Silent auctions are a staple in nonprofit fundraising events, providing a fun and interactive way to engage attendees while raising funds. However, silent auctions can take a great deal of bandwidth for both staff and volunteers, so it is important to follow a few key principles to ensure that you maximize your return on investment. Here are 10 Do’s and Don’ts of silent auctions to help guide your next event.
DO Curate Items with Appeal
The items you offer in a silent auction should resonate with your audience. Know who will be attending and what appeals to them. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, sports memorabilia, or exclusive experiences, make sure the items align with the interests of your donors to drive higher bids and increase overall funds.
DON’T Overload Your Auction with Too Many ItemsÂ
It’s easy to think that more items will equal more money, but that’s rarely the case. Having too many auction items can overwhelm your guests and spread bids too thin. Focus on fewer, high-quality items that generate excitement rather than diluting the pool with too many choices. Keep your silent auction to 30-40 high quality items.
DO Set Minimum Bids and Bid Increments StrategicallyÂ
Properly set your opening bids and bid increments to create the right momentum for your silent auction. You want to entice guests to start bidding without pricing them out. Setting too low of a starting bid can undervalue items, while too high can discourage bidders. Find a middle ground that encourages participation.
DON’T Offer Overly Complicated or Restrictive Items
If auction items come with too many restrictions—such as narrow travel dates, blackout periods, or confusing conditions—guests may avoid bidding. Make sure the auction items are flexible and easy to redeem, giving the winner a seamless and enjoyable experience.
DO Create an Engaging DisplayÂ
Guests will bid more if they can easily see and interact with the items. A well-presented, visually appealing display is crucial. Place high-interest items in prominent locations and provide clear descriptions. Engaging displays encourage bidding and keep guests coming back to check the status of their bids.
DON’T Place the Auction in an Inconvenient LocationÂ
Don’t tuck your silent auction away in a far-off corner where guests barely notice it. Strategically plan the silent auction location so every guest walks by it. You don’t want guests heading straight into the ballroom and missing out. The location should be easily accessible and highly visible.Â
DO Promote Your Auction Ahead of TimeÂ
A key to success is promoting the silent auction before the event. Highlight exciting or high-value items in your pre-event marketing through emails and social media. Getting people interested ahead of time builds anticipation, and guests will arrive ready to participate.
DON’T Rely on Last-Minute DonationsÂ
Waiting until the last minute to secure auction items is a recipe for disaster. Last-minute donations often result in filler items that don’t excite bidders. Plan ahead and curate your auction carefully to ensure you’re offering items that people actually want to bid on.
DO Educate Your Guests on How to BidÂ
Guests need clear instructions on how to participate in the auction. Whether it’s a traditional paper bid system or a mobile bidding platform, make sure your guests know the process. Confusion over bidding can lead to frustration and lost revenue.
DON’T Set Unrealistic Auction Goals
Don’t assume the silent auction will cover all of your event’s fundraising needs. It’s important to set realistic revenue expectations based on the size of your guest list, the auction items, and past performance. Over-relying on the auction to generate most of the event’s funds can lead to disappointment. A silent auction should not be your largest revenue producer but can be a great revenue enhancer.
At GFS Events, we’ve helped countless organizations raise more money and create unforgettable silent auctions. If you need help perfecting your next fundraising event, click on the link below to set up a consultation call.
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