I’m always surprised by the number of fundraising auction committees who go to great lengths setting up displays for silent auction items, but then fail to see the importance of setting up a live auction display.
I encourage teams to apply their effort towards auction activities that garner the highest returns. Most times, your live auction items will far outsell any silent auction items, so set-up the displays accordingly. Give extra attention to how your live auction items will be showcased.
Here are four reasons I think live auction displays are a “must have.”
1. They serve as an activity for all guests.
Whether or not someone can afford to buy your live auction items, they enjoy visiting the display and dreaming about buying them. It can be a conversation point for them at the event.
2. They educate your potential buyers.
Educated bidders are better buyers. Not only are they prepared to pay for the item so bid quickly, but they are less likely to complain after-the-fact that they didn’t understand what was being sold.
3. Displays better inform your auctioneer.
When I stand near the live auction display and visit with guests, I am inevitably told information that wasn’t in the description. Sometimes I’m even asked questions about a package that I don’t know. In those cases, I follow-up to get the answers, before I get on stage to sell it.
4. Displays promote the donors of the live auction items.
We want to show our live auction donors extra love for giving such a significant package. Having them recognized in a display showcases their generosity.
Watch the video to hear real-life examples.
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