Getting started on Bidwell
Verify fast, bid with confidence, understand fees — without wading through legalese.
Below: what happens after you register, how binding bids work, and when money moves.
What happens after you register
Plan on ~10 minutes to sign up. Then you move through verify → bid → win → paid.
Each step below is the short version; your dashboard guides the details.
Email verification
ImmediateYou’ll receive a confirmation email. Click the link to verify your account. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder or use the “Resend” button on the verification page.
You handle this
Our team reviews your application
1–2 business daysWe verify your business registration, insurance information, and venue details. This protects the couples who use our platform and ensures every venue on Bidwell is legitimate. We may reach out if we need additional documentation.
We handle this
Verification complete
You’ll get an emailOnce verified, your account is activated. You can now see active couple requests in your market, review request details, and start submitting bids.
You’re live
Browse requests and bid
OngoingYou’ll see real requests from couples in your area — date, guest count, budget range, venue style, and must-haves. Choose the events that fit your venue and submit binding bids with your pricing and package details.
Start earning
What we verify and why
Couples are trusting Bidwell with one of the most important days of their lives. Verification protects everyone on the platform.
Business registration
We confirm your legal business name and EIN/Tax ID against public records. This ensures you’re a registered, operating business.
Liability insurance
We verify that you carry active liability insurance. This is standard for event venues and protects both you and the couples who book.
Venue location
We confirm your physical address and that your venue is a real, operating event space. This prevents fraudulent listings.
Profile accuracy
We review that your listed capacity, pricing, amenities, and venue type match your actual operation. Accuracy builds trust.
Transparent fee structure
No upfront costs. No monthly fees. No listing charges. You only pay when a couple books through Bidwell and pays.
Founding Partner
8%
per booking, for life
First 15 venues per market
Standard
10%
per booking
All verified venues
High Volume
6%
per booking
25+ bookings/year
What your commission covers
Stripe payment processing fees (approximately 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction) are included in the commission rate. There are no additional processing fees charged to you.
Need the canonical legal version? View the commercial policy matrix.
The Founding Partner program
The first 15venues in each market get permanent benefits. Once all spots are claimed, they're gone.
Lower commission
8% for life
Instead of 10%. On a $40,000 booking, that’s an extra $800 in your pocket — every time.
Priority placement
Higher visibility
Your bids and profile get priority ranking when couples browse and compare offers in your market.
Founding Partner badge
Trust signal
Couples see a Founding Partner badge on your bids. It signals that you were one of the first venues to join and commit to the platform.
How to qualify
- 1Register your venue on Bidwell and complete the full application
- 2Check the “Apply for Founding Partner Status” box during registration
- 3Pass our standard verification process (business registration, insurance, location)
- 4Be among the first 15 verified venues in your market
Founding Partner status is confirmed after verification is complete. If all spots are claimed before your verification finishes, you'll be enrolled at the standard rate. Our team reviews applications in the order they're received.
Tips for creating winning bids
Couples compare multiple offers side by side. Here's what makes bids stand out:
Be specific about what’s included
Don’t just say “catering included.” List the menu options, service style, and per-person details. The more transparent you are, the higher your AI match score.
Price competitively, not cheaply
Couples see how your bid compares to market averages. You don’t need to be the cheapest — you need to be the best value for what you offer.
Match the couple’s must-haves
Read the request carefully. If they want outdoor space and you have it, highlight it. Bids that address specific requests score higher than generic packages.
Respond quickly
Earlier bids get more visibility. Couples often start reviewing and shortlisting as soon as the first bids arrive. Don’t wait.
Frequently asked questions
Fees, verification, binding bids, payouts — short answers. Email support@bookbidwell.com anytime.