The Most Common Charity Auction Mistakes That Hurt Fundraising Results

There is a well-known saying that perfectly describes what happens in many charity fundraising auctions:

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”

Yet year after year, nonprofits repeat the same charity auction items, the same silent auction inventory, and the same fundraising auction strategy. When results stay flat or decline, many organizations are surprised. When fundraising goals are missed, they often look for someone to blame.

Too often, that blame lands on the auctioneer.

In reality, most underperforming charity auctions fail because of auction item strategy, inventory selection, donor psychology, and outdated fundraising myths.

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Repeating the Same Charity Auction Items Produces the Same Results

One of the most common nonprofit fundraising mistakes is recycling the same auction items year after year.

I recently attended a meeting with a nonprofit reviewing their fundraising auction. Once again, they offered the same vacation home they have used for years. They also repeated experience items such as “Dinner with the Boss.”

Same auction items.
Same audience.
Same expectations.

Donors remember what they have seen before. They already know whether they want the item, what it is worth to them, or whether they passed on it previously. Once an auction item becomes predictable, competitive bidding disappears.

No benefit auctioneer can force excitement for stale inventory. Auctioneers amplify demand, but they do not create it.

If your charity auction catalog looks the same every year, your fundraising results will too.

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When Fundraising Results Decline, Charities Shoot the Messenger

Instead of analyzing auction strategy, many organizations replace the auctioneer when fundraising auctions underperform.

Changing the auctioneer feels decisive, but it avoids the harder work of examining the real problem.

If the charity auction items are recycled, predictable, or uninspiring, changing who holds the microphone will not fix the issue. The problem is not execution. The problem is inventory and strategy.

Before replacing an auctioneer, nonprofits should evaluate:

• Whether their silent auction items still excite donors

• Whether live auction experiences feel fresh

• Whether inventory reflects what donors actually want

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The Gift Basket Myth in Silent Auctions

Gift baskets remain one of the most common silent auction items, yet they are also one of the lowest-performing charity auction items.

I often ask nonprofit boards a simple question:

How many gift baskets did you give to your family or friends for Christmas?

The answer is almost always none.

That response says everything. People do not actively want gift baskets. They feel generic, inconvenient, and forgettable. They are included because they are easy to assemble, not because they raise meaningful money.

If you are searching for silent auction items that sell well or high-profit auction items for fundraising, gift baskets are rarely the answer.

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Too Many Silent Auction Items Reduce Fundraising Revenue

Another major nonprofit fundraising mistake is offering too many silent auction items for the size of the event.

When there are too many items relative to the number of guests:

• Bids spread thin

• Competition disappears

• Items sell at minimums or not at all

A successful silent auction is curated, not crowded. Scarcity creates urgency. Fewer, higher-quality auction items almost always outperform a room full of filler.

If your goal is to increase silent auction revenue, inventory discipline matters.

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Showing Retail Value Anchors Bids Downward

Many charities believe listing retail value helps justify pricing. In reality, it often suppresses bidding.

When donors see retail value, they shift into bargain-hunting mode. They look for deals instead of competing. That mindset caps bids before the auction even starts.

Charity auctions are not retail environments. Guests already expect to pay less than retail. Displaying those numbers trains donors to shop rather than give.

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The 50/50 Raffle Problem in Fundraising Events

The 50/50 raffle remains one of the most puzzling fundraising traditions.

Organizations sell raffle tickets and then intentionally give away half of the money raised. There are many raffle formats that:

• Keep 100 percent of the proceeds

• Create excitement

• Increase participation

Raffles should generate unrestricted fundraising revenue, not dilute it.

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The Myth That Fully Donated Auction Items Are the Most Important Factor

Many nonprofits believe that fully donated auction items are the key to fundraising success, even while reusing the same donated items year after year.

Donors do not bid high because something was donated.

They bid high because they want it.

People may care about the mission with their hearts, but they spend with their wallets. Exciting auction items, premium experiences, and high perceived value drive competitive bidding.

This is why properly structured consignment auction items often outperform recycled donated items.

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Why Charities Resist Consignment Auction Items but Pay for Everything Else

Charities routinely pay for:

• Venues

• Catering

• Alcohol

• Entertainment

• Décor

• Production

None of these expenses directly raise money.

Yet when it comes to auction items, which are the primary revenue engine of the event, many boards resist anything that is not donated. This inconsistency costs charities significant fundraising revenue.

If an organization is willing to invest in the event, it should be willing to invest in the part of the event that raises the money.

No-risk consignment auction items exist specifically to solve this problem by delivering fresh, exciting inventory without financial exposure.

