At a silent auction, bids are made in writing.
Silent auctions can generate a great deal of revenue for a nonprofit organization. The difference between a live and a silent auction is that bids are submitted in writing at a silent auction. Involving the community and inspiring participation is the key to silent auction success. Increasing profits is a simple matter of marketing the items properly and creating a fun event that the community will strive to attend.
Instructions
Silent Auction How To's
1. Set the date, time and place of your auction, and keep in mind that the venue is important. The venue should not be solely based on cost, but should be someplace memorable that people will want to come. You may also increase attendance by coordinating your auction with another community event. Greater attendance will mean greater profits.
2. Establish committees of volunteers. You will need volunteers for procuring donations, packaging, decorating and cashiering. The procurement committee will brainstorm unusual auction items and obtain them from donors. The packaging committee will create gift baskets from smaller donations and market items by displaying samples for the bidders. The decorating committee will create a party atmosphere. Effective decor will encourage generous giving. The cashier group will establish an organized check-out system.
3. A winning bidder could buy a stint as a guest radio host.
Think boldly when it comes to auction items. Seek donations from local merchants and restaurants. Gift certificates are popular, but more unusual offerings will make the auction much more interesting. The use of a boat for a day can become a family outing. A neighborhood of good cooks can host a fabulous progressive dinner. A winning bidder could buy the chance to be a guest radio host for a day. Not only are these gifts fun and unique, but often it only costs the donor some time.
4. Promote and heavily advertise your event. Involve the community as much as possible to generate excitement. Ask a local radio station to interview a committee member to discuss the event. Mention some of the bigger ticket items and the fun planned. Photograph the items, put together a flyer and circulate it throughout the community. Advertise on free Internet Web sites and post a free listing on Auction Zip, a Web site that promotes auctions. Ask area publications to feature a human interest column. Create a Facebook page to promote the event. Post information on local community Web sites and flyers anywhere you can find a bulletin board.
5. An organized cashier station will check out bidders in a timely manner.
Have a cashier station set up and ready to facilitate purchases. A speedy checkout will encourage bidders to return to the event the following year. Enter the high bid, item description and bidder number on a cashier's sheet. Keep a running tally by filing all purchases made under each buyer's number. Have change available and display a sign listing forms of payment accepted.
