When it comes to getting people to attend your event, the tactics run wild. You might have tried to "steal" guests via the cold-invitation approach. One of my clients poured through the benefit auction catalogs of nearby charities, made note that so-and-so supported THAT event, and then sent them an invitation to their own gala. It was effective. Remarkably, the nonprofit's highest silent auction spender that year came from sending the woman a "blind" invitation. I seem to recall she even ... Read On >
Invitation
VIDEO: School auctions take note of this ticket price increase – 750%!
A big debate among the school auctions with whom I work centers on the ticket price. The committee often feels that by keeping a low ticket price, they'll be more inclusive and raise more money. And every benefit auctioneer I know will tell you otherwise. Yet this persistent inaccurate belief exists. At this Boston foundation, they decided to charge a ticket price after years of offering a free event. It was a resounding success. Watch the video below. ... Read On >
PODCAST: Should school auctions charge? This group went from FREE to $750.
When it comes to school auctions, few committees want to debate ticket prices. Most groups would prefer to offer a free event and forget about charging altogether. The thinking is that this will bring in the bidders and make for a more inclusive event.In this week's podcast, hear about a formerly free event that opted for a 750% ticket price increase. Hear why they changed their format and ideas on how they did it.Listen to the podcast below. ... Read On >
Time to raise your school auction’s ticket price? Try a 750% increase.
I've been meeting with a number of school auction committees recently and thought I'd provide some quick inspiration on a topic that seems to throw many groups into a tizzy: ticket price. It doesn't matter if the school's tuition is $3500 or $30,000, I hear the same points. "We want to be inclusive." "We need to keep the gala affordable." "We don't want the auction to become a snooty event." "We have all financial levels represented at this school." I've observed enormous debates rage ... Read On >
Splurge or save? Benefit auction ideas for printing
With many groups trying to cut expenses, it's worth taking a look at how to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to printing. Printed auction materials tend to consume a large part of a budget, so here are some benefit auction ideas on to splurge and when to save. Auction Invitation: WORTH IT, depending on ticket price The formal printed invitation has not yet been made obsolete by the "evite," and many guests will expect to receive their copy in the mail (especially if you have a ... Read On >