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Fix the Fundraising Strategy, Not the Auctioneer

When charity auctions underperform, the issue is rarely the auctioneer. It is almost always the strategy.

Common causes include:

• Recycled auction items

• Too many silent auction items

• Weak or predictable experiences

• Retail value anchoring

• Inefficient raffle structures

• Misunderstanding donor psychology

A professional benefit auctioneer can drive urgency, energy, and competition, but only if the inventory supports it.

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What Actually Works in High-Performing Charity Auctions

Successful nonprofit fundraising auctions use a modern, intentional approach that includes:

• Fresh charity auction items

• Curated silent auction inventory

• Premium travel and experience packages

• A balanced mix of donated and consignment auction items

• Strategic fundraising auction planning

• An experienced charity auctioneer

When auction items create desire, donors compete. When donors compete, fundraising goals are exceeded.

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Final Thought on Charity Auction Success

If a nonprofit repeats the same auction items and the same fundraising approach year after year, it should not expect different results.

Replacing the auctioneer without fixing the strategy is simply shooting the messenger.

Effective fundraising requires evolution, intentional planning, and a willingness to challenge outdated beliefs.

Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is not a strategy.

It is insanity.

Fundraising Secret No One Is Telling You: The Secret on How to Get High-Quality “Donated” Items for Your Silent Auctions and Raffles/Games

If you’ve ever planned a silent auction, charity gala, benefit event, or nonprofit fundraiser, you already know the reality:

Getting high-quality donated items for silent auctions has become one of the hardest, most frustrating parts of fundraising.

Charities and volunteers spend hundreds of hours driving from business to business, emailing, calling, and filling out online donation forms—only to hear no, get ignored, or receive low-value items that barely attract bids.

Meanwhile, your guests expect exciting auction items, your sponsors want a professional event, and your fundraising goals keep rising.

So how are some charities still running high-performing silent auctions filled with premium items, great raffle prizes, and strong bidding competition—without risking their budget?

Here is the fundraising secret no one explains clearly.

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Why Chasing Donated Silent Auction Items Is Failing Charities

Across the country, nonprofits are competing with hundreds of other charities asking the same businesses for free donations.

Businesses today:

• Are overwhelmed by donation requests

• Are struggling with rising costs

• Can only donate so much inventory

• Often redirect charities to online applications that lead nowhere

When businesses do donate, it’s usually:

• Overstocked merchandise

• Items that are not selling

• Low-demand gift cards

• Products with little perceived value

These “donated” items rarely perform well in silent auctions.

The result:

• Weak bidding

• Disappointed guests

• Lower fundraising totals

• Burned-out volunteers

• Massive time and energy wasted

The problem is not your event.
The problem is the donation model itself.

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The Real Solution: Sponsored Consignment Auction Items

Top-performing charities no longer rely on chasing free items.
They use a sponsored consignment auction strategy.

This approach combines:

• Professional consignment auction items

• Sponsor underwriting

• No-risk auction inventory

• Strategic purchasing of premium items

Here’s exactly how it works.

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Step-by-Step: How to Get High-Quality “Donated” Auction Items

Step 1: Select Consignment Auction Items from BW Unlimited

Start by requesting a curated auction item catalog from BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising.

These are high-value consignment auction items designed specifically for nonprofit fundraising events, including:

• Consignment auction items for nonprofits

• No-risk silent auction items

• Charity travel packages

• Authenticated sports memorabilia

• Jewelry and luxury accessories

• Experiences and premium packages

These are the same types of items that consistently outperform generic donated items at silent auctions, live auctions, and online charity auctions.

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Step 2: Ask Sponsors to “Sponsor an Auction Item”

Instead of asking businesses for free products, you present your auction catalog to sponsors, donors, and supporters and ask them to sponsor a specific auction item.

They:

• Choose an item from the catalog

• Write a check to your nonprofit covering the Cost to Non-Profit

• Receive recognition for sponsoring that item

This is the critical shift.

Sponsors prefer this because:

• It’s simple

• It’s tangible (“I sponsored the Bahamas trip”)

• It’s easier than sourcing a physical item

• It gives them visibility at your event

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Step 3: Your Consignment Auction Items Are Now Fully Paid For

Once sponsors underwrite your consignment items:

• Your silent auction inventory is funded before the event

• You have premium items locked in early

• There is no financial risk to your charity

• If an item does not sell, it can typically be returned

This is why charities actively search for:

• no risk auction items

• consignment auction items for charities

• silent auction items with no upfront cost

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Here is a fantastic “HOW TO VIDEO” full explaining Auction Items Sponsorship and Why it’s so important:

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Step 4: Use Sponsor Money to Buy High-Quality Items from Stores

Here is the part most charities miss—and the real “secret.”

