The silent auction is the most popular choice for golf events and the easiest to run. Display all your auctions and raffles items on 8’ tables with a bid sheet in front of each item. On the bid sheet you will list the name of the item and the starting minimum bid.
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- Event Specific Items auction items: Be Relevant. Know your audience. ...
- Experiences and Vacation Packages: Bring adventure. ...
- Sports Autographed Memorabilia: Make it Recognizable. ...
- Autographed Golf Memorabilia: Be Exclusive.
How do I run a silent auction?
To run a successful silent auction, you need to identify and collect items that will excite your audience. When considering different categories of items, keep in mind that the more enticing the item, the more buzz and excitement it will generate. In general, we’ve found that experiential items outperform material items again and again.
What is the best way to run a golf auction?
The silent auction is the most popular choice for golf events and the easiest to run. Display all your auctions and raffles items on 8’ tables with a bid sheet in front of each item. On the bid sheet you will list the name of the item and the starting minimum bid.
What are the best silent auction gift ideas?
It combines several categories of silent auction gift ideas by offering adventure, sports, and travel. Some of the best silent auction items are in the sports category. Signed memorabilia, exclusive tickets, and unique activities make for great silent auction items.
What is a silent auction for golf events?
An auction is a great way to create additional revenue for your event. They are fun and give the golfers something to do in-between golf and the dinner/awards ceremony. You can invite people who did not golf to come join you for the silent auction to create more excitement.
How do you advertise silent auction items?
The best way to promote items is by creating an auction catalog, which alongside including basic event details, lists out photos and descriptions of each item. To create a catalog, your organization should enlist the help of auction or event planning software.
What items sell best at silent auctions?
Best Silent Auction Item IdeasCommunity Spotlight.High-End Items.Dinner and Drinks.Sports.Family.Music and Entertainment.Seasonal and Holiday Experiences.Popular Silent Auction Gift Baskets.More items...•
How do I write up an auction item?
Use the same bold font for the auction item title. Include a few bullet points with crucial information (some people will only read the bid sheets). Display the auction item number prominently. Add 12-15 lines for bids—not too many, not too few.
How do you do a silent auction at a golf tournament?
The silent auction is the most popular choice for golf events and the easiest to run. Display all your auctions and raffles items on 8' tables with a bid sheet in front of each item. On the bid sheet you will list the name of the item and the starting minimum bid.
How many items should be in a silent auction?
How many items should I assign to each silent auction section? Aim for 35 items per silent section, and try not to exceed 50. With more than 50 items, it becomes cumbersome for your guests to peruse the full contents of a section and remember what interests them.
Should you put a value on silent auction items?
For minimum bids, we suggest starting at 20 to 30 percent of the retail value of the item - never more than 50 percent. Adjust higher or lower depending on the likely popularity and exclusivity of the item. It's also essential to put bid increments on the bid sheets.
How do you display items in a silent auction?
Once you've imagined the best possible displays, you'll need to write creative descriptions for your silent auction items.Start with catchy titles. Always lead with an eye-catching headline! ... Set the scene. Help your silent auction bidders imagine winning each item. ... Include the details.
How do you write a silent auction description?
Thinking and writing creatively can inspire bids:Be sure to include the retail value of the silent auction item.Provide the starting bid and the bidding increments.Craft a descriptive explanation of the item. ... Include details regarding a certificate of authenticity as well as the company name issuing the certificate.More items...•
How do you make a silent auction sheet?
AUCTION ATTENDEES: How Bidders Use Bid SheetsGet your bidder number.Browse items and identify “must haves”Write name on silent auction bid sheet.Use bid increments to calculate your bidding price.Write the bidding price in the bidding price box.Continue to check back throughout the event to avoid being outbid.More items...
How long should a silent auction last?
For most auctions that's 90 minutes. But, many are going to wait until the last 5 minutes to really get down to the serious bidding. With that knowledge, plan on closing each silent bidding section in increments of 5 minutes.
What are the rules for a silent auction?
Auction Items RulesRight to change items: Items may be added or withdrawn, without notice.All sales final: All sales are final, there are no exchanges, and all items are sold “as is.”No refunds: No refunds after purchase. ... Limits may apply: Gift cards or certificates are subject to availability and “black-out” dates.
What are good raffle prizes for a golf tournament?
Golf Tournament Prizes and Award IdeasCustom Apparel. ... Branded Golf Balls. ... Golf Duffel Bags. ... Golf GPS Watches. ... Golf Gloves. ... Hole in One Tournament Prizes. ... Dinner for Two. ... DoJiggy Provides Easy Online Registration for Fundraising Golf Tournaments.
What items sell well at auctions?
Some of the most popular auctions are those that involve household items, or livestock or antiques. But auctions involve so many more possessions: automobiles, office equipment, art, machinery, industrial equipment, electronics. One very rapidly growing area is real estate.
What are popular auction items?
