March 27, 2023

3 Tips for Increasing Silent Fundraising Auction Revenue

3 Tips for Increasing Silent Fundraising Auction Revenue

Silent fundraising auctions require a lot of time, effort, and complexity. When done properly, they’re also a lot of fun and profitable. Unfortunately, a lot of them are not properly run. The simple-to-implement top tips listed below can help you raise more money at your next electronic auction because they are now an affordable option for the majority of fundraising events and significantly more successful than paper bid sheets.

  • Boost the quantity of bids and bidders

There are two simple ways to increase the number of bidders and bids: the first is to start the auction at least one week before the event and invite guests to place bids beforehand. Additionally, guests will have more time at the event to enjoy themselves rather than spending it reading through the descriptions of the silent auction items for the first time.

The second method is to use your database and social media platforms to reach out to people who aren’t attending the event and invite them to take part in the silent auction.

  • It simple for visitors to donate

It’s crucial to pick a system that enables bidders to easily sign up and donate using whichever device is most convenient for them. Additionally, there should be a simple way for attendees of an event without a smartphone to easily place bids. This could be done using SMS or a volunteer-operated tablet. The convenience of SMS outbid notifications that include a link to the item is another perk that bidders have grown accustomed to from electronic systems. As more information and images become available, make sure the system you choose also enables you to quickly add and edit item information and images.

  • Give your guests more opportunities to donate

Silent auctions are still common because they are entertaining and consistently bring in the highest prices for unique items. What happens, though, if you have more than one of the items on hand? Once the auction is over, you might want to sell the items to the underbidders or list them as “buy it now” items with a set price.

Making it simple for guests to donate is important because some visitors prefer to do so. The recognition of donors through a leader board during the event has also been shown to increase donations, as has the use of suggested donation amounts, which frequently help reach higher totals.

Conclusion

Consider carefully how you will ask visitors to donate to your non-profit. It’s always a good idea to broaden your selection of items, but keep in mind that people shouldn’t be limited to placing bids in order to support the success of your auction.

These suggestions will ensure that you can raise more money with each auction you host by covering all the bases, from the planning stage to your underlying technology to how you provide opportunities. As non-profits of all sizes learn to maximise their resources in new virtual environments, this is more crucial than ever.

Silent fundraising auctions require a lot of time, effort, and complexity. When done properly, they’re also a lot of fun and profitable. Unfortunately, a lot of them are not properly run. The simple-to-implement top tips listed below can help you raise more money at your next electronic auction because they are now an affordable option for the majority of fundraising events and significantly more successful than paper bid sheets.

  • Boost the quantity of bids and bidders

There are two simple ways to increase the number of bidders and bids: the first is to start the auction at least one week before the event and invite guests to place bids beforehand. Additionally, guests will have more time at the event to enjoy themselves rather than spending it reading through the descriptions of the silent auction items for the first time.

The second method is to use your database and social media platforms to reach out to people who aren’t attending the event and invite them to take part in the silent auction.

  • It simple for visitors to donate

It’s crucial to pick a system that enables bidders to easily sign up and donate using whichever device is most convenient for them. Additionally, there should be a simple way for attendees of an event without a smartphone to easily place bids. This could be done using SMS or a volunteer-operated tablet. The convenience of SMS outbid notifications that include a link to the item is another perk that bidders have grown accustomed to from electronic systems. As more information and images become available, make sure the system you choose also enables you to quickly add and edit item information and images.

  • Give your guests more opportunities to donate

Silent auctions are still common because they are entertaining and consistently bring in the highest prices for unique items. What happens, though, if you have more than one of the items on hand? Once the auction is over, you might want to sell the items to the underbidders or list them as “buy it now” items with a set price.

Making it simple for guests to donate is important because some visitors prefer to do so. The recognition of donors through a leader board during the event has also been shown to increase donations, as has the use of suggested donation amounts, which frequently help reach higher totals.

Conclusion

Consider carefully how you will ask visitors to donate to your non-profit. It’s always a good idea to broaden your selection of items, but keep in mind that people shouldn’t be limited to placing bids in order to support the success of your auction.

These suggestions will ensure that you can raise more money with each auction you host by covering all the bases, from the planning stage to your underlying technology to how you provide opportunities. As non-profits of all sizes learn to maximise their resources in new virtual environments, this is more crucial than ever.