Top 10 Handbid Alternatives for Nonprofit Fundraising

But as the fundraising landscape evolves, it’s possible that Handbid may no longer meet all your organization’s needs. Whether you’re seeking features that better align with your upcoming goals or simply want to explore other tools offering a different approach to online fundraising, it’s always worth considering alternatives.
Today, we’ll dive into some top alternatives to Handbid. Each platform has its own strengths, and understanding what sets them apart can help you choose the best fit for your nonprofit's needs.

What is Handbid?
Handbid is an auction management platform that was launched in 2011 by spouses Jeff and Kari, and designed to help nonprofits, public organizations, and businesses host online auctions. Handbid makes it simple for auction managers to list items like products and services directly from an online control panel. It also handles ticket sales and sends out invites to get participants to register for the auction. Bidders can join the action through the web or use the mobile apps available for iOS and Android.
Handbid’s stand out feature is its real-time auction capability, which keeps participants engaged and informed until the auction closes. It offers tools like "Buy Now" options or the ability to set maximum bid limits, ensuring participants don’t miss out on items they want. Bidders also receive instant alerts if they've been outbid or if there are updates, so they can stay on top of things with minimal effort
Once an auction ends, invoices are sent directly to their devices, and payments can be processed through Handbid's integrated payment system.
For nonprofits, pricing starts at $1,396, with options for both single-event and multi-event packages.
Key Features To Consider in Alternatives to Handbid
When looking for an alternative to Handbid, it’s important to consider a few key features to ensure you’re getting the best fit for your nonprofit’s needs. Here are some of the main things to keep in mind:
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01. Budget-Friendly Options
Handbid can be pricey, with costs starting at over $1,300. That’s a big chunk of money that could go towards your cause. It’s worth exploring platforms that offer similar features at a lower price.
The more you save on the platform, the more you have to use for the important work your nonprofit is doing.
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02. Comprehensive Fundraising Tools
Handbid mainly focuses on auction management. But your nonprofit probably needs more than just auctions. Think about other ways you might want to raise money, like crowdfunding or hosting events.
It’s easier when you can do everything with one tool instead of jumping between different platforms. Look for a platform that offers a complete fundraising solution so you can manage everything in one spot.
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03. Low Processing Fees
Apart from its high base price, Handbid’s processing fees add up: 3.5% plus $0.30 per transaction. That’s quite a bit compared to some of the alternatives.
Choosing a platform with lower processing fees—or one where donors can cover the fee—means you’ll be able to keep more of what you raise.
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04. Easy Setup
Even though Handbid offers lots of tutorials and “how-to” videos, many users still say it’s tough to set up. It isn’t very intuitive, which means you might spend a lot of time trying to figure things out.
When considering other platforms, pick one that’s easy to set up and get started with—something that doesn’t require hours of prep.
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05. Smooth Experience
Some users have reported issues with Handbid, like trouble logging in, accessing tickets, or printing display sheets. You don’t want those kinds of glitches during a fundraiser.
It’s a good idea to look for a platform that runs smoothly and makes the experience easy for both you and your donors.
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06. Transparent Pricing
While Handbid does list its pricing online, some users have found that extra costs pop up unexpectedly. For example, there’s a limit on the number of items you can add, and adding more will cost you extra.
When picking a new platform, make sure the pricing is upfront and doesn’t come with any hidden surprises.
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07. Responsive Customer Support
Quick support can make a huge difference, especially if you’re in the middle of a fundraiser and need help immediately. Some Handbid users have mentioned delays in getting responses from their support team.
It’s better to choose a platform with responsive support to get the help you need without waiting too long.
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08. Runs on Low Bandwidth
Another common complaint about Handbid is that it requires strong WiFi and bandwidth to work well. You might face some trouble if you’re in a location with a weaker internet.
To avoid this, look for a platform that can run smoothly even if your connection isn’t perfect.
Here are 10 Handid alternatives to help you raise more funds.
10 Best Alternatives to Handbid
01. BetterWorld
The first alternative on our list, which is a clear winner, is BetterWorld. So, what makes it stand out from the rest? Let’s find out.
BetterWorld doesn’t just stop at auctions. It covers all kinds of fundraising tools your nonprofit might need. From donation forms to events, peer-to-peer fundraising, crowdfunding, and paddle raises, you can manage it all in one place.
It’s like having every fundraising option in your toolkit without switching between different platforms.
Even for auctions, BetterWorld offers some features that make it shine. You can add videos, use popcorn bidding, and include donation forms right in the auction. There’s also a built-in library with millions of high-quality photos to make your auction look amazing. These tools help make your auction items stand out and catch the attention they deserve.
And don’t worry if you’re not tech-savvy. Setting up a campaign with BetterWorld is simple. You can get started in just five minutes. The platform is designed to be glitch-free and easy to use, so you won’t need to spend hours figuring it out. The tools are also automated to save you time, letting you focus on what matters most.
The best part? BetterWorld doesn’t charge a platform fee for its auction management or any of its other features. It’s supported entirely by optional contributions from donors. This means more of your funds go directly to your cause.
Ready to give it a try? Sign up today and see the difference for yourself. Raise more, and keep more with BetterWorld!
BetterWorld Key Features
- Auctions
- Events
- Alumni & Donor Engagement
- Free For Nonprofits
- Unlimited Use
- Encrypted & Secure

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