By a long shot, the most popular trip I've sold in benefit auctions over the last ~3 years has been a trip to Cuba.For over 50 years, Cuba was a forbidden country for Americans. We couldn't (legally) travel there.As the rest of the world marched on, time stood still in Cuba -- and that's what auction guests are eager to experience. They are hot for Cuba because it's a step back in time.Magnificent buildings are occupied, but crumbling. Cars considered antiques in the United ... Read On >
consignment
Fake charity auction memorabilia raises problems
How would you handle this sad situation? Visualize your gala. You’ve worked hard to acquire items, and your guests are milling through a large auction. Some of the items are the local sorts of donations one often sees at events in your area. Other items are more glamorous because you’ve worked with a memorabilia company to bring in “big ticket” items. Guests are ogling and bidding on the merchandise, buying signed guitars from their favorite bands and snapping up memorabilia signed by ... Read On >
FREE training on auction consignment items! Trends & other ideas you need to know.
UPDATE: This class has passed. To keep abreast of future calls, subscribe to Benefit Auction Ideas. ++++++ Benefit auction consignment: Trends and other ideas you NEED to know Let's say you want a really cool trip for your benefit auction (perhaps to tie into your theme) and you've got zero connections on how to get one. Or maybe your "hot" leads turned up cold.When frustration ensues, many planners turn to using a trip consignor. Join me on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014 when I'm ... Read On >
Consignment items for fundraisers are plentiful. Even when you order less.
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 >
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 >