Top 10 Charity Auction Item IdeasItemEaseWho It's Great For2. Signed Memorabilia✓Movies, Sports, or Music Fans3. City Bar Crawl✓✓✓✓Young Adults4. Best Pizza in Town✓✓✓Families5. Gift Baskets✓✓✓✓✓All Audiences6 more rows
What is a good starting bid for a silent auction?
The general rule of thumb is to not go above or below 30-50%. It is a balance of not starting the bidding too low and reducing the return on your auction, while also wanting bidders to be invested in the bidding process. With a less popular or less unique item, the lower range of 30% is recommended.
What makes good auction items?
Top Auction Item CategoriesTravel. Travel-related silent auction items are always a huge hit. ... Outings and Experiences. ... Sports Tickets, Memorabilia, and Activities. ... Music. ... Food.
Fund a Need
For those who simply don’t want more stuff! Make it easy for people to donate, with a variety of price points to fund a specific initiative or need.
More Ideas
Need more ideas? C heck out 23 Awesome Silent Auction Baskets. And to help figure out how much to include in your auction, read The Right Number of Silent Auction Items for a Fundraising Gala.
How to search for silent auction items?
As you begin your search for silent auction items, start with the people you know best—your friends and family. When you tap into your network (and ask your friends to do the same), you are involving people who are already close to you and are more likely to provide items (for little in return).
How to run a successful silent auction?
To run a successful silent auction, you need to identify and collect items that will excite your audience. When considering different categories of items, keep in mind that the more enticing the item, the more buzz and excitement it will generate.
What is a silent auction?
Travel-related silent auction items are always a huge hit. Whether you are able to collect an all-inclusive trip to the Caribbean, or even just a weekend getaway in New England, fundraiser guests love the chance to win a vacation. Travel items are experiential in nature, and provide your guests with an opportunity to create new memories. Some great places to start include:
Why are silent auctions important?
Despite being on the quieter side of the nonprofit event spectrum, silent auctions can be an effective way for your organization to engage its participants and involve local businesses in your cause. They’re also a great way to increase your event’s bottom line.
What to say to people who donated to your event?
Finally, always send handwritten thank-you letters to the people and businesses that donated items to your event. This will go a long way to ensure your donors feel appreciated and want to help you with your next event.
What are some good things to do for an auction?
2. Outings and Experiences. Just as travel generates excitement, excursions and activities are also very popular auction items as they typically give the bidder a chance to try something new. Outings and experiences can include a wide range of items, but some of our favorite include: Spa days. Local brewery tours.
Do sports related items perform well at silent auctions?
And don’t forget any athletic or sports-related activities —we’ve found these to generate high-bid frequencies too.
What is silent auction?
Silent auctions are a great way to monetize 'cocktail hour' at a gala, engage parents at a school fundraiser, maximize revenue at a golf tournament and more. As guests arrive and begin bidding, a fun and competitive environment develops as the time to close the silent auction draws near.
What is a gift basket at silent auctions?
Gift baskets are a staple at silent auctions. The contents are relatively easy to get donated and represent a wide variety of interests.
What to include in a family auction?
If your donor base includes families, it's ideal to include some family-friendly auction items. From young parents to grandparents, everyone is looking for more ways to unwind from work, play, make new memories and enjoy quality time with family. Just be sure every item is still exclusive and worth the high bids you seek.
Why do people do seasonal auctions?
Seasonal auction items also add some urgency and relevance to your event.
Can you put home goods in an auction?
Still, the right luxury item makes a great gift, so don't be shy about putting up valuable home appliances, accessories and furnishings in the auction.
Do experiential auctions have to be far flung?
Experiential auction items need not be in far-flung locations to have wide appeal. Local, exclusive items are difficult to put a price tag on, so bidders will often pay top dollar to win them. Putting together a few unique experiences can rake in hundreds of dollars per item. Dinner cooked and served by the mayor.
What happens when a silent auction closes?
Once the silent auction has closed, the winning bids are announced and payments are made. Pro-tip #1: Using silent auction software can make it easier to run a silent auction. If bidders are outbid on an item, they can quickly place another bid and stay in the running.
What is silent auction?
A silent auction is an event that is typically held by fundraisers and charitable organizations. It normally takes place without an auctioneer. In a silent auction, items are displayed to the attendees and each item has a bid sheet.
Why is it important to have a diverse silent auction?
Securing a variety of items makes it more likely that your silent auction will be a success. A diverse range of items will appeal to more attendees and can lead to more bids being placed.
How do you place a bid in a silent auction?
Participants place bids by writing their name, contact information, and bidder number on the bid sheet. If you’re using mobile bidding, they can place bids on their smartphones instead.
What is silent auction software?
Silent auction software can run reports and give insights that you can use to run your next silent auction. It can confirm which items received a lot of bids and which didn’t do as well, for example. This can guide your future efforts so you know which items to seek out next time.
How long should a silent auction last?
