Smaller default voluntary Zeffy contribution amount
Michel (Product @Zeffy)
We've tested several default contribution amounts over the past year, trying to find the right balance between keeping Zeffy free for nonprofits and making sure the suggested amount feels fair to donors.
Here's the challenge: Zeffy's voluntary contributions are our only source of revenue. They cover all transaction fees, platform costs, and allow us to offer our tools at no charge to nonprofits. If the default amount is too low, it puts our ability to stay 100% free at risk. If it's too high, it can feel uncomfortable for donors — and that's not what we want either.
The current default is the best balance we've found so far, but we know it's not perfect for every situation. We're open to exploring new options — whether that's different defaults based on donation size, letting organizations suggest a range, or other ideas we haven't thought of yet.
If you have suggestions for how default contribution amounts could work better for your donors, share them here. We read every comment and use your feedback to shape what we test next.
Log In
W
WhoDunnit
Other platforms, like Givebutter, have an option to request the buyer/donor cover the transaction fees. I feel you'd have more people willing to do that, and thus more total contributions, if that was presented as the default option.
17% is so high that we have to add in a caution warning our donors to double-check their total and remove it if they don't want to pay it; otherwise they feel tricked and angry, and both we and Zeffy thus lose repeat customers.
Also, while I LOVE that Zeffy is 100% free for nonprofits like ours to use, I also understand the platform needs to support itself. To that end I'd be OK with seeing an OPTIONAL premium tier added (NOT taking away any features from the current tier) with a modest charge - preferably something paid monthly annually vs. a per transaction charge - that removes the tip line entirely, or at least lowers it to only the aforementioned transaction fee cost, with clear text explaining it's optional.
For example, I think we'd be willing to pay $99 a year for that if it also included other premium features such as text message marketing options, more form customization, better discount code options, etc.
h
hnrybrdsly
If the question is to what the default fee should be, I would answer 9%. It feels like it is the balance between a number that the donator won't change and leaves a margin for Zeffy's income.
I think the better question/issue to to address upfront transparency. The donator should not find out after the fact that they unknowingly paid a non-tax deductible fee.
Thanks to Zeffy for the service!
E
Ed
Consider adding a smaller amount (that is not the default) to the combo box. So if the current combo box shows: 17% (default), 20%, & 22%; instead show: 15%, 17% (default), 20%, 22%. I suspect more people will choose the smaller (non default) value than those who pick "Other" and enter 0.
H
Heather
I would like to see an option added that will cover the transaction fee. I think that many people are happy to cover transaction fees for their donation, but may not be ready to contribute a lot more. Since transaction fees vary based upon transaction type, maybe in the description you could add a sentence about the lowest percentage covering transaction fees in full with a little extra for Zeffy and set the percentage at 5% or whatever percent would meet this description.
G
George
In the past for many years, we paid a ticketing agency to manage our tickets to events. Our single Ticket fee is $60, and our agency charged $4 for their fee. When I use $60 on Zeffy the default fee is 15% which is $8.95. That is high to me. We also sell a table of 10 and table of 8 which Zeffy charges between 7 - 8%. It seems like the smaller amount the higher the fee is on Zeffy. The 7 - 8% is reasonable when compared to our ticket agency. I think people don't mind paying a reasonable amount but 10% or higher people are going to change the default amount which could end up being allot less or nothing.
A
AHG
I think 5% is a more reasonable amount to cover processing fees.
G
George
AHG As a non-profit I know the credit card fee is at least 2.5% and I understand Zeffy has to make a profit to keep everything free for the non-profit as stated by Michel from Zeffy above. I know everyone wants to keep everything as cheap as possible but it has to be balanced. I think that maybe allow us to create a range but Zeffy could also fix it so everyone has to at least pay the minimum cost to cover the fees. Right now anyone can just put $0 and that's it.