15 Best Silent Auction Software Options for Nonprofits Today

The landscape of fundraising has changed dramatically, with more organizations turning to virtual and hybrid events to accelerate fundraising goals by expanding their reach and giving their donors a wider variety of ways to donate. Fortunately, fundraising technology has continued to evolve to meet this need, providing organizations with a number of event software providers to choose from, especially for silent auctions.

Online and silent auction software can transform both in-person and online auctions for the better. From keeping auction items organized to making the event accessible to more bidders, it has proven its efficiency and effectiveness for organizations both large and small. But with so many options, some organizations may feel overwhelmed trying to compare providers. To help give you a starting point, our team at Handbid has meticulously researched the best silent auction software providers around, and we’re giving you all the details in this article.

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The Top Silent Auction Platforms At a Glance

Click to jump to our review of each software.

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Handbid was originally created because, as event experts, we believe that every fundraising event should be successful, and that comes from smooth, streamlined processes for your guests and easy-to-use software. Handbid has supported thousands of auctions, helping nonprofits raise hundreds of millions of dollars in a wide range of industries, operating all around the world.

Handbid's silent auction software includes various event management tools such as ticketing, registration, automated guest check-in, livestreaming, peer-to-peer fundraising, text-to-give, crowdfunding campaign support, and more. Additionally, Handbid now provides custom auction software for large nonprofits or any enterprise organization needing to scale up as they grow. Best of all, Handbid remains true to its user-friendly roots by offering all these tools in one intuitive system.

What We Like

Handbid's ease of use and extensive suite of tools have made it the preferred online auction software of thousands of organizations, both big and small.

Here is a shortlist of why we agree that Handbid is the best overall silent auction software available:

• Native mobile apps: Handbid has mobile apps for both iPhone and Android that have been in use for over ten years, earning a near five-star rating from 22,000 users.
• Real-time updates: During your auction, participants will receive real-time push notifications or text messages for all bidding activity, including outbid alerts and messages from auction managers.
• Account creation: Handbid allows your auction’s repeat guests to create universal accounts, letting them participate in multiple events without re-registering and re-entering their payment information.
• Livestream tools: Stay in touch with your guests with Handbid’s integrated livestream tools for in-person, hybrid, and virtual events, including optional “zero-latency” streams.
• Multiple payment options: Guests can pay for their items, donate, buy tickets, and make other payments using stored credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
• Strong security measures: Handbid is PCI-compliant and has received high security scores from third-party security risk assessors.
• Intuitive manager dashboard: Keep every aspect of your event organized with one platform that allows you to set up and manage auctions, peer-to-peer fundraisers, events, and donation campaigns.
• Customizability: Handbid offers organizations the ability to fully customize and brand their event’s landing pages. Organizations can also use our white-label service, Handbid+, to customize the entire platform.‍
• Fixed-pricing plans: Handbid’s transparent price plans give organizations the flexibility to customize their silent auction software based on their needs. Moreover, all of Handbid’s prices are published on our website with no hidden fees, letting customers know exactly what they’re purchasing.

Things To Consider 

Handbid is a robust, flexible software that can support in-person, hybrid, and virtual events. Plus, Handbid's Event Toolkit includes other features such as a custom theme editor, text-to-give, and peer-to-peer capabilities.

Handbid gives users the power of choice and control over their auctions. While the bidder experience requires very little explanation, using any new software can be a bit overwhelming for event managers at first. In general, Handbid has stayed true to intuitive user experiences, and this includes the manager dashboard. More tech-savvy users can experiment on their own, while those who prefer being guided through the process of accelerating their learning will benefit from Handbid’s extensive library of articles and videos in its knowledge base. Additionally, Handbid is known for its excellent customer service, so if the FAQ section doesn’t do it for you, a real-life person can support your needs.

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Pricing

With Handbid, you’re getting so much more than a mobile bidding app. All of the features mentioned above come with all Handbid plan options, which are split between Handbid for Nonprofits and Handbid+ for Commercial businesses. The Nonprofit Handbid plan starts at $1,396 per event, while the Handbid+ plan is more customizable, depending on the types of features included. To learn more about your options, book a demo with our team.

