When it comes to getting people to attend your event, the tactics run wild. You might have tried to "steal" guests via the cold-invitation approach. One of my clients poured through the benefit auction catalogs of nearby charities, made note that so-and-so supported THAT event, and then sent them an invitation to their own gala. It was effective. Remarkably, the nonprofit's highest silent auction spender that year came from sending the woman a "blind" invitation. I seem to recall she even ... Read On >
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VIDEO: My gripe with some mobile silent auction solutions and online auction platforms
As I've talked with more vendors about their mobile silent auction solutions and online auction products, I've become disheartened to learn that most of them do NOT offer a key feature that is generally an accepted standard in the commercial auction world. It's not a "new" feature, but perhaps vendors servicing the charity auction market failed to understand how it can generate more dollars for charities. For whatever reason, it's been missing from most vendors' products. I hope that with ... Read On >
VIDEO: A DISadvantage of large crowds at your nonprofit auction
When it comes to gala auctions, most of us generally think that "bigger is better." Often that is true. A larger guest count frequently suggests a positive trend, but it can adversely affect other areas of your gala. For instance, you might need to change benefit auctioneers. Watch the video below. P.S. For other nonprofit auction ideas, get great tips delivered to you by subscribing to Benefit Auction Ideas. It's free! ... Read On >
VIDEO: Should you print auction item values in your catalog?
Committees often debate as to whether it's a good idea to reveal the auction item values in a catalog. Some people fear it might suppress bidding. In this video, learn what I've been taught is the correct approach. Watch the video below. Video link https://youtu.be/86Ksfvbi5rg ... Read On >
VIDEO: Q&A on selling branded merchandise in school auctions
Though this concept is a nice idea for any nonprofit auction, branded merchandise is - hands down - a better fit for schools as it ties into school spirit. It's a great idea for those school auctions wanting to raise few hundred to a few thousand dollars more. Suggestions on what to sell and how the activities are managed are detailed in the video. Watch the video below. https://youtu.be/xLhn7-FnIKc P.S. For more help with school auctions, enjoy a free subscription to Benefit Auction Ideas. ... Read On >