In Use:
Many companies have un-used corporate hospitality such as box seats to sporting events or a vacation house These perks can sometimes get passed down to employees of the company, while other times they get lost in translation and a box  may only be half full for an event or a house be unused for a week. This could be because no one could attend or because employees did not know about the opportunity.  By using GivGo, companies can ensure that employees have a great time, and enabling their associated charities to thrive.

In order to use GivGo, employees must sign up. After reviewing a how-to page, employees can start bidding on the goods and services available to them.  The user-face is easy to use and there is a FAQ section if users get confused. Like any online auction site, employees bid on the items they wish to purchase and can watch in anticipation to see if they win or get outbidded- in which case they can bid again. Not only can employees score great deals, but the nonprofits associated with the auction obtain 100% of the profits.

Technology Used:
In order to purchase items, employees need access to the Internet. GivGo is both mobile and tablet responsive.

Ease of Use:
As stated before the userface to GivGo is generally easy to use but if a user has questions they can go to the “FAQ Section”, ask a fellow employee or call/email GivGo’s customer service.

Recap:
GivGo is a division of Givergy, a company specializing in online auctions that benefit nonprofit organizations around the world. Unlike Givergy’s auctions which are open to the public, GivGo is only open to the employees of a certain company. When the company has tickets to a ball game or other perks, they can put them up for auction on GivGo. Employees can then login to their account and bid on them. All proceeds go to a nonprofit associated with the company.

Advantages

Instead of going to waste, company perks can be enjoyed by all employees with the proceeds going directly to a charity.

The userface is easy to use

Boosts morale within the company

Depending on what the perk is, a nonprofit organization can stand to gain a significant amount of money.

While GivGo is mainly in the UK they do have global offices around the world- including the United States.

Disadvantages

In order to keep employees engaged, companies would need to consistently donate items to the auction.

It’s not fair for entry-level employees who may constantly get out-bidded by senior level staff and directors who make significantly more money than they do.

Someone’s job has to be dedicated to posting items, collecting money and doling out the prizes.

Recap:
I hate when things go to waste whether it’s food, goods, or services. Therefore, I like the idea of company hospitality going to all employees as opposed to partners, clients, or senior level staff. I also like the idea that all proceeds go to a charity or nonprofit.

I think it’s a simply idea that when implemented correctly can yield very beneficial results. I just don’t know how many companies would actually dedicate the time it takes to really utilize this software. Not only does there need to be a go-to person from the company to post the items, collect the payment and dole out the prices, you need constant inventory to engage employees. It might not work if there’s only one or two auctions a month.

Overall, I think the positives outweigh the negatives and if the company is dedicated to using GivGo properly; taking the time to obtaining inventory for the auctions, and making sure that every employee can benefit from the software, it can potentially have a huge impact on the company’s associated charity.