“Just added” was stamped on this poster to alert guests to a plum last-minute donation to the charity auction lineup.
Here are some ideas on how to market charity auction donations that arrive “last minute,” meaning anything acquired after the catalog is printed.
Small items are less of a worry. If a $25 gift card isn’t properly promoted, you could give it to a hard-working volunteer and feel good about it.
But what about something like an $85,000 donation? (See photo.)
Charity auction donations that are valuable and attractive to guests must have onsite marketing. It’s important to get the word out for hands to be up at your charity auction.
Let’s run through some options you can work on prior to the auction.
Auction signage
If time allows, have some signs made that can be displayed predominantly throughout registration, the silent auction, the bathrooms, the bar, and anywhere else guests might wander.
Pre-auction emails
If you have the email addresses of your attendees, it’s easy to send out a quick blast encouraging guests to read about this latest donation. web links that can help sell the item should be included.
Using social media for auction promotions
If your charity auction P.R. committee has been using Facebook or Twitter, they can start promoting the item/s through those channels. Don’t forget to include photos.
Cool stickers
Print out fluorescent-colored stickers that say “New Item.” Stick them on the displays and (for silent auction items) bid sheets.
Make phone calls
The old-fashioned way to “reach out and touch someone” is still an excellent way to tell guests about an unexpected item donation. Call likely buyers to share the news of your fabulous new item.
Finally, if you’re keen to stay abreast of practical “how to” auction ideas, click to subscribe to “Benefit Auction Ideas.” It’s my FREE ezine, and it’s the BEST way to be alerted to trends in charity auction donations, marketing, technology, and the like.
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