Other events may feature a couple dozen silent auction items and a handful of live auction items, with no connection between the silent and live bidding and no pre-event online bidding at all. In reality, many events tend to be a blend of a silent and live auction with the option to buy a few raffle tickets for one or two key items. A good marketing strategy is to invite attendees to purchase raffle tickets prior to the event and then again at the door. The events then start with a silent auction allowing guests to enjoy a cocktail and bid on smaller items thus warming them up for the live auction.
If you want to host an online silent auction, you need to have the right tools to make it a success. If you follow these tips, procure items that excite your donors, and give yourself time to plan properly, your silent auction is sure to be a smashing success and a highlight for your guests. Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to take your silent auction online. Take advantage of auction software solutions like Givergy, Givebutter, or Maestrosoft to streamline bidding, record results, or even host the entire event virtually.
Your job is to make sure that people have enough time to comfortably move from one part of the event to the next. Set silent auction or charity auction closing times well after other events have ended while the night is beginning to wind down. The first thing that you need to remember when organizing a silent auction is to set realistic closing times and stick with them.
Below is a list of commonly asked questions that we are going to answer, one-by-one. You need guests for your silent auction, which means the pre-launch marketing phase should be well-planned. Email or send physical invitations to them with information about the silent auction.
Your minimum bid is going to set the tone for all future bids on your item. how to do silent auction is to find a happy medium that includes the value of the item but leaves enough room for fair bid competition. Before online platforms gave organizations the ability to centralize and easily control their auctions through mobile or web-based means – live auctions were far more profitable. Decide beforehand how to handle situations where the person with the winning bid does not show up to pay and receive their item at the auction itself. You can choose to contact the winning bidder through their registration contact info, or offer the item to the next highest bidder. Just make sure the auction attendees know how you will be handling these situations, and whether they need to stay on hand for auction results or if they can be contacted later.