The best time to close your silent auction is before the live event begins. Ideally, a silent auction should last anywhere between 60 to 90 minutes. 10. Legal clauses to include. Your silent auction must include some legal clauses and by bidding in your auction, each bidder must agree to these rules.
What is the 9th step in a silent auction?
Step 9: Closing Your Silent Auction. Closing the bidding can be an important step in raising funds. You can have a “spontaneous” end to your silent auction. Attendees won’t know when the auction will come to a close, which can encourage them to keep bidding.
Gift Baskets
Gift baskets are a broad category of silent auction ideas, but the best gift baskets tend to:
Experiences and Travel Packages
When considering experiences and travel packages, the best silent auction items brainstorm around their supporters’ interests.
Sports
Some of the best silent auction items are in the sports category. Signed memorabilia, exclusive tickets, and unique activities make for great silent auction items.
Culinary Experiences and Activities
Culinary experiences and activities are another category of in-person and virtual silent auction items that are sure to sell. Here are a couple of ideas:
Family Activities
Another category of silent auction gift basket ideas is family activities. This is where knowing your audience will come in handy. Retirees, for example, will be more excited by excursions and wine tastings than family activities, but young couples, on the other hand, might be eager to bid on them. Here are some ideas sure to impress:
Community Spotlight
If your organization is ingrained in the local community, offering relevant community gifts is sure to be in the interests of your donors. Here are some ideas to get you thinking:
Technology
With people are always looking for the next big thing in technology, this category of gift ideas are always a hit.
How much of your auction revenue should come from live auctions?
To determine how many items to allocate to your silent auction, it’s time to do some math: Roughly 65% of your auction revenue should come from the live auction, while the remaining 35% comes from your silent auction.
How many items will each buying unit walk away with?
On average, you can expect that each buying unit will walk away with 1 to 1.5 items. Thus, multiplying the number of buying units by 1.5 should give you the upper bound for items to include.
Do You Have a Live Auction Also?
Lastly, if you are hosting a live auction in addition to your silent auction, you don’t want to sap all of the money out of the room with your silent auction.
What is a silent auction?
These silent charity auctions offer guests a fun social activity that also facilitates spending money, which can turn out to be very profitable for your cause. Attendees of most charity auctions possess a shopping mentality as they circulate through the silent auction tables, browsing items and vying for the top bid spot on the things they want.
What should auction item displays be?
Auction item displays should be clear, uncluttered and easy to read quickly. Following are a few things to keep in mind before you start creating displays for your next silent auction:
What are bid sheets?
The bid sheets are an integral part of your silent auction’s success and should be formatted similar to the auction item descriptions. The following guidelines will help you to develop strong bid sheets: Use the same Big Bold Title as you use in the auction item display.
What to include in bid sheet?
Include a short description or a few bullet points with the most crucial info from the display (like any Restrictions) because people may only look at the bid sheet.
What is a one night only storefront?
As you work on your next silent auction, remember to think of it as your "one night only" storefront. You are setting up a temporary retail store, and just like any retail store that sells merchandise, you must create enticing displays that encourage people to stop, look and buy.
Do bidders have to dig through text?
Easy to digest: Bidders don't have to dig through a bunch of text to find the most important info.
Can you use a picture in a silent auction?
Where appropriate, use a picture or two as part of your displays for silent auction items. This is especially true for intangible items like dining, services, experiences, tickets, or any item that cannot be physically displayed at your event.
What is a silent auction?
If your organization involves student artists or local artists who are willing to donate, a silent auction is a great opportunity to include their one-of-a-kind pieces. Most artists are willing to donate, but be mindful of who you approach and whether they depend on the income from their art.
How many silent auctions does GiveSmart have?
GiveSmart has run tens of thousands of silent auctions at events. We’ve seen what works in silent auctions and what doesn’t. Of course, it always depends on your audience, but we’ve put together a list of 30 silent auction items, including 15 socially distanced options. All silent auction items, even when they’re not typically something you can buy, come with an attached dollar value. These items will bring your organization profit at zero cost.
How to attract poker players?
Attract poker players by auctioning off a buy-in in your silent auction. Buy-ins refer to how much money a person buys in a single poker game, and there are usually rules on the minimum and maximum amount you’re allowed to place.
Can you offer virtual cooking demos in silent auction?
Although many kitchens aren’t open to visitors at the moment, bidders can still enjoy cooking demos virtually.
Do parents love silent auctions?
Including child care services in your silent auction may capture the interest of parents who dream of a date night or relaxing day doing nothing on the couch.
Can you give away tickets that don't have face value?
Tickets to the big game are one thing, but tickets to events that aren’t for sale are another. If you can find the right connection, it’s no obstacle to give away tickets that don ’t have face value. These experiences are hard to come by and highly sought after in a silent auction. Types of tickets to include are seats to:
Can you collect silent auction items?
If you’re like other nonprofits, you may have cost concerns when it comes to getting auction items, too. But gathering desirable and exciting silent auction items doesn’t have to cost you much money at all!