PLATFORM COMPARISON
Overview
While Trellis and ClickBid are both robust platforms for managing fundraisers, they offer vastly different experiences regarding donor trust and financial transparency.
Trellis utilizes a controversial ‘tipping’ model that defaults to asking supporters for an extra 15% at checkout. This aggressive tactic can be off-putting to donors, forcing organizations to risk their donors’ trust just to cover the platform’s credit card fees.
In contrast, ClickBid is an established and trusted choice for nonprofits, offering straightforward, flat fee pricing and dedicated support that provides a predictable budget for any event.
DEDICATED SUPPORT
What does ClickBid do?
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.
TIPS REQUIRED
What does Trellis do?
Trellis, a Canadian company founded in 2018, offers a full range of fundraising features like mobile bidding, ticketing, and digital raffles. They offer two complex license options, including a free option for smaller nonprofits and an annual subscription for medium to large nonprofits. For all customers, Trellis default settings request nonprofit donors for 15% tips. In exchange for asking for tips, Trellis will cover credit card fees for smaller transactions. Nonprofits that turn off the tips are required to pay credit card fees. Support from Trellis is similarly tiered, moving from basic email access to a dedicated person and live technical assistance only for those with the most expensive plans.
