A silent auction is a very popular way of raising funds that offers the excitement of an auction without the pressure of fast-talking auctioneers. A silent auction can be used by any group in need of raising money from small businesses to church groups and charitable organizations.
Items Bring the Bidders
Work with local businesses and celebrities to try to create a range of items that people will want to bid on. It helps to have items that range from very small opening bids to very high opening bids to help open up your auction to a larger audience. Silent auctions are popular places for collectors to find autographed memorabilia from their favorite sports star or celebrity, so having as many autographed items as possible will bring in a good crowd. Other popular silent auction items are the newest electronic gadgets, services such as a car wash or beauty salon treatment and gift certificates to local retailers and restaurants. People who participate in silent auctions are just bargain hunters looking to get something they want or need at the kind of bargain that an auction can offer.
Be Prepared
Try planning your silent auction in the spring or fall to increase your chances of getting the largest turnout possible. Many people go on vacation in the winter and summer, and that means they are less inclined to spend money at a silent auction. Plan and advertise your silent auction at least two months in advance to increase anticipation--and potentially increase the bids you will receive for your more popular items. Use your popular items to advertise your silent auction, and give as many details about your popular items as you can. Give a phone number or email address people can use to ask questions, and then use the response to gauge how large of a crowd you can expect. If you are getting much more response than you had expected, you will have time to adjust your plans to accommodate the larger crowds.
Stay on Schedule
Stagger the closing times for your tables to receive bids because having all tables close at the same time can be hectic. Have a digital clock that counts hours, minutes and seconds prominently displayed so that everyone can see the official closing time for each table. Close each table exactly on time to avoid any problems. Do not close early, and stop accepting bids immediately after the closing time for the table. If the table is scheduled to close at 7 p.m., then stop accepting bids at 7 p.m. and 1 second. Make it uniform and fair for everyone to avoid conflict. Have a public address system available, and announce table closings two minutes before the actual time the table will close.