Historically, Qgiv has primarily offered peer-to-peer and online donation services. However, they have since expanded their offerings to include basic silent auction software features. Their newer online auction software has both a web-based interface and native apps for iPhone and Google, although the recent launches of both native apps mean they have limited reviews and may require further research before making an investment.

What We Like

• Monthly subscriptions. By allowing organizations to purchase software month-to-month, Qgiv provides flexibility for organizations that do not need online auction software year-round. 
• A suite of fundraising tools. In addition to auction software, Qgiv's fundraising toolkit also includes support for recurring donations, peer-to-peer, text-to-give, and crowdfunding.
• Transparent pricing. We love that Qgiv publishes its pricing!

Things To Consider 

• High credit card processing fees. Qgiv charges more to process credit cards than most of its competitors. These costs will add up with each transaction and can impact an auction's potential revenue. ‍
• Newer software and mobile apps. New fundraising tools can be exciting to try out, but they may also need further refining as they have yet to be tested by a large-scale audience. Additionally, silent auction software is notable for being particularly difficult to engineer when compared to other event-based fundraising tools. This means providers that primarily offer silent auction software and expand to offer other fundraising solutions tend to be more reliable than those that add auction software later.
  
  

As their name suggests, SchoolAuction.net is a silent auction software designed primarily for schools. SchoolAuction.net has been going strong in the auction space for many years, powering thousands of auctions for schools and other organizations. Plus, their software offers both web and mobile solutions, allowing your auction's guests to bid from home or on the go.

What We Like

• Long history in the industry. SchoolAuction.net is well respected in the auction industry and has been operating for many years, and they have incorporated their decades of experience into their platform. ‍
• Transparent pricing. Like Handbid and Qgiv, SchoolAuction.net publishes its pricing on its website with no hidden fees. ‍

• Additional resources. In addition to information about their silent auction software, SchoolAuction.net provides several additional resources, like silent auction best practices and tutorials on how to use their software.

Things to Consider  

• Issues with event follow-up. Among user reviews, some have noted that SchoolAuction.net occasionally has issues related to post-event reports and guest receipts.
• Dated interface. As a long-running software provider, SchoolAuction.net's software has undergone many updates, and currently, its user interface is a bit outdated and overly complicated. ‍

BiddingOwl's silent auction software helps small nonprofits run in-person auctions for free. For nonprofits looking to host virtual and hybrid events, they offer add-ons features that allow organizations to take their auctions online for an additional cost. 

What We Like

• Free in-person auction tools. Organizations looking to host small, in-person auctions with paper bid sheets can use BiddingOwl for free. For small nonprofits with tight budgetary constraints, it may be worth investing in a free or low-cost solution, even if it has some limitations. 

• PayPal support. While it doesn't easily integrate into more modern applications, many users still prefer to have the option to pay securely through PayPal rather than use a credit card or other payment method. 

Things to Consider  

• Additional online costs. BiddingOwl takes 5% of the winning bids from online auctions. For small auctions, this may be more cost-effective than a premium plan with another provider, but this fee does not scale well. For example, an online or mobile auction that raises $50,000 will pay BiddingOwl $2,500 for a single auction, far more than most premium services would charge for a year subscription. 

• Limited support. BiddingOwl provides phone and email support but is unclear about its onsite support options, which may be frustrating for organizations that need more hands-on assistance. 

• Non-PCI compliant security. While BiddingOwl does support Paypal, third-party risk assessors indicate that they also use non-PCI compliant security protocols that may put bidders' data at risk.

Charity Auctions Today prides itself on being one of the fastest, easiest to use silent auctions software solutions available. Primarily, they highlight users' ability to build an entire auction website in five minutes, which can save time and administrative work. However, auctions with many items will still likely need longer than five minutes to complete their website.

What We Like

• Transparent pricing. Charity Auctions Today publishes their pricing packages on their website and also offers custom plans, allowing organizations to find a price point that's right for them. 

• Easy website building. Charity Auctions Today has a fast three-step process for building websites. Users first answer questions about their event, then add items in bulk, and finally share their URL to begin marketing their auction. 

• Support for both silent and live auctions. So far, this guide has primarily assessed online auction software support. However, solutions like Charity Auctions Today that also allows organizations to run live auctions provide additional flexibility. 

