5/30/2013

How Successful Auction Fundraiser Must Be Run

By Esther Salazar


Organizing an auction fundraiser is most certainly not the easiest way to raise money. It requires tremendous effort in coming up with a good plan that can surely pull in hundreds of bidders. The "what to do'' list of initiators can be overwhelmingly daunting unlike what most people may think. Getting into this challenge is not a joke, but for someone tasked for the project, this practical advice may help fire up a pretty penny.

Be clear with the organization's intention. It is highly imperative for the auctioneers to put a face on such event. Meaning, one has to identify the goals of the event very clearly through having impactful presentation elucidating where the bidders' money goes. Bidders are not going to be interested in anything unless they know exactly what the gala is for. Having this advertised to the entire community helps a lot.

Be professional in the use of words. One should know how powerful a certain word can be. Labeling of the event must only be based on how this should be done in such a way. A gala or ball might only denote a lavish social event for social butterflies. It is best to use the words "auction'' and "fundraiser'' in order not to confuse guests or attendees.

Establish strict protocol for everyone in the crowd. Obviously, credit cards are not so far from instant cash or checkbooks. However, it is vital for auctioneers to be very clear to their guests that standard fundraisers are done in debit never in credit.

Decide on the auction type. Bidding is done in two ways; silent and live. A silent auction involves the use of certain bidding numbers that can make bidders anonymous to others. Live bidding, on the contrary, involves a large crowd where bidders know who they have been bidding against. The one that bids the highest is the one who wins.

Look for auction items that have unique value. Bidders never bid for the event's sake or the organization's cause alone. They bid because of two critical intentions: to help fund the project and get something great in return. Therefore, auctioneers need to scout out something with true tangible value that bidders are enthusiastic about.

Commence the bidding at the right time. Everything is about perfect timing. Auctions often start with a banquet and end up with social conversation amongst participants. While auctioneers cannot just get down to business right there and then, it is important to observe the mood of everybody and do this before people get bored and leave.

Remember, money over ambiance. The primary intention of this event is for a sufficient amount of cash to be generated for an essential cause. The room's mood can captivate bidders but it is not the only thing necessary. A good sound system could help, though.

A procurement form is important. Procurement of items should be done professionally. A copy of record about the item to be auctioned must be prepared long before the schedule of the auction fundraiser. This is for auctioneers and bidders to have safe transactions free from acquisition conflicts.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment