Since you took the chance to check out our blog, we are going to open our “Book of Secrets” for you and your team. Be sure you share this with everyone and keep it on file so you can use it now or in the future.
So here we go:
#1 – Before your event, create a catalog of Auction Items you want to get “Sponsored” or “Underwritten”. Why does this work and how does it help? One of or if not the biggest draw for sponsors is that receive some level of advertisement that they support your mission. However, not everyone can be a major financial sponsor at the higher levels such as $2,500.00, $5,000.00 or higher. By allowing small businesses or individuals to “Underwrite” or “Sponsor” an auction item or something you are having at your event (such as a band or DJ), 100% of your costs are covered. If it’s can auction item or items that get sponsored, the Sponsor is paying for the item FOR YOU!!! Then at your event, it sells for $500.00 above the cost, your charity just profited 100% of the selling cost, because the buyer paid you AGAIN for the same item. But if the item does not get bid on, you return the item to the consignment company and you maintain the Sponsorship fee. WIN-WIN!!!
#2 – On your Live Auction, consigned Charity Travel Packages are fantastic because you or your auctioneer can sell them multiple times! Make sure you determine a price that you will offer the package multiple times for. Our advice, as long as it crosses $1,000.00 profit or more, sell multiples. Routinely we will sell 15 to 20 of the same Vacation or Experience e for more than $1,000.00. NOTE: Make sure your Auctioneer understands this and where to start the bidding, which should be at least 20% above the Cost to Non-Profit and no lower.
#3 – For your Silent Auction, whoever is in charge of it, they should fully understand what items can be sold multiple times if there is a “Bidding War.” They can offer the same item, at the highest ending bid price, to both or all parties who are bidding on the item or items.
#4 – When interviewing an Auctioneer, make sure they are very experienced working with charities. Without a doubt, you or your Auctioneer should perform a “Paddle Raise” or “Fund A Need.” This occurs when you directly your guests and supporters for a direct donation to the cause, you would not believe how many charities don’t ask and leave money on the table. People want to be asked to donate plus they want to do it openly to show everyone else how much they support you and your charity. ASK!!! In only a few moments, you will be SHOCKED how much more you can raise.
Use these tips to greatly influence your next fundraising event, it will help you shatter fundraising records. If we can help you, please reach out to us and let us now how we can help you. Email us at info@bwunlimited.com or call 443.206.6121.
