Bidstation

Bidstation iOS App – Companion App for Bidstation Desktop software for Silent Auctions with Square Payments

Important: This app requires Bidstation desktop software and a US or Canada Square account (UK, and Australia coming soon).

The Smarter Way to Run Silent Auctions

Mobile bidding platforms promise to modernize your fundraising—but often deliver complexity, tech hurdles for donors, and similar net revenue for higher cost. Bidstation takes a different approach: streamline the gold-standard of traditional silent paper bid sheet and live fundraising auction events with modern payment technology to make it easier to organize and run.

The result? Events that are easier to run, more engaging for donors, and just as profitable—without forcing guests to download apps or navigate unfamiliar technology. No need to go mobile!

Why Traditional Auctions with Bidstation:
• Zero donor friction – No apps for bidders to download, no QR codes to scan, no incessant notification dings no screen fatigue, no wi-fi overload issues.
• Higher engagement – Guests walk the room, see items in person, who’s bidding to create more bidding excitement.
• Simpler execution – Volunteers master check-in in minutes.
• Better donor experience – Social, interactive, and fun—not isolated behind screens
• Perfect for live auctions and Paddle Raises.
• Track everything: bids, raffle tickets, games, wine pulls, drinks, etc.
• Lower costs – No contracts, transparent pricing, no fees on cash and check payments and license pricing to make Bidstation affordable for any size of event
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How the Bidstation App Works

Use iPhones or iPads with Square card readers and streamline the parts of traditional auctions that used to be painful:
• Fast Check-In: Capture card-on-file in seconds during check-in. Guests can skip checkout lines entirely or pay instantly at pickup.
• Rapid, “no-lines” Checkout: Accurate invoices to process payments individually or in batches. No more long lines or calculation errors.
• Simple for Volunteers and Staff: Your team changes year to year? No problem. The app is designed for non-technical volunteers and staff who can learn the basics quickly using their knowledge of the event and its organization.
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What You Need
• Bidstation desktop software (Windows)
• iPhones or iPads (iOS 14 or later)
• Square stand support coming soon
• Square card reader hardware (any compatible model)
• Square account (US, Canada only. UK, Australia coming soon)
• Basic Internet connection at the venue
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How It Works
1. Before the event: Use Bidstation desktop to set up your auction, import items and guests, and create professional bid sheets.
2. During the event: Use this app for Express-Pay check-in, bidder registration and record updating, recording cash and check payments, processing card payments.
3. After the event: Process remaining payments in a batch from desktop.

The desktop is the command center. The app handles guest-facing tasks and syncs data in real-time.
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Flexible Pricing for Any Event Size
• Flex Plan: $30/year + 1% platform fee on card payments
• Flat Plan: $399/year unlimited use, no processing fees

Both plans include unlimited events. Use your own devices and Square readers.
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Perfect For:
Schools, nonprofits, foundations, hospitals, and community organizations running traditional-style silent auctions, live auctions, paddle raises, and fund-a-need campaigns.
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Get Started
New to Bidstation? Visit our website to learn more and download a fully-functional free trial of the desktop software sample database for training.
Existing customers- Download this app and connect to your desktop system.
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Support & Training
Free online resources, phone, email and chat support.