I share this auction procurement tip nearly every year in November or December. This is the season when we'll be gathering with friends and family, catching up on the last year (or maybe catching up on the last two years, given that many didn't get together in 2020). As you learn about what others have been pursuing in the way of interests, hobbies, or purchases, make note of what might be worthwhile to inquire about later, when it's time to ramp up your acquisition efforts. * A ... Read On >
Procurement
What to sell at your association gala auction
If you work for an association, your live auction will have a few different items in it than a standard nonprofit auction. In this video, I give examples for four types of associations I've supported and examples of auction items to sell. Industry trade associations for businesses Associations with regional chapters or affiliations Associations for professionals to join, such as structural engineers or cosmetology Associations for individuals interested in a particular hobby, ... Read On >
Double pleasure or half the joy? Splitting auction lot proceeds with other charities
Is it a bad idea to split the proceeds from your auction lot with other charities? If you read the article I wrote about Harvey Weinstein and his ties to the AmFAR Cannes auction, you might think it is. Recall that AmFAR is being investigated, and their problems began when they agreed to Weinstein's demands of splitting the proceeds on the sale of an auction package he secured. AmFAR had never before split proceeds with another charity. (Weinstein wanted half of the proceeds from his ... Read On >
The best year-end tip for auction procurement
The holidays are here! As you mingle and jingle through the rest of December, keep this tip for auction procurement in mind. Listen to the chatter. Here's the deal. There's not much auction committee work getting done between now and January 1. Instead, it's a season for socializing. Companies host holiday parties. Friends host open houses. Families reconvene at homesteads. As your co-workers, friends, and relatives swap stories about what they've been doing, pay ... Read On >
Selling better sex and other awkward fundraising auction donations
These are real fundraising auction donations that have been sold by nonprofits. Vasectomy Vaginal tightening Various cosmetic surgery, cosmetic procedures, and diagnostics (e.g. injections, tummy tucks, impotence evaluation) Fertility treatment (IVF) I'm fairly certain that every donation received made the gala chair wince, followed by a "How am I going to sell this" moment. Though I have sold these types of donations in live auctions, they don't belong there. First, ... Read On >