In a fundraising auction catalog, most groups list the donor of an item. It acknowledges and thanks the person or company who gave the item to the nonprofit. In some cases, knowing who donated the item is also important for guests. As I stand near live auction displays talking with passersby, I frequently have conversations with them about the vacation homes available in the auction. “You can talk with the donor tonight,” I’ve said, “The donor is attending this event, too!” I’ve even ... Read On >
consignment
Benefit auction consignment: Knowing the right questions to ask
When a client is using consignment offerings, I like to ask the consignor a lot of questions about the package. I want to fully understand what the guest is buying, so I can better describe and sell the package when I’m onstage. I go far beyond merely reading the sheet the consignor provides to the nonprofit. I watch YouTubers describe the destination and hotel. I research airfare to the location and determine driving times to popular spots. I read through dozens of Yelp and ... Read On >
Charity Auction Consignment Basics: A 101 course
Charity auction consignment dealers provide / sell merchandise (EG: trips, jewelry, memorabilia, art, etc) to nonprofits for their fundraising auctions. It's a big industry with lots of players. And since the COVID-19 pandemic, it's had some shifts. In the video I explain this subsection of the nonprofit auction space. If you are new to charity auction planning, consider this video a 10-minute "101" crash course in the subject. I cover: What is consignment? Types of ... Read On >
Fundraising auction consignment: It’s OK to use more than one company
Though not ideal, one method of getting items to sell at your auction gala is simply to buy them. And one place to buy them is through consignment companies. During last week's Auction Procurement Masterclass, a student asked if it was OK / allowed to have more than one auction consignment company represented at your gala. The answer is “yes,” and I share why you might want to do that in the video. https://youtu.be/rAKxyORBIYo ... Read On >
Wine is the new (coronavirus-safe) auction consignment package
Last Thursday a big box arrived on my doorstep. Unlike so many of the packages I receive, I had to sign for this one. I didn’t know what was in it. After the UPS truck pulled off, I investigated. I couldn’t remember ordering anything that would require such a large box. Plus, it was heavy. I cut the tape to see what was inside. I saw two Styrofoam containers. And then I removed the lid of the Styrofoam container. Aha! I immediately remembered a call I’d received from a consignor who ... Read On >