More Information about Silent Auction Items

Just a few more important thoughts to share with you about your silent auction.   Again, remember this is all about shopping so let's focus on the merchandising aspect of your items.   The display of these items will directly translate into bidding dollars.  With that in mind, plan to "landscape" some of your items by placing them up on different boxes (draped with a piece of cloth, or napkin), so that that some will rise up higher than others and show better.  If you have jewelry be sure it is on a form and easily viewed.  Items, such as signed golf balls, baseballs, etc., should be in cases, as should signed sports jerseys.  If you have items that are gift certificates try your best to gather things that represent that item and can draw the eye of a prospective bidder.  Examples would be: 

Golfing = A brochure from the golf course, golf ball, a couple golf tees, scorecard, and even a few square inches of turf
Dining experience can be promoted with a lovely menu, placesetting of dinnerware, etc.
Spa Experience = Some of their fantastic products such as bath salts, eye pillow, aroma candle, etc.
Truck Load of Bark or Topsoil = go to the dollar store and buy a small truck, fill it with dirt!  
Handyman for a Day = small paintbrush, small can of paint, hammer, etc.

The thing to remember is during this social time, while your guests are visiting and wandering around, you want the visual display of the auction item to draw their eye (and attention).  That's enough for now.  Your silent auction is a critical component of the event, not just a way to get rid of "the little stuff".  It serves as a valuable "warm-up", as well as the entertainment during the social hour.   Because it is such an important part of your event will talk about it a bit further in the future.

Happy Thanksgiving to All ~

Benefit Auction Tips for Success - Let's talk about ITEMS

Let's address items.....ok, folks, give this some thought - seriously!  Why would you go out and procure things you, yourself wouldn't bid on?  Also, remember thisis NOT a garage sale.  Spend your energy on stuff that is really desireable, not just stuff to fill the space up.   You have limited silent auction space, use it wisely.  Tangible stuff sells much better than gift certificates.  Silent Auctions are for shopping, so remember they need to look inviting and desireable.   Let's focus today on your Silent Auction tangible items.

How many items?   You want to create a SELLERS market, not a Buyers market.  Less is more!   If you have 200 guests coming, and the majority are couples, you really have 100 bidding units spending money.   Do NOT have more than 100 silent auction items, create a competitive environment !!!!  The other huge bonus you have now created is that each item will have much more display space allotted to it now.   GREAT.

Tangible = a "thing" not a gift certificate.   Allow it sufficient display space (shopping at the "rack" vs a high end boutique).   Make it something your guests WANT.   iPad, Kindle,  3 lovely bottles of high-end wines grouped together (perhaps a vertical), even the brown paper bag full of "adults only" items......that does tend to create lots of talk and interest!   If your event is in the spring think garden colors, patio planters with plants, etc.  We are typically desparate for spring to come, we can't wait to buy!  Gift Baskets of really fun things:  martini basket, cigar & scotch lovers goodies, Red Wine & Chocolates.......again, if this makes you say "Oh Yeah!"...that's the trick.    Remember, even if you are putting on an auction for your school, this is SHOPPING, and it is the adults doing the spending......kids stuff won't sell nearly as well as goodies that you and I want!   Trendy stuff sells better than boring more common things.  Jewelry?  Ugh, unless it is trendy forget it.   You are trying to appeal to LOTS of bidders, so they will compete against each other, not appeal to only 3-4.

LOTS more about your silent auction later, must go sell fun auction items now ~

Benefit Auction Tips for Success

Benefit Auctions should be fun & profitable! Too many groups are making the same common mistakes, after 15+ yrs of this, I want to ease some of your challenges and share a few tips with all of you.

 

While I enjoy giving in-depth seminars on much of this, I am also excited to talk about some of the pitfalls that can be easily avoid.

 

It makes no difference if you are trying to raise  $10k at your event OR $2m  (yes, I have worked with clients from one end of the spectrum to the other).   The great thing is each organization is very passionate about their mission, and wants to do the best job that they can.   Well, the amazing thing is all the steps and things to focus on are the same, whether you are putting on a small after school auction in the gym, or a full-blown red-carpet Gala!

 

The first order of business is to bring things into perspective, and break the many components down into much more simple terms.  The Benefit Auction is really just 2 basic components:  Items & Bidders.   Everything else falls under one category or the other.  Yes, it can be that simple.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:    Put your energy into things that make you money~Items & Guests, NOT decorations, food, or the band.  Nothing makes me sadder than to hear guests say they came for the dance!  GOOD GRIEF, didn't they know this was a fundraiser?  Eventually the Dance becomes the event, and your fundraiser dies a slow and pitiful death.

 

I am hereby committed to blogging some key points that should help any of you putting on a benefit auction.  Yes, they are  lots of work, but great fun, and fantastic fundraising opportunities.

 

Stay tuned ~