This is a 3-part blog post, explaining why benefit auctions should identify guests with bid numbers instead of names. The first post looked at the benefits of using numbers in a Fund a Need. Today, we examine using numbers in the live auction. The third post turns to using numbers in the silent auction. +++++++++++++++++ Why you should use numbers instead of names during your live auction. I worked an auction in New York a few years ago. The live auction process started to break ... Read On >
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Do you have to collect sales tax on auction items?
Do you have to collect sales tax at your benefit auction? Should guests be paying sales tax on auction items? The answer depends upon your state and municipal rules. If your fundraiser is in Maryland, you must charge sales tax. If you're living in an area that requires tax collection, I suggest putting a written notice in your catalog or program. Most often this type of information is listed as one of the points in the "Rules of the Auction" section. Some groups will also have the notice ... Read On >
Getting charity auction guests to register their credit cards
Anyone who has followed my trainings on how to properly conduct a benefit auction registration and checkout process knows my analogy of the hotel versus the grocery store. At your benefit auction, it's best to function like a hotel, swiping each guest's credit card before letting them enter your property (i.e. the silent auction). Operating like a hotel means that your charity auction team must use credit card terminals designed for an auction environment. Once those terminals are rented and ... Read On >
A critical volunteer in your auction checkout process
The auction checkout process is a thorn in the side of many Auction Chairs. I've got a 90-minute Simple Auction Checkout training webinar that explains the step-by-step process, including the roles and responsibilities of the people on that team. Today's post introduces you to one team member, whom I'll argue is the most important. ============ Benefit auctions are run by volunteers. So when the big day arrives and you’re unlocking the doors to greet swarming guests, which volunteer is ... Read On >
VIDEO: My gripe with some mobile silent auction solutions and online auction platforms
As I've talked with more vendors about their mobile silent auction solutions and online auction products, I've become disheartened to learn that most of them do NOT offer a key feature that is generally an accepted standard in the commercial auction world. It's not a "new" feature, but perhaps vendors servicing the charity auction market failed to understand how it can generate more dollars for charities. For whatever reason, it's been missing from most vendors' products. I hope that with ... Read On >