We work some auctions every year which are “silent auction only” events. My team and I are responsible for the charity auction revenue generating activities.
We sell raffle tickets, get bids on silent auction items, and oversee games, like this wine ring toss game.
This is direct sales at its core. We have techniques to upsell patrons — and rely on our irresistible personalities to engage guests. 😉
The end result is that guests buy more because they are having fun, like this guy who won a bottle of wine playing the wine ring toss game at this silent auction of ~2,000 guests.
- Is your auction engaging?
- Is it fresh and fun?
- Are volunteers excited about what your doing?
- Heck, forget about the volunteers …. are YOU excited about what you’re doing?!
If you have that desperate sinking feeling that your auction needs improvements, you’ll want to watch all the video tutorials for 22 auction games, raffles, and activities*. Each is a fun activity designed to get guests to happily give. (*Note: We change programs every so often, and this program is no longer available. Check out the “Store” for what’s current.)
The complete program is called Charity Auction Bells & Whistles™*.
Here’s what one auction organizer wrote:
For several years I’ve enjoyed reading Sherry Truhlar’s Red Apple Auction newsletters. I always gain some “thought starters” and have gleaned many new ideas to use in my events.
So when I read about the Bells & Whistles program, I didn’t hesitate to get on board. I had no doubt that I would receive some valuable insights, suggestions and new activities to use.
And although I’m not finished with all the categories yet, I’ve already made some big decisions about changes for my upcoming event.
We will be holding our 16th event this year and I felt things were becoming too predictable and not as much fun as in the past. The Bells & Whistles experience gives me confidence that we will not be predictable again!
One of the main lessons I’ve learned is the need to have enough interest, excitement and activities to engage all of our attendees – not just the big bidders.
I would highly recommend Bells & Whistles to all event planners – small organizations with few staff and volunteers like mine would especially benefit from Sherry’s knowledge, experience and friendly teaching. It’s a small investment that will bring big rewards!
Kathy Gautsch, Wings of Hope Foundation (Sanford, FL)
For several years I’ve enjoyed reading Sherry Truhlar’s Red Apple Auction newsletters. I always gain some “thought starters” and have gleaned many new ideas to use in my events.P.S. Learning how to run a Wine Ring Toss game is only the beginning, dear reader. Fill your next auction with dozens of cool activities. Learn them at Charity Auction Bells & Whistles™*.
(*Note: We change programs every so often, and this program is no longer available. Check out the “Store” for what’s current.)
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