School Auctions, Fundraising Auctions, Charity Auctioneer

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The magic words that get bidders to hand over their credit card at auction registration

One key to running a fast auction checkout process is to collect credit card information as guests arrive.A long line at checkout is virtually guaranteed if a nonprofit decides to wait until the end of the event to collect a guest's credit card information.  Instead, the secret to smooth auction checkout to swipe the credit card at the registration desk. However, some Gala Chairs have found it hard to convince guests to hand over their credit cards upon arrival."Our team says that ... Read On >

[VIDEO] You can’t open auction checkout in 20 minutes

Last week I led a webinar on how to run a manual auction checkout process.  During the webinar, one participant asked a question about timing.She wanted a 20 minute window between the time the silent auction closed and guests collected their items. Though admirable, I said that I didn't think her timeframe was realistic. To be fair, I  don't know the particulars of her auction. The webinar system didn't allow us to have a free flowing conversation to explore details around her timeline, layout, ... Read On >

[VIDEO] Four styles of bid stickers for silent auction bid sheets

A couple of months ago I posted a video tip about how you can read bad handwriting on silent auction bid sheets.  Spoiler alert: It's the use of bid stickers. I explained that auction chairs shouldn't require guests to write their name, address, email, phone number, or any other information on the bid sheets.  To generate the highest bids, the only information required should only be the bid number.  If the idea of only asking for a bid number troubles you (perhaps because you are concerned ... Read On >

Part 2: The raging debate on auction bid numbers versus names in the live auction

This is a 3-part blog post, explaining why benefit auctions should identify guests with bid numbers instead of names.The first post looked at the benefits of using numbers in a Fund a Need. Today, we examine using numbers in the live auction. The third post turns to using numbers in the silent auction.+++++++++++++++++ Why you should use numbers instead of names during your live auction. I worked an auction in New York a few years ago. The live auction process started to break ... Read On >

Do you have to collect sales tax on auction items?

Do you have to collect sales tax at your benefit auction? Should guests be paying sales tax on auction items? The answer depends upon your state and municipal rules. If your fundraiser is in Maryland, you must charge sales tax. If you're living in an area that requires tax collection, I suggest putting a written notice in your catalog or program. Most often this type of information is listed as one of the points in the "Rules of the Auction" section. Some groups will also have the notice ... Read On >