Sherry Truhlar of Red Apple Auctions LLC works with volunteer auction chairs who want to plan their most successful charity auction yet. In addition to offering the auctioneer “fast talk,” she works with clients nationally to teach them the tricks of auction procurement, audience development and marketing.
Hectic schedules being what they are, it’s not uncommon for non-profit or school auction committees to meet via teleconference. And if you’ve got a group larger than 3 people, your phone’s conference call option might not be an option. Consider these tips for meeting via phone.
Last year, a 2010 Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle was stolen. The bike was painted pink and signed by a number of country music stars, such as Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, and Taylor Swift.
Some companies are getting creative in making their customer’s feel extra-special, after they purchase the product? It’s a step beyond service designed to leave a positive, lasting impression.
I refer to auction games, raffles, and activities as the “bells and whistles” of benefit auctions. Some call them revenue generators, but that’s an understatement because they do more than make you money.
Trends in benefit auctions do exist, though it takes longer for some ideas to gain ground. But having attended ~50 benefit auctions this year and consulted for dozens more, I’m noticing some ideas growing in popularity. Some trends are related to raising money; others aren’t. So with that, let’s cover the top five benefit auction trends for 2011.
Recessions are a time to step up your game when hosting an auction fundraiser
Auction appeal, reverse auction, and “the shakedown” are multiple words for the same practice: asking an auction audience for a group donation to charity. However, terms can get jumbled in the chaos of planning an auction, so choose one of the 17 names listed here to avoid confusion among your committee.
If you’re wondering why some items in your silent auction just aren’t getting the bidding activity you expected, re-read your silent auction descriptions.
At smaller charity auctions, you can get by being a little “loosey-goosey” in the way you present your baskets in the silent auction. At larger fundraising auctions, you need to step up your game. Stepping up means wrapping up your baskets. Here are some advantages of wrapping a school or charity auction basket in clear plastic / cellophane.
Whether you are a true gourmand or simply a gal who enjoys a good meal (I fall into this second category), you and your benefit auction audience will love a farm-to-table dining experience.
