BiddingOwl vs ReadySetAuction
BiddingOwl
biddingowl.comReadySetAuction
readysetauction.comSide by side
| Figure | BiddingOwl | ReadySetAuction |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $91.58/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 5 |
| Spec score · Charity Auction Software | 8.4 (#6) | 8.6 (#5) |
| Bidding | Bidders can save items to a watchlist and set a maximum proxy bid for automated bidding. | Bidders can use web browsers on phones, tablets, and computers for mobile or online bidding; the maker says no app download is needed. |
| Founded | 2012 | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Gaylord, Michigan, United States | Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Notifications | Bidders and supporters can receive SMS and email notifications about outbids, wins, and event updates. | Outbid alerts can be delivered through email and SMS text messages. |
| Payments | BiddingOwl integrates with Stripe and PayPal and also supports cash or check payments recorded by manually marking invoices paid. | Credit-card processing requires a compatible merchant account; the maker says card data goes directly to the merchant processor and does not pass through ReadySetAuction servers. |
| Purpose | BiddingOwl provides online auction and fundraising tools for nonprofits, schools, charities, and other organizations. | ReadySetAuction is cloud-based auction management software for nonprofit organizations running silent, live, mobile, and online fundraising auctions. |
| Support | BiddingOwl offers phone and email support during weekday office hours and 24/7 critical emergency phone support. | Pricing says all plans include email support, webinars, knowledge-base access and telephone support during Monday-Friday business hours; extra training and event-night support cost extra. |
Plans
BiddingOwl
- Traditional silent/live auction and related servicesFree
- Online/mobile auction$5, paid once
ReadySetAuction
- Essentials$1,099 a year
- ESSENTIALS$1,099 a year
- Select$1,499 a year
- Complete$1,999 a year
- COMPLETE$1,999 a year
In their own words
BiddingOwl
BiddingOwl provides online auction and fundraising tools for nonprofits, schools, charities, and other organizations. Organizers can run online, mobile, silent, live, or offline auctions and offer donations, admission and raffle tickets, Fund-a-Need, and paddle raises without separate paid add-ons. Bidders can follow items on a watchlist, set a maximum proxy bid, and receive SMS or email updates about outbids, wins, and events. Organizers can import items from CSV, export item data, manage or duplicate events, and retain their data; one login can manage multiple organizations and simultaneous auctions. Payments can be processed through Stripe or PayPal, or tracked as cash or check by manually marking invoices paid. Traditional silent and live auction services cost nothing; winning online or mobile bids incur a $5, paid once performance fee. Payment processor fees may apply. BiddingOwl is available on Android, iOS, and web. It offers weekday phone and email support and 24/7 critical emergency phone support.
ReadySetAuction
ReadySetAuction is cloud-based auction management software for nonprofits running silent, live, mobile, and online fundraising auctions. It manages donors, donations, guests, seating, meal choices, auction packages, check-in, checkout, and receipts. Organizers can produce print-ready catalogs, bid sheets, and display sheets, then export them to Microsoft Word for layout changes. Bidders use a web browser on a phone, tablet, or computer for mobile or online bidding without downloading an app. Plan features differ: ESSENTIALS costs $1,099 per year and does not list mobile or online bidding; Select costs $1,499 per year and adds a hosted auction site, online ticket and sponsorship sales, and self-checkout; COMPLETE costs $1,999 per year and includes online and mobile bidding. A free 15-day limited trial is available. The pricing page lists 90 days of electronic bidding around an event, while the FAQ describes eCatalog access from 45 days before through 45 days after. The product integrates with DonorPerfect and provides an import report. Card processing requires a compatible merchant account.