A big debate among the school auctions with whom I work centers on the ticket price. The committee often feels that by keeping a low ticket price, they'll be more inclusive and raise more money. And every benefit auctioneer I know will tell you otherwise. Yet this persistent inaccurate belief exists. At this Boston foundation, they decided to charge a ticket price after years of offering a free event. It was a resounding success. Watch the video below. ... Read On >
Pre-event activities
PODCAST: How many live auction items should I sell?
It's a common question from clients. They want to know how many auction items they should sell in their live auction. "Do you think 12 is too many?" they'll ask.I contemplate these questions in the same way I'd think about prunes: "Will three get the job done? ... Is eight too many?" ;)In this podcast, learn the factors that go into determining how many auction items you should have you in your gala. You'll be able to figure out the perfect number for your gala.Listen to the podcast below. ... Read On >
PODCAST: Benefit auction item ideas – stock the bar | stock the cellar
The upcoming holiday season has me thinking about parties, and that naturally led me think about what we often serve at them ... food and alcohol.If you're seeking some new benefit auction item ideas and haven't yet tried a stock the bar| stock the cellar activity, maybe this is your year to try it. It's a way to have many people make a small contribution that enables you to sell a larger item at the auction.In this podcast, I explain what it is and different ways to execute it. Listen to the ... Read On >
Benefit auction item ideas: stock the bar | stock the cellar
The upcoming holiday season has me thinking about seasonal get-togethers. Here's a benefit auction item idea fitting to the season. I heard of an older couple who opted to forego the traditional gifts at their wedding. If any guest wanted to give a gift, the couple suggested bringing a bottle of wine so they could "stock the cellar." (I like this idea. I've got enough "stuff" for my house, but the cellar can always be filled.) Similarly, some bridal showers (co-ed) are "stock the bar" ... Read On >
Charity Auction Tips to Conquer a Loud Crowd
When I visit with some organizations about their auction fundraiser, they insist that their charity auction crowd is unusually loud. "Sherry, we can't ever get them to pay attention," one will say. Or, "Our crowd likes to party." Pardon the expression, but to that I'll respond in a common phrase my Dad uses: "Well no shit, Sherlock." Your guests view the charity auction as a party. Good parties tend to be loud. For your guests, charity auctions are celebratory events. A portion of them ... Read On >