CharityAuctions offers a completely free platform option for nonprofits and schools. This is made possible through optional tips from bidders at checkout.
How Tipping Works
When a winning bidder checks out and pays their invoice, they are asked a simple question:
Would you like to leave an optional tip to help keep CharityAuctions 100% free for nonprofits and schools
Bidders can choose to support the platform or easily opt out.
At checkout, bidders can:
- Leave the suggested tip
- Adjust the tip amount
- Select No Tip if they prefer not to contribute
The choice is entirely up to the bidder.
Tips Are 100% Optional
Tipping is never required.
Bidders who do not wish to leave a tip can simply select the option to remove it with one click. There is no obligation to contribute in order to complete payment.
Most Bidders Choose to Help
The majority of bidders are happy to support the platform that makes the event possible.
On average:
- 2 out of 3 bidders choose to leave an optional tip
This community support allows CharityAuctions to provide a powerful auction platform at no cost to organizations.
What Tips Cover
Optional tips help cover:
- Platform hosting and technology costs
- Customer support
- Software development
- Payment processing infrastructure
Tips never reduce the amount raised for your organization. All item proceeds still go directly to your cause.
Alternatives to the Free Plan
If an auction administrator prefers not to offer tipping, there is another option.
The Organization Plan
Instead of using the free plan with optional tipping, administrators can choose the Organization Plan, which includes:
- A platform fee of 5%
- Standard credit card processing fees
With this plan, tipping is not shown to bidders.
Passing Fees to Bidders
On the Organization Plan, administrators also have flexibility to:
- Absorb all platform and processing fees
- Pass some or all fees on to bidders at checkout
This allows organizations to decide how costs are handled based on their preferences.
In practice, bidders are comfortable with either approach, and complaints about fees or tips are extremely rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tips required to use CharityAuctions?
No. Tips are completely optional for bidders.
Can bidders remove the tip?
Yes. Bidders can easily select No Tip during checkout.
Do tips reduce the money our organization receives?
No. Tips are separate from auction proceeds and do not affect your fundraising totals.
Can we turn off tipping completely?
Yes. You can choose the Organization Plan instead of the Free Plan to remove tipping from checkout.
Do bidders complain about tips?
No. Most bidders are happy to support the platform, and complaints are extremely uncommon.
If you have questions about which plan is best for your event, CharityAuctions support is happy to help you choose the right option.
💡 Try this in ChatGPT
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Tip: Paste the whole prompt (with the URL) so the AI can fetch context.