Things to Consider  

• Percentage fee. Similar to BiddingOwl, Charity Auctions Today charges a percentage fee based on your plan. For larger auctions, these costs can quickly add up and far exceed the price of software solutions with a flat fee. 

• Post-auction complications. Reviews for Charity Auctions Today have pointed to issues with closing and processing invoices, which can make the post-event process needlessly complicated and drawn out.

• Lack of reporting features. Reviews have additionally addressed Charity Auctions Today's lacking reporting capabilities. Of course, reporting includes many features, and while organizations looking for more robust reporting options may be disappointed, others will likely be satisfied with Charity Auctions Today's more basic reporting.
  
  

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Accelevents focuses on virtual and hybrid events in general, while also offering silent auction software, though they have pivoted away from it in recent years. Specifically, their event software is designed for large-scale events with presenters, breakout rooms, live streaming, and more with unlimited guests. While hosting an event, users can ask presenters questions, download resources, and chat with one another.

What We Like

• Ability to handle large virtual events. While many of the providers on this list specialize in assisting small organizations, Accelevents is built for large online gatherings. 

• Interactive main stage program. Guests attending an event hosted with Accelevents can ask speakers questions and engage in smaller group chats in breakout rooms.

• Integrated ticketing solution and payment processor. Accelevents provides comprehensive event management tools, including ticketing and payment processing, making check-in and check-out easy.

Things to Consider  

• Focus on general events, not just auctions. As mentioned earlier, Accelevents has pivoted away from auctions and fundraising tools and now focuses primarily on hosting virtual and hybrid events. While this solution can still be used to support an online auction, you may need to purchase additional, auction-specific software for core features such as bidding and item catalog creation. 

• Charge per attendee. Accelevents pricing model is based on the number of guests that attend your event, not just the number who register. Keep this in mind as you calculate software costs. 

32auctions' online silent auction software aims to help nonprofits host auctions that are fun, easy, and stress-free. Their brand identity is bright and colorful, with simplistic graphics, a heart in their logo, and a company history that focuses on their investment in children's causes. 

For organizations looking for the greatest return possible on silent auction software, 32auctions' standout feature is its low price. However, this low price tag warrants a closer look to check for hidden fees and limited features. 

What We Like

• Price. At face value, all of 32auctions' basic features are free. A few necessary features, such as the ability to remove ads, cost extra, but even then, the total package price for all add-ons comes to only $340. 
• Mobile-friendly. 32auctions lacks a native mobile app, but they can still support mobile auctions and bidding. Each of their auctions' websites is automatically optimized for mobile use. 
• Custom website links. Among their branding options, 32auctions allows organizations to create custom links to their auction's website. This allows you to direct guests straight to your page and create a fully branded experience. 

Things to Consider  

• Hidden fees. Unfortunately, 32auctions' software is not completely free, even without add-ons. 32auctions charges a hidden transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.40 per transaction in addition to your payment processor's rates. For many organizations, these fees will total around 5.8% and $0.80 per transaction. They also lack the option to prompt bidders to cover these fees, meaning your organization is expected to pay them. 

• Ads. 32auctions’ free base price will display ads on your auction's website, which can clutter your pages and make your organization seem unprofessional. While some of their add-ons are optional, this one is a necessity, adding an extra $30 to the base price. 

• Email alerts instead of push notifications. Push notifications allow you to alert bidders when they have been outbid as quickly as possible, promoting bidding wars and driving more revenue. 32auctions only has email alerts, crowding inboxes and requiring bidders to keep their emails open at all times to see if they have been outbid.
  
  

Greater Giving, originally known as AuctionPay, is an online silent auction software platform that consists of event registration, auction management, mobile bidding, and a payment processor. Notably, Greater Giving is owned by Global Payments, who are the creators of the payment processor Greater Giving uses. This connection, along with Greater Giving's origins as AuctionPay, a Windows Application, present Greater Giving's biggest strengths and weaknesses. 

What We Like

• Longevity. Greater Giving has been around in its current form for over ten years. This means their silent auction software's management features have been developed and refined for years with the assistance of extensive user feedback. 

