How would you handle this sad situation? Visualize your gala. You’ve worked hard to acquire items, and your guests are milling through a large auction. Some of the items are the local sorts of donations one often sees at events in your area. Other items are more glamorous because you’ve worked with a memorabilia company to bring in “big ticket” items. Guests are ogling and bidding on the merchandise, buying signed guitars from their favorite bands and snapping up memorabilia signed by ... Read On >
Silent Auctions
Ban catchy titles in your silent auction displays
Years ago, when I was new to D.C. and searching for a job, my friend (a human resources professional) and I hysterically laughed as we took turns verbally reading job descriptions in The Washington Post. We'd substitute the language of the job posting with what we believed was the true intention of the post. In other words, we did this: Job description language What that really means Seeking dedicated employee = expect to stay many late nights Creative work ... Read On >
An easy silent auction item to procure: Wheel of Fortune
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 >
Auction Signage Part 3: The best signs for your silent auction sections
Signs for your silent auction sections can be used annually, if you put some thought into the design before you print them. Avoid themes. To go easy on your budget, make your silent auction signs timeless. Avoid thematic signs that look great one year, but don't fit into the following year's concept. You'll quickly realize that this year's disco glitter signs don't easily transfer to African safari themes next year. Though I enjoy themes (and think guests do as well), it's OK if your signage ... Read On >
Auction Signage Part 1: Use reversible silent auction signs to keep costs down
This week I'm sharing ideas on signage for your auction. Today's tip is to think reversible. That is, are you using the back of your signs? "Nope," say you? Consider what activities happen at the beginning of the evening versus the end of the evening. Put those on reverse sides of the signage. For instance ... Registration ... Checkout Coat check ...Gift bag pickup VIP reception ... Item pickup Here are some other blog posts to give you ideas on keeping auction signage ... Read On >