If you're searching for some silent auction item ideas, one near guarantee donation is Wheel of Fortune. The game show is exceedingly generous in their donations. I shared the show's donation information with a Miami, FL, client a few years ago. The nonprofit has received one or two fan packs for every auction since then. The package changes a bit every year, but the show often sends a kit like the one I've shown you in photograph. (What did it sell for? I don't recall. I know it sold ... Read On >
silent auction
Auction Regifting: What to do with gifts you don’t want
You're going to receive some gifts you don't want this season. You'll get some perfectly nice things that aren't perfect for you. What do you do with gifts you don't want? These are nice things. New things. A friend of mine often takes those gifts to Goodwill. Another friend trashes them (which I find a bit heartbreaking). I've got a better idea. As you're involved in a fundraising auction, you have the opportunity to gather these items, package them, and sell them. School ... Read On >
How psychology affects the number of silent auction items needed
My master class in procurement (Big Ticket Procurement Secrets) launched last week. We started the 3-week intensive discussing how psychology can be used to improve your auction revenues. Here is an excerpt from that first class. When considering the auction procurement process and the number of silent auction items needed to hit your goal, it’s impossible to do much without first understanding human behavior. Let's look at both your behavior and your guests’ behavior. The natural behavior ... Read On >
Silent auction item ideas for fourth quarter auctions
In light of my 3-week procurement master course in December (Big Ticket Procurement Secrets), today I wanted to share some silent auction item ideas that work especially well for groups hosting fourth quarter auctions. ================ If your fundraising auction is in October, November, or December, be sure to include holiday-related décor among your silent auction items. This past Saturday I worked in Louisville, KY for a nonprofit that had a large silent auction. The holiday-specific ... Read On >
One silent auction display idea for jewelry, furs, and fashion
Gala auctions tend to have no shortage of jewelry. It's across the board at my events ... live auctions, silent auctions, bonuses, games, upgrades, etc. Some groups do a better job than others at showcasing the pieces. And then there are those random clothing items that are donated: dresses, furs, coats, and the like. Given that your silent auction is -- at its core -- a retail store, what's one good silent auction display idea for selling your wares? (Sidebar comment: Gosh, if you've spent ... Read On >