• Connection to a payment processor. Global Payments, Greater Giving's owner, is well established in the payment processing industry, having powered a wide range of charity events over the years. This makes them both knowledgeable about their field and reputable as a company.

Things to Consider 

• Integration with Global Payments. As mentioned, the connection to Global Payments is both a strength and a weakness. Organizations interested in Greater Giving will need to review these unique payment processors' rates and transaction fees to understand their new software's total costs. 

• Dated interface. While Greater Giving has evolved over the years, its origins as a Windows application have caused some aspects of its interface to feel outdated on modern web browsers. 

• Outsourced mobile bidding. Greater Giving has only recently launched an in-house mobile bidding feature, previously outsourcing to third-party providers. This means their mobile bidding tools are relatively new and developed separately from the rest of their software. 

Snowball Fundraising offers a full fundraising suite for small nonprofits, and one of the features they offer works for silent auctions. Their overall suite includes campaign pages, text-to-give, event ticketing, and supporter management tools. 

What We Like

• Unlimited auction items. It’s a real bummer when you’re limited to a certain number of auction items your guests can bid on, also limiting the amount of money you can raise at your event. Snowball offers unlimited auction items, which can increase your ROI.

• Easy customization options. With Snowball, you can customize your auction page with unique colors, background images, and informational banners to match your nonprofit’s branding.

• Text-to-bid options. Bidders can text a specific word to receive a link to bid on the item of their choice.

• Unlimited bidders. There’s no limit to the number of bidders that can participate in your auction, and they can bid as much or as many times as they choose.

Things to Consider

• Auctions are just one part of the Snowball Fundraising software solution. While a variety of options can be appealing, it also means that auctions are not Snowball’s main focus. Other solutions include donation forms, fundraising pages, and text-to-give software. 

• Can’t be purchased as an add-on. For access to the auction software, your nonprofit would need to purchase the professional version of Snowball Fundraising. This means it requires a full overhaul of your nonprofit’s fundraising solution rather than an add-on to your existing suite of tools. 

Auctria offers silent auction software for small organizations with tight budgets. Their features are a great starting point for organizations that have never hosted a silent auction before, but they may be limiting for larger organizations

What We Like

• Online and mobile bidding. Like other solutions, Auctria offers three ways to bid: via the mobile app, through a browser, or by sending a text message.

• Item solicitation tracking. Auctria prides itself on being able to help track your procurement process from start to finish. Solicitation tracking allows donors to fill out a form describing the item they are donating and allows your event managers to see the item donations that are in process.

• Printed materials like your auction catalog. Auctria can help you generate bid sheets, display sheets, gift certificates, and even your auction catalog, making the auction collateral process simple and streamlined. 

• Dedicated event website. Your organization can create and customize your own website with individual pages, matching your theme or branding.

Things to Consider

• Not as robust. Auctria’s software isn’t as built out as solutions like Handbid, but it offers scalable solutions for specific campaigns like Giving Tuesday. 

• Look closely at the big picture for your organization. Review the scalability of Auctria to determine if the software fits your long-term needs.

Although it presents solutions for in-person auctions, Clickbid offers silent auction software that is ideally suited for fully virtual nonprofit events. Their event websites and online bidding options make it easy for event attendees to participate and contribute from the comfort of their homes. 

What We Like

• Text-to-register. Bidders can register themselves for your auction, alleviating tedious data entry for you and your team.

• Secure payment options. Clickbid uses Stripe: a best-in-class payment processor, offering security and peace of mind to your bidders when paying for their auction items.

• Custom landing pages. Clickbid offers a landing page to centralize your auction catalog, ticket sales, registration and donations, all in one place.

• Event streaming. Your live auction can go virtual and reach more people with Clickbid’s streaming tool.

• Dedicated advisor. Organizations have options for personalized and prioritized support and advice leading up to your event, with day-of-event phone support and options for additional staff and volunteer training.

Things to Consider

• Limited in features. Clickbid’s landing page feature seems limited and lacks the flexibility to cater to your organization’s branding. Users have complained that it’s not as editable, and the overall visual presentation to bidders and guests is not as easy to customize.

