Set Up a Silent Auction
Setting up a silent auction as a fundraiser for an organization is a great way to raise money. Depending on how large or small the auction is will determine how much money you can make. Over time, the more silent auctions you set up, the better feel you will have for what works and what doesn't. By understanding what goes into making a silent auction successful, you will eventually able to meet your targeted fundraising goal.
Instructions
1. Establish a committee of volunteers to secure items for the auction. The more committee members you have, the more items you should be able to secure--and the less work each member will have to do.
2. Secure items from committee members who own a business or know someone who owns a business, or by soliciting them from local merchants. It is important to secure a broad range of items so that there is something at the auction that will get catch everyone's eye.
3. Package the items attractively to enhance their value. The more attractively your items are displayed, the more people will pay for them. For example, putting a bottle of wine in a gift basket with a gift certificate will increase the overall value of the item.
4. Set up the table the the items placed neatly and not scattered around. No two similar items should be placed near each other. Separating items will keep people moving around.
5. Develop a bid sheet that includes the retail value of the item, the minimum bid for the item as well as the minimum incremental bid.
6. Develop promo sheets--a document placed near an item at the table that describes the value and contents of the item. They are useful selling items.
7. Monitor the auction by having committee members available to answer questions before and after the auction. items for bid should be displayed on the table at least 45 minutes prior to the beginning of the silent auction. When the bidding is closed, the volunteers should be given a list of the winning bidders.
8. Collect money from the winning bidders, The volunteers who have the list of successful bidders should collect the money and provide a receipt to the winner once payment is made. The receipt will let the winner pick up his item.
