![[VIDEO] You can’t open auction checkout in 20 minutes](https://www.redappleauctions.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Simple-Auction-Checkout-e1480716640237-150x150.png)
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 >
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![[VIDEO] Four styles of bid stickers for silent auction bid sheets](https://www.redappleauctions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/box-1-photo-150x150.jpg)
[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 >
Getting charity auction guests to register their credit cards
Anyone who has followed my trainings on how to properly conduct a benefit auction registration and checkout process knows my analogy of the hotel versus the grocery store. At your benefit auction, it's best to function like a hotel, swiping each guest's credit card before letting them enter your property (i.e. the silent auction). Operating like a hotel means that your charity auction team must use credit card terminals designed for an auction environment. Once those terminals are rented and ... Read On >