The Do’s and Don’ts of Silent Auctions

Silent auctions are a profitable way to raise funds for any great cause, whether it is a registered charity or even for your son’s little league baseball team. I have done many silent auctions over the years, and have learned a few lessons about what works and what doesn’t work on an auction table. Any donated item can be used to raise funds, but the auction table should be reserved for items that are appealing in terms of their value, or are visually appealing. Below are some tips to get the best bang for your buck on your auction table.

The Dos

Solicit everyone that you know, or are acquainted with, and ask whether they would be willing to donate an item. Many people would be happy to donate an unopened bottle of wine to a great cause, or a new item still in the package that they have never used.

Solicit network marketing people, such as Tupperware reps, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Arbonne, or any other sales representative. Often these types of small business people love the opportunity to donate gift baskets to silent auctions to help market their business.

Accept all donations big and small with gratitude. Even if you they are not appropriate for the auction, they can always be used to raise money in raffle draws, balloon bursts, or they can be combined with other small, similar items to create another auction item.

The Don’ts

Do not place promotional swag on an auction table, unless the logo is subtle, or the item is of high enough quality that the branding will not matter. Avoid items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, key chains or plastic coffee mugs. People generally will not bid on these types of items, and they are more appropriate in raffles and draws. However, a golf bag with some golf balls showing a subtle logo would make a great silent auction item.

Do not telephone solicit companies that you do not know for silent auction items. There are Do Not Call lists that protect businesses from being solicited, so you need to protect yourself, and stick with companies that you have a relationship with.

Do not put items valued at less than twenty dollars on the auction table. Reserve those smaller items for raffles and draws.

A silent auction is a quick, easy way to bring a substantial amount of money into a great cause. With these tips, you have some excellent tips to help bring in more money with your fundraising efforts.