# Bidstation — Silent Auction event POS

> Silent auction event POS companion app for Bidstation Desktop with Square Payments. (iPhone/iPad app by AuctionZoom.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bidstation/id1417775610 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [AuctionZoom](https://appshunter.io/developer/1417775609)
- Category: Productivity, Business
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 7 App Store ratings · 7 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 16.0 · 96 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2019-04-06
- Data updated: 2026-08-28
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bidstation/id1417775610/reviews.md

## What is Bidstation?

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

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 software (Windows) (Web version coming soon)
•	iPhones or iPads (iOS 14 or later) 
•	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.

## Key features

- Streamlined silent auction management
- Integrated Square Payments
- Fast check-in and checkout
- Record cash and check payments
- Simple volunteer onboarding
- Track bids, raffles, and more

## Recent user reviews (7 of 7)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bidstation/id1417775610/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great updates and support

*2024-07-15*

Our 2nd annual Sally Strong event was a huge success, thanks to Bidstation. The platform’s ease of use and comprehensive features made auction management a breeze. We received outstanding customer support from John, whose guidance and positive attitude made all the difference. His support and encouragement helped us leverage the platform’s capabilities fully, leading to a highly successful fundraiser. Bidstation is a top choice for any fundraising event!

### 5/5 — Couldn’t have asked for more!

*2023-03-14*

Our organization used BidStation for our annual fundraising gala. From setup to final reports they were their for us when needed, even in urgent situations. We couldn’t be more pleased and will definitely use again!

### 5/5 — Great!

*2023-02-25*

Works really well! Easy to setup and user friendly.

### 5/5 — Perfect solution!

*2022-06-14*

We used bidstation for our golf tournament and couldn’t have been more pleased! I am anything but Techie, so having readily available technical support was a must. They were incredibly responsive! I will be using bidstation again for all future events.
Anne Klein
Executive Director 
First Tee of Greater St. Louis

### 5/5 — Excellent

*2019-09-23*

The software improvements incorporating the Bidstation app were excellent. There were a few learning curve things but the customer service was beyond excellent.  Pre-registration made check out so quick and simple.  Looking forward to using it again.

### 4/5 — Excellent resource for growing nonprofits

*2019-09-12*

We used BidStation during our annual gala. There was a bit of a learning curve but excellent customer service. Now that I’ve used it once, it will be a breeze every time. This software makes tracking donations, creating bid sheets, display sheets and invoices a breeze. Adding in the ability to preregister credit cards made check out a much smoother process. Certainly recommend this product.

**Developer response:** Thank you for the great review!  We are working on adding additional training resources like step-by-step videos to make it easier to learn.

### 4/5 — Streamlining the auction process

*2019-09-09*

We are looking forward to this process improvement to make check in even better. Bid station is a lifesaver.

**Developer response:** Thank you! Check in with card on file (powered by Square) means no lines at checkout. Something everyone at the event can appreciate!

## Frequently asked questions about Bidstation

### Does Bidstation require the desktop software?

Yes, Bidstation iOS App is a companion app that requires Bidstation desktop software (Windows) to function. You will use the desktop software to set up your auction before the event.

### What payment methods does Bidstation support?

Bidstation supports processing card payments through Square, as well as recording cash and check payments directly within the app. It also allows for card-on-file capture during check-in.

### Which regions are supported for Square accounts?

Currently, Bidstation supports Square accounts in the US and Canada. Support for the UK and Australia is planned for future releases.

### What devices can I use Bidstation on?

Bidstation is designed for use on iPhones and iPads running iOS 14 or later. A Square card reader is also required for payment processing.

### How often is Bidstation updated?

The latest version of Bidstation is 4.0.2, last updated on March 24, 2026. Updates typically include new features and bug fixes to improve performance.

### Is Bidstation suitable for non-technical staff?

Yes, the app is specifically designed for simplicity, allowing non-technical volunteers and staff to master its basic functions quickly. The user interface leverages existing knowledge of event organization.

### Does Bidstation have ads?

No, Bidstation is free and does not contain advertisements. Its monetization is based on the licensing of the desktop software and the use of Square for payment processing.

### What makes Bidstation different from other mobile bidding platforms?

Bidstation focuses on streamlining traditional silent auction methods rather than forcing a fully mobile-first experience. It eliminates the need for donors to download apps or navigate complex technology, reducing friction.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.0.3 — 2026-08-26

- Fixed the payment report that was showing taxes as still owing when invoice balance was $0.00.
- Fixed an app issue where COF payments processed in the app could result in double payments in certain scenarios.
- Added database write fixes to ensure COF and card present payments in app verify payment records are created in Bidstation desktop to prevent “missing” payments that are in Square, but not in Bidstation.

Updated SQL database handling for greater OneDrive compatibility to prevent database attachment issues.

### 4.0.2 — 2026-03-24

Performance improvements
Stability fixes

### 4.0.1 — 2025-10-22

- Added Square card on file and payment support for Canada.
- Upgraded Square integration components for added security and improved functionality.
- Pre-authorizes cards as they are saved on file.
- iOS 18+ compatibility updates.
- fixed in-app card payment processing issue.
- Accepts payments without saving a card on file as well.
- User interface improvements.

### 2.30 — 2023-04-13

- Performance improvements

### 2.28 — 2022-06-06

- updated Event Device Sync notifications
- fixed card on file flow issue
- updated Square integration components

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## Related topics

[bidstation](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bidstation) · [silent auction app](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/silent-auction-app)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-28.*