ChipIn

Group Payment Collection Application

Published 11/18/2010 and rated 4 out of 5 stars by AppAppeal Editor

Tweet

ChipIn gives users a better way to raise funds and advertise their project or cause with a professional touch. Through ChipIn, users can begin collecting money for whatever they’re project may be. The user provides information on their task, the total funds needed, and a deadline to collect the money by. ChipIn provides helpful tools like a widget that can be embedded into any website. Through the widget, the user can spread the word and inform potential donators about what they are doing.

Founded in 2005, ChipIn was introduced as an online fund raising service. At first, ChipIn found obtaining the interest of users to be a challenging task. However, social networking provided a format for the website to begin building its user base. Today, the site serves the same purpose but with a few helpful additions. ChipIn has received funding and grown to include CEO Carnet Williams, Directors Michael Hirshland, Neal Mohan, and Michael Korver.

ChipIn provides a service that other websites also provide. Users have numerous options for collecting funds online, from general sites like Paypal to those that specifically offer fundraising services. That being said, ChipIn encourages users with a helpful widget that can be built into any website. Through the widget, users can silently spread the word about what they are doing and encourage others to donate without seeming confrontational or pushy. The user still has to promote their cause or project, and additional advertising is highly recommended. However, ChipIn helps streamline the process with an easy to use money collecting tool and a helpful widget.

ChipIn welcomes users with a fun light green and orange color scheme and a lot of white space. The site is clutter free and includes only the tools, navigational links and details the user wants and needs. As soon as a visitor stops by the ChipIn homepage, they can learn about the service offered and begin registering for their cause or project. The tools available are very easy to use and the widget contains a great deal of information that might encourage others to donate. Items such as accepted payment methods, current donation totals and number of days until the donation deadline is included.

A new visitor can find the ChipIn registration form located conveniently on the homepage. The initial form asks the user about their project, requesting details like what they are collecting for, how much they must raise, the fundraising deadline, and where to send funds. After entering the details, the user can click the orange button at the bottom to be taken to the registration form. The form asks for an email address. The site also advises users that they must click the verification link before accessing features and posting their request for donations.

Users can create a ChipIn account for free. There are no subscription fees or premium paid account options. Anyone can use ChipIn at no cost, which is a plus. Of course, there are always some fees associated with such a service. Those who use Paypal may be subject to their fees, usually assessed on Business or Premier Paypal accounts. The ChipIn website does not charge users any additional fees.

ChipIn is a great service for anyone that is trying to raise money for a cause, project, or other undertaking. The tools available are helpful and ChipIn doesn’t charge any excessive fees. The fees incurred are actually charged through Paypal and not ChipIn. Overall, ChipIn is an ideal option for anyone fundraising on a tight budget.

• Add the ChipIn widget to your website to spread the word about your donation efforts
• Promote your cause or project through your ChipIn page
• Collect funds through Paypal
• Spark interest through popular social networking websites like Facebook
• Monitor collection progress and set deadlines for fundraising

Tweet