In two weeks, I'm teaching a FREE teleclass on auction procurement and how you can get donated items without leaving your house. (Click to register for my Seven Procurement Secrets no-cost call.) I'll be writing about procurement until then. Today I'm sharing a short story about consignment items for fundraisers. ++++++++++++++ Here's a quick story about consignment that clients tell me again ... and again ... and again ... and again ... and you get the idea. While working for a small gala ... Read On >
Procurement
Should you accept last-minute fundraising auction donations?
One of my onsite clients was approached by one of their other vendors. He offered them a consigned condo. They forwarded me his email. I nearly fell off my chair when I read it. Here are the first few phrases of the email: Hi CLIENT, Here's the "offer" email I typically send out 30 days before an event... ----- I hope you are making good progress on your donations for your upcoming event. I wanted to help with what I think is a win-win offer. My wife and I have a condo in ... Read On >
How to market last-minute charity auction donations
Here are some ideas on how to market charity auction donations that arrive "last minute," meaning anything acquired after the catalog is printed. Small items are less of a worry. If a $25 gift card isn't properly promoted, you could give it to a hard-working volunteer and feel good about it. But what about something like an $85,000 donation? (See photo.) Charity auction donations that are valuable and attractive to guests must have onsite marketing. It's important to get the word out for ... Read On >
Auction sign-up parties for men: Spirit Tasting Party
Auction sign up parties can be for a specific group of people (as this one is targeted men) or not. This party could just as easily be for us females, but it was aimed at the guys. Participants got to join the owner of a local Spirits company as he led a participatory 'tour' through a flight of his company's products and cocktails. He discussed the milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, filtration, and aging process for vodka, gin, whiskey, and bourbon. Gourmet appetizers were included (to ... Read On >
Party sign-up for the Moms
The majority of the school auctions my team works occur in the spring. As we approach Mother's Day, I start talking about "buying this jewelry for your wife" and "What a nice Mother's Day gift this item would be." Here's an activity that the Moms might enjoy. It could be advertised as a Mother's Day appreciation gift. Party sign-ups like this can be incorporated into the silent auction. Moms Night Out at the Movies Enjoy an evening out with the girls at the Avalon Theater. Join your friends ... Read On >