8.08.2006 - 11:25am ET

(CSRwire) CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 8, 2006--cMarket, the leading provider of on-demand, online auctions solely to support non-profit causes, today introduces key new components in its auction toolkit and an annual pricing program that make it easier and even more affordable for non-profit organizations to run unlimited auctions all year long.

cMarket's enhanced features assist non-profits in soliciting donations and building mailing lists during the auction planning phase and provide greater accountability to auction sponsors. Adjustments to the company's fee structure make it more economical for non-profits to execute multiple auctions throughout the year.

The changes open up new fundraising possibilities for non-profit organizations.

"The recent updates to the cMarket platform make online auctions a more accessible option for non-profits looking to supplement traditional revenue streams," said cMarket Chairman and CEO Jon Carson. "In an increasingly challenging fundraising landscape, the non-profit organizations with the biggest fundraising toolboxes maximize their chances of success. cMarket gives non-profits an additional tool in the toolbox to reach and engage existing and new communities of supporters."

cMarket now gives non-profits the ability to build buzz for an auction while it's still in the planning stages. Long before the auction site is live, non-profits can add buttons to their own organizational websites soliciting donations of auction items and building email lists of potential supporters. When visitors to a non-profit's website click the link to "Donate an Item," the information they provide can be automatically published to the non-profit's auction catalog. If they click the "Auction Updates" button, visitors are added to the organization's email list so they'll be included in all auction promotion emails.

The recent upgrades also enable non-profits to provide greater accountability to their auction sponsors. Currently, cMarket offers auction sponsors key visibility with click-able logos on the auction homepage and in promotional emails. The appeal of the sponsor positioning has helped non-profits to secure an average of five sponsors per auction. Now, cMarket will track how many people actually clicked on the sponsor links and will provide that information to its non-profit clients in the end-of-auction report.

In addition to the technology enhancements, cMarket implements a new pricing structure effective Aug. 1 that allows non-profits to host multiple auctions for the same low price. With a flat, annual fee of $695, non-profits can stage as many auctions as they want within a year. The cost covers hosting, set-up and client service support. In addition, cMarket receives a commission of 9 percent of net proceeds up to the first $75,000 raised.

"By moving to a subscription-model service, we are providing non-profits an easy, affordable way to engage their donors year-round," said Carson. "If they take advantage of our portable buttons for donations and emails, as well as cMarket Place, our online catalog of hot-selling auction items, non-profits may find that increasing their revenue stream is almost effortless."

Just last week, cMarket announced a partnership with Auctionpay to expand their menu of services to non-profits. Auctionpay was the first to sign on to cMarket's newly introduced "Powered By" program which allows partner companies to extend cMarket services to their clients under their own private label.

About cMarket

cMarket is the leading on-demand, online auction platform solely for organizations engaged in fundraising for non-profit causes. With more than 1,500 customers, online auctions powered by cMarket.com have generated funding successes by allowing organizations, both large and small, to identify new sources of income and, at the same time, build mission awareness and heightened caring for the cause. cMarket services national non-profit organizations such as United Way, JCC, Junior Achievement, Catholic Charities, The PTA, and the American Red Cross. cMarket also works with companies including Ford, Deloitte & Touche, Kimberly-Clark and General Electric to raise funds for their non-profit causes. cMarket, which was founded in 2003, has headquarters in Cambridge, Mass. For more information, visit www.cmarket.com.



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