• Learning curve on the backend. Users of Clickbid have noted that the software is not as user-friendly for new users. There is a learning curve when familiarizing yourself with the backend and finding reports and analytics.

GiveSmart is the auction product produced by Community Brands. It offers many features for event planning, ticketing, donor management, and more, creating a very robust and established platform. Community Brands offers well-rounded solutions for nonprofits, associations, and schools, such as member management, human resources and accounting services, and more. 

What We Like

• Item procurement tracking. When you have multiple people from your organization out in the community asking for item donations, it’s important to track the process so that there aren’t duplicates. With GiveSmart’s tracking system, you can see the donations coming in.

• Leaderboard display. This technology allows everyone involved with your event - whether in-person or virtually - to see paddle raises, leading bids on auction items, and other calls to action in real time during your event.

• No-bid item reminders. Showing bidders the items that need a little more “love” will boost your bids and your overall fundraising.

• Seating and group management. Throw out those paper diagrams. GiveSmart allows you to manage your guests, the groups they bring, and your table arrangements, all in one place.

• Tax receipts. Send thank you notes and tax receipts directly to your donors and bidders. 

• Contactless check-in. Bidders can check themselves in and add their payment information into the platform, giving them more time to shop the auction and place their bids.

Things to Consider

• Difficult to integrate with other platforms. GiveSmart works best if you already use other Community Brands products. They are limited in their integrations with other CRMs. 

• Excess features. Because their platform is so robust, they may offer more features than your organization actually needs, which may not be as economically efficient for your budget. 

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Givebutter is a free, all-in-one fundraising platform designed to be accessible and user-friendly, especially for smaller nonprofits new to hosting online auctions that don’t want to commit to robust software yet. Givebutter is perfect for helping you navigate your organization’s first online auction. 

What We Like

• Low cost: Unlike some dedicated silent auction platforms, Givebutter doesn't charge subscription fees. You can set up your auction for free and only pay standard processing fees on donations and winning bids (typically covered by donors). This makes it a budget-friendly option for smaller organizations.
• Automated bidding options: Givebutter simplifies auction management with features like automatic bid extensions and "Buy Now" options for items. This allows donors to participate easily, even if they're unfamiliar with traditional auction formats.
• Custom item categories: Givebutter lets you create custom categories for your auction items, making it easy for donors to find what they're interested in. This helps organize your auction and keeps things clear for everyone involved.

Things to Consider

• Passes on fees to donors: While the platform itself is free, Givebutter charges processing fees on all transactions. These fees are typically passed on to donors during checkout.‍
• Auctions aren't their main focus: Givebutter offers a broader range of general fundraising features beyond auctions. While they provide a solid online auction solution, they don’t have the same level of dedicated features as platforms designed solely for auctions.

Winspire is a specialized provider of high-end travel packages designed to boost fundraising efforts for nonprofits. Rather than a full-fledged auction platform, Winspire offers a curated selection of luxury experiences to enhance your existing auction. If you have the budget, the packages here can really boost your auction revenue.

What We Like

• 200+ travel packages to choose from: Winspire boasts a diverse portfolio of travel experiences, ranging from exotic getaways to exclusive adventures. This variety ensures you can find packages that align with your donor base's interests.
• Only pay for what you sell: Winspire's consignment model means you don't pay upfront for travel packages. You only pay for items that are actually sold, minimizing your financial risk.
• Auction advising services: Beyond providing travel packages, Winspire often offers guidance on auction strategy and how to best leverage their offerings to maximize your fundraising potential.

Things To Consider

• Not a full online auction platform: Winspire is solely focused on travel packages, meaning it’s not true silent auction software. You'll need a separate platform to manage the rest of your auction items and bidding process.
• High price tags for donors: Winspire's luxury travel packages typically come with premium price tags, which may limit bidder participation compared to more affordable items.

Silent Auction Pro is a versatile platform designed to streamline the management of both traditional and online silent auctions. While offering a range of features, it's particularly well-suited for organizations that prefer a more hands-on approach to their events.

What We Like

• Ticketing and seating management: Silent Auction Pro goes beyond auction management by offering tools to handle ticketing and seating arrangements, making it a comprehensive solution for your entire in-person event.
• Additional donation options: The platform supports various donation methods including text-to-give and paddle raises, maximizing your event's fundraising opportunities and revenue potential.
• Robust reporting: Silent Auction Pro provides detailed reports on bidding activity, donor information, and overall event performance, offering valuable insights for future fundraising efforts.