Once sponsors cover the Cost to Non-Profit for your BW Unlimited consignment auction items, your nonprofit now has cash in hand.

Instead of wasting time begging for donations, you use that money to purchase high-quality items directly from stores.

Examples of items charities successfully purchase:

• Electronics (AirPods, smart speakers, tablets)

• Premium coolers, grills, outdoor gear

• Designer accessories and handbags

• Tool sets and home improvement packages

• Experience bundles you build yourself

• Gift certificates purchased strategically and bundled

When you explain to store managers that the purchase supports a nonprofit fundraiser, many businesses will:

• Offer discounts

• Add value

• Provide better items than they would donate for free

These purchased items become your “donated” items, because they were funded through sponsorship—not volunteer donation chasing.

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Step 5: Turn Purchased Items into 2×–5× Returns Through Raffles & Games

Purchased items dramatically outperform donated items when used correctly.

A $100 purchased item can easily generate:

• $300–$500 in raffle ticket sales

• $700+ through fundraising games

• Even more when packaged or promoted well

This is how professional fundraisers think:

• Spend strategically

• Multiply returns

• Eliminate wasted effort

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Real Example: $1,100 Turned into $5,500

This is Sean Reeb, a one man fundraising Success Machine. If you ask Sean “Why were you successful?” his response would be “I simply listened to George Wooden of BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, followed what he told me to do exactly - that’s it.”

One of our clients, Sean Reeb of the Youth Sports Foundation of Buffalo, used this exact strategy.

He:

1. Selected BW Unlimited consignment auction items

2. Had supporters sponsor the Cost to Non-Profit

3. Used sponsor funds to purchase premium raffle and game items from stores

4. Ran his raffles and games strategically at the event

Results:

• Total spend: $1,100

• Total raised from purchased items: $5,500

• ROI: 5× return

And just as important:

• Less stress

• Less volunteer burnout

• Higher guest excitement

• Stronger overall fundraising performance

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Why This Strategy Outperforms Traditional Donations

This model wins because:

• Sponsors donate money more easily than items

• Businesses are more willing to discount than donate

• Purchased items outperform free items

• Consignment items eliminate financial risk

• Volunteers stop wasting time and energy

• Events look more professional

• Guests bid higher on premium inventory

If you are searching for:

• consignment auction items

• no risk charity auction items

• silent auction items for fundraisers

• fundraising auction items

• charity sports memorabilia

• charity travel packages

• professional auction item providers

This is the strategy you’ve been looking for.

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Final Takeaway

Stop chasing low-quality donated items.

Use sponsors to underwrite your BW Unlimited consignment auction items, then use that sponsor money to purchase premium raffle and silent auction items from stores—turning small expenditures into 2×–5× fundraising returns.

That’s how top charities raise more money with less stress.

That’s the fundraising secret no one is telling you.

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Ready to Upgrade Your Silent Auction?

Learn more about Consignment Auction Items, No-Risk Auction Items, Charity Travel Packages, and Authenticated Autographed Sports Memorabilia, Authenticated Celebrity Memorabilia, Luxury Accessories such as Jewelry - Mens Watches and Designer Handbags as well as incredible Decor & Wall Art at www.BWUnlimited.com.

Disposing of a Charitable Myth: The Truth About FMV in Live & Silent Auctions

IRS Agent Saying “No, That Is a Myth” – Fair Market Value Misconception Debunked

NOTE: Before writing this blog, I consulted with our Accounting Firm and asked them to conduct extensive research into this as well as other “Charity Myths.” They reported their findings. I then asked ChatGPT to do extensive research into IRS Code and Tax

Nonprofits rely on live auctions and silent auctions to increase revenue at fundraising galas. But one of the most persistent myths in the charity world is the belief that organizations are required to list a “Fair Market Value” (FMV) for each auction item.

This misconception is widespread — and completely incorrect.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, the national leader in consignment auction items, silent auction items, and charity fundraising travel packages, works with thousands of nonprofits across the country. One of the most common questions we receive is:
“Can you give us the FMV of the items we got from you?”

The answer exposes a major misunderstanding in the nonprofit sector.

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A smiling fairy in a green dress and pointed hat hovers over a silent auction table, tapping her glowing wand on a bid sheet as sparkles appear. Above her, bold text reads “FMVs DON’T MAGICALLY APPEAR,” humorously illustrating that Fair Market Values do not appear on their own during charity auctions.

