Fee comparison
A common comparison rate is 4.9%. AllBids publishes 18.5%. Some “free” plans ask your guests for a tip. Typical gala suites add packages, add-ons and a sales call. SilentAuctions is a straight 3.5% on silent winning bids, $0 to set up, and no tip prompt after someone has already won.
Built for Australian galas
3.5%
on silent winning bids. That is it.
Typical published gala fee
4.9%
of the winning bid, often plus extras.
Published comparison rate
18.5%
of the winning bid.
OneCause, Greater Giving & similar
5%+
plus packages, add-ons and quotes.
Same hammer total. Three very different bills. The tip column is what a “free” plan asks your guests for at a 10% suggestion — even when they can opt out, it is money coming out of the room.
$10,000 night
SilentAuctions 3.5% $350
Comparison rate 4.9% $490You keep $140 extra
AllBids 18.5% $1,850You keep $1,500 extra
Typical 5% $500
Guest tip ask (10%) $1,000
$18,000 night
SilentAuctions 3.5% $630
Comparison rate 4.9% $882You keep $252 extra
AllBids 18.5% $3,330You keep $2,700 extra
Typical 5% $900
Guest tip ask (10%) $1,800
$32,000 night
SilentAuctions 3.5% $1,120
Comparison rate 4.9% $1,568You keep $448 extra
AllBids 18.5% $5,920You keep $4,800 extra
Typical 5% $1,600
Guest tip ask (10%) $3,200
On a $32,000 gala, SilentAuctions is $1,120. A 4.9% comparison rate is $1,568. AllBids at 18.5% is $5,920. A 10% tip prompt asks guests for $3,200 on top of what they already bid. That is the difference between software that works for the cause and software that works the room.
| SilentAuctions | Comparison rate | AllBids | Typical platforms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To get started | $0 | Often $0, then a quote | — | Often hundreds before you list an item |
| Monthly fee | $0 | $0 on many plans | — | Common on staffed suites |
| Per-event / campaign fee | $0 | Sometimes a flat campaign fee | — | Packages from roughly A$1,400+ |
| Silent auction fee | 3.5% of the winning bid | 4.9% comparison rate | 18.5% comparison rate | Often 5% or a prepaid + 3% mix |
| Tip prompt at checkout | Never | Common on “free” plans | — | Common on “free” tools |
| Live (floor) lots | Included, 2.5–4% | Usually bundled into the rate | — | Sometimes an add-on |
| Raffle tickets | 2.2% to process | Often bundled into the rate | — | Often extra |
| Sales call to get a price | No | Often yes in Australia | — | Typically yes |
| Money goes to | Your Stripe account | Usually your Stripe account | — | Varies — some hold funds |
| GST on bids | Inclusive or exclusive | Not always a first-class setting | — | US-centric; you work it out |
| Luxury item sourcing | Our network — ask us | Sometimes a consignment catalogue | — | Usually not |
The comparison rate is 4.9% of the winning bid — a common published gala-software fee. AllBids publishes 18.5%. Some platforms also charge a campaign fee, a monthly suite, or ask guests for a tip at checkout. Typical fundraising tools such as CharityAuctions, Greater Giving and OneCause publish 5% success fees, prepaid packages, or sales-led quotes. Stripe card fees apply on every platform, including SilentAuctions. Always check a vendor’s current page before you buy.
No tip jar. No campaign fee. No quote after a demo. Set up tonight, open bidding, and keep thousands more for the cause.