Things To Consider

• Supports outdated paper bidding: While this solution does offer online bidding options, Silent Auction Pro still supports traditional paper bidding, which may be less efficient and time-consuming to manage compared to fully digital platforms.‍
• Many features only available with Pro versions: To access the full range of features, including advanced reporting and analytics, you may need to invest in one of the platform's higher-tiered pricing plans.

Silent Auction Software FAQ

Still have questions about which platform to choose? Explore our answers to the most common questions and concerns.

Is There An App For A Silent Auction?

In today's digital age, there seems to be an app for just about everything. And when it comes to hosting silent auctions, there's no exception. Traditional paper bid sheets are painstakingly antiquated and pose high risks for losing information. I mean how many times have you misplaced a piece of paper or been unable to decipher someone’s bad handwriting? Mobile apps of all sorts have revolutionized silent auctions. These apps, developed by various providers, offer ways for organizations to smoothly boost fundraising efforts.

Keep in mind that not all apps are created equally. But we know that doing research on all the various apps can be overwhelming and there's more to worry about than the bottom line. That's why our team of silent auction experts has compiled this list for you! Explore our reviews above to figure out what app works best for your event and your overall organization.

What Should You Look For In Silent Auction Software?

The Handbid team has worked with thousands of organizations to pull off engaging silent auctions that inspire, support, and lead to lasting donor relationships. We understand what it takes to create a standout event and how the right tools can take your efforts to the next level. Using our first-hand experience, we've identified several key characteristics to look for when assessing silent auction software:

• Real-time mobile bidding
• Integrated payments with recurring donation features
• Real-time live auction updates
• Ability to accommodate both virtual and hybrid events
• Push notifications
• Native apps for iPhone and Android
• User-friendly interface
• All-in-one platform with multiple fundraising methods
• Unique user profiles
• User privacy measures and data security
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Backend event management tools
• Integration with multiple CRMs and donor management platforms

This may seem like a long list of features, but many of these items, such as data security and a user-friendly interface, are fundamental. Beyond these basics, different providers will excel in different ways, meaning your organization should find a silent auction software provider that has all these features and meets your organization's unique needs.

Why Should You Consider Native Apps For Mobile Bidding?

Not all auction software includes native apps, which may limit the accessibility and convenience for users. Based on our experiences, we recommend looking for auction software that does offer a native app to make things easier for your team and your audience.

Native apps are specifically designed for a particular operating system (like iOS) and can provide a smoother and more efficient experience for users. This means users can access the auction platform anytime, anywhere through their mobile devices without having to use a web browser. Additionally, native apps often have more advanced features and capabilities, making the auction process smoother and faster for both buyers and sellers.

Wrapping Up

Online silent auction software allows your organization to broaden its efforts, both tactically and geographically, potentially increasing your support base. However, silent auction software is an investment, and you'll need to research your options carefully before settling on any one provider. 

Start your search by assessing your event needs and fundraising capacity. Establish a budget, and make a list of core features your auction needs. Then, start researching and see how they compare to the requirements you've already noted. From there, you can begin weighing your options against one another, start requesting demos, and get closer to making a purchase.

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Once you've selected your silent auction software, you still have an auction you'll need to run.

To help you prepare for your upcoming auction, here are a few resources that dive into different aspects of effective event and auction planning:

• Silent Auctions: The Complete Guide for Smarter Fundraising. Learn how to make the most of your silent auction software in this complete guide for smarter event fundraising. 
• Free Fundraising Event Budget Template + Steps to Follow. Keeping an organized budget will be your key to a successful, profitable event. Get our free event budget template to get started. 
• How to Build an Auction Website: 9 Steps + Alternatives. Depending on your event, an auction website may be worth exploring to encourage user-friendly, competitive bidding. 

• Silent Auction Mistakes and How to Avoid Them. Listen to our podcast, Elevate Your Event, and hear from people who have experience with thousands of auctions talk about critical things to avoid when hosting a silent auction.

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