
Post Event Platform Fee: $0
Total Costs: $3,070
Annual license: $1,395
Paid Support: ~$500+
Credit Processing Fee: $1,575 (3.5%)
Per Transaction Fee: $36+ ($0.30 per transaction)
Total Costs: $3,506+
To help clarify the features available to ClickBid and Handbid, we have provided the following matrix.
Feature | ClickBid | Handbid |
Ticket Sales | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Bidding | Yes | Yes |
Fixed Pricing and Raffles | Yes | Yes |
Live Auctions | Yes | Yes |
Registration/Guest Management | Yes | Yes |
Event Promotional Page | Yes | Yes |
Real Time Event Leaderboards | Yes | Yes |
Customizable Messaging | Yes | Yes (Paid add on) |
Embeddable Donation Forms | Yes | Yes |
Real-Time Video Streaming | Yes | Limited |
Event Night Support | Yes | Limited (Paid add on) |
Ongoing Customer Service | Yes | Limited (Paid add on) |
While Handbid offers a robust suite of tools, ClickBid is the clear choice for organizations that value simplicity and speed. By removing the ‘app barrier,’ ClickBid ensures 100% of your guests can participate instantly from any mobile browser. Combined with a flat annual fee and dedicated support, ClickBid provides the same power as Handbid but with a faster setup and a better bottom line for your cause.
ClickBid has spent more than 20 years focusing on maximum fundraising for charities all over North America. Our recipe of simple software and dedicated support has helped us become a top level event fundraising provider.
Our support team consists of seasoned, US based representatives who call ClickBid their home. Each talented team member attends events in-person to know what it feels like to be in your shoes. They personally walk you through your onboarding, answer all your questions along the way and manually review your events before they start. This isn’t extra! It’s the ClickBid Experience.
Our team is trained in helping charities migrate their event data from Givebutter to ClickBid. We will walk you through a customized demo and focus on the process of migration. Unlike switching CRMs, the process is surprisingly simple and takes only minutes.
Connect directly to your account manager who will support you for the entire year. Unlike a call center, our team is dedicated to your organization. Tell your story only once and then let your account manager help you stay engaged with your donors.
With your first event set up, you’re ready to engage and raise more money. Best of all, there’s no more $$ to spend on multiple events. The road ahead of you is wide open for maximizing your donor experiences and raising more funds.
We love our nonprofits and they have loved using a proven platform.
This information was taken from review sources in 2025.