Powerful event software with a steep learning curve
What do you like best?
The GreaterGiving event software has a plethora of useful features in one place. You can sell tickets, import buyers, set them up to bid in an auction, assign seating, manage your auction, process credit cards, and more, all in one place. There are multiple options for how to run your auction, and so many helpful reports available all in one place. For the last 4 years, we have also added their mobile bidding software to our package, which has helped to further streamline our gala fundraiser, eliminating the need to run around and grab auction sheets for 100+ items, and then hastily enter the information before guests want to leave. Eliminating this step has actually freed us up to create other fundraising opportunities during our event!
What do you dislike?
The system is not as intuitive to use as I wish it were, and sometimes it can be a barrier when bringing in new team members to help with an event. That said, the support team is wonderful, so when I get stuck, help is just a phone call away. Additionally, there have been times when I wish the system would work in a certain way, and it just doesn't. (Example: I would like the fundraising thermometer to include certain items, and it simply will not.) My only other complaint, and it is minor, is that the payment pages look a little dated when compared to other online fundraising platforms, but I have seen improvements in this area recently.
Recommendations to others considering the product:
If you are looking for an event management system that can handle many facets of an event in one place, I highly recommend considering Greater Giving. While the learning curve is a steep one, it's better than having to access multiple systems to run a large event.
What problems are you solving with the product? What benefits have you realized?
GreaterGiving allows us to manage all events in one place, rather than having to deal with multiple software systems. Allowing us to sell tickets, collect donations, and manage our auction in one place really helps to streamline our events. Additionally, the number of reports available allows us to always find the information that we are looking for. I have looked at other event management systems, but it seems that they are always lacking some piece included with GreaterGiving. For example, they may help you manage your auction, but not include ticket sales. Or include ticket sales, but not the option to assign seating in a way that can easily be sent to a caterer. GreaterGiving allows us to manage everything for our event in one place, and carry data over from year to year.