The IRS Does Not Require FMV to Be Listed on Auction Items

Despite what many people believe:

• The IRS does not require a charity to list FMV for every auction item

• The IRS does not mandate printed FMV in auction catalogs or bid sheets

• The IRS does not require auction providers to supply FMV

• The IRS does not regulate auction item pricing, starting bids, or value listings

There is no rule stating that a charity must publish an FMV for each live or silent auction item.

The confusion comes from how people interpret the idea of “value” in relation to donor receipts — but that is separate from whether FMV must be listed on auction items.

For fundraising events, listing FMV is optional, and the IRS does not dictate how a nonprofit should determine it or whether it must appear on auction materials.

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Why BW Unlimited Cannot Provide FMV for Its Auction Items

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising provides items that:

• Are not sold at retail

• Have no published retail price

• Are not available for public retail purchase

• Do not have a uniform value in different regions, events, or audiences

• Sell at drastically different prices depending on bidding competition

FMV is defined as what a willing buyer will pay a willing seller.
In a charity auction:

👉 The bidders determine that number — not the provider, not retail pricing, not BW Unlimited.

Because our items are consignment-based,
there is no fixed, standardized, or documentable FMV that we can give a charity.

This is why BW Unlimited cannot — and should not — assign a Fair Market Value to items that are not sold commercially.

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Why Our Items Use a Starting Bid Instead of FMV

BW Unlimited sets a Starting Bid equal to 20% above the nonprofit cost for each auction item.

This ensures:

• The charity is profitable from the very first bid

• There is no financial risk

• The charity can sell unlimited quantities when demand is strong

• The bidding naturally sets the “value” of the item during the event

The “value” of an auction item is not predetermined — it is determined in real time by the donors participating in the fundraiser.

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If a Charity Chooses to Estimate FMV, It Must Come From the Charity

If an organization elects to include FMV for internal documentation, acknowledgments, or its own accounting:

• The charity may make its own good-faith estimate

• The estimate is based solely on the charity’s judgment

• BW Unlimited does not and cannot assign FMV

• No IRS rule requires the charity to publish or display FMV for auction purposes

Again — listing FMV is not required for auction operations.
Any estimate provided is strictly a matter of the charity’s own internal process, not an IRS mandate.

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Why This Matters for Nonprofits

Understanding this eliminates confusion and protects charities from unnecessary stress.

Clarifying the FMV myth allows nonprofits to:

✓ Confidently use consignment auction items
✓ Avoid wasting time trying to assign a value where none exists
✓ Focus on fundraising revenue — not imaginary requirements
✓ Work more efficiently with providers like BW Unlimited
✓ Run compliant, high-revenue live and silent auctions

FMV is not the barrier many nonprofits think it is — and it should never delay or complicate auction preparation.

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BW Unlimited: America’s #1 Source for Consignment Auction Items

For nonprofits searching online for:

• charity auction items with no upfront cost

• best silent auction items for fundraising galas

• consignment auction items for nonprofits

• charity travel packages

• risk-free auction items for fundraisers

• high-profit fundraising auction items

• nonprofit auction item providers

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is the trusted national leader.

With zero risk, industry-leading item selection, nationwide service, and auction items proven to maximize revenue, BW Unlimited continues to dominate the world of nonprofit fundraising.

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Conclusion: FMV in Charity Auctions Is a Myth That Needs to Be Retired

Here is the truth every charity should know:

• FMV is not required to be listed on auction items

• BW Unlimited cannot provide FMV because these items have no retail price

• Auction bidding naturally determines value in real time

• Any estimate (if a charity chooses to use one) must come from the charity

• The IRS does not regulate FMV listings for auctions

The bottom line:
FMV does not play the role nonprofits think it does — and it should never interfere with successful fundraising.

To learn more or to maximize your silent or live auction revenue, visit:
👉 www.BWUnlimited.com

Elevate Your Fundraising Gala with BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising's No Risk Auction Items

Are you planning a charity auction and in need of standout items to feature? Do you worry about the risks associated with consignment auction items? Look no further! Introducing BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising's No Risk Auction Items, your solution to hosting a successful fundraising gala without the stress.

We understand your concerns about consignment auction items, but with BW Unlimited, those worries vanish. Here's why our No Risk Auction Items will revolutionize your fundraising gala:

Zero Financial Risk: Bid farewell to financial worries. With BW Unlimited, you'll enjoy zero upfront costs and no obligation for unsold items. We provide