Gala411 Readers:
The question in my Inbox today comes from a new Benefit Auctioneer in Florida:
Hi Jenelle,
Do you have the names of any software programs that can be purchased that can be used over and over again? I am looking for software that is good for a check out process, not to mention all the other stuff.
REPLY:
I have to say that I don't personally know which program to recommend to auctioneers (meaning you) if auctioneers are going to collect and process the charity's funds.
If you intend for your clients to have software that they purchase, then Auctionpay.com (now called Greater Giving) is likely the best, and clients can use it year-round and year after year but still have to pay for it and pay for an annual fee. I suggest Auctionpay's software because it was designed from the ground up only for benefit auctions, not adapted from a typical auction software program that already existed for commercial or residential transactions.
As far as software that the auctioneer might use, that would mean taking responsibility for their database, last minute entries and changes, and possibly even their guest list, and you know what I nightmare that can be. I strongly encourage you to stay out of that mess, as your reputation is on the line and you would be obligating yourself to too many variables out of your control.
If your clients are looking for benefit auction software, they can just Google it. There are many programs, but the only one I personally would recommend is Auctionpay.
If you want other opinions, this would be a good topic to search for on the NAA Forum, Benefit Auctions thread. If you use the search term box I'm sure software inquiries will come up, and if you don't see it you can post your question.
