At some point a guest at your gala will try to pull a fast one on you or me. I like to believe that the guest is being honest. After all, this is a fundraising auction; most people are filled with good will. But sometimes, stuff happens. Maybe they really didn't bid. They were just waving their bid paddle to get the attention of a friend across the room. Maybe they really did want to donate in the paddle raiser, but a column blocked them from view. Maybe they really did think ... Read On >
Blog Post
The archetypes of live auction bidders
Since starting my company over a decade ago, I've observed several types of bidders. In this post, I'm describing my live auction bidder archetypes. These are a tad tongue-in-cheek. Even so, I suspect you'll recognize some of your guests from among these descriptions. (I'll zero in on some archetypes in upcoming posts.) Remember that most guests at your gala are not going to participate in the live auction. Usually just 10% to 20% of your crowd is active in the live auction; the ... Read On >
Selling better sex and other awkward fundraising auction donations
These are real fundraising auction donations that have been sold by nonprofits. Vasectomy Vaginal tightening Various cosmetic surgery, cosmetic procedures, and diagnostics (e.g. injections, tummy tucks, impotence evaluation) Fertility treatment (IVF) I'm fairly certain that every donation received made the gala chair wince, followed by a "How am I going to sell this" moment. Though I have sold these types of donations in live auctions, they don't belong there. First, ... Read On >
Classy example of sharing an auction dress code
Last Saturday I worked a school auction in the Washington National Cathedral. The dress code was "Cathedral Dress." Though I've been to the Cathedral many times, I've worn everything from shorts (as a tourist) to a dress (for an organ concert). I wasn't exactly sure what was appropriate to this event, so I asked. I learned that it could be cocktail, but nothing too flashy or bright. Sort of a “business cocktail.” Dress codes are important; you want everyone to be comfortable, and most ... Read On >
Best time to close the silent auction? Before the live auction begins.
Human psychology factors into fundraising auctions in many ways. The fear of loss propels a bidder to bid. Smart pricing strategies in a raffle influence how many tickets will be sold. Properly structured silent auction bid sheets generate 10% to 30% higher sales. Well-written auction donation request letters secure more "yes" responses than "no" responses. Using a proper method to properly close a silent auction generates higher sales on the most popular items. (E.G. Create an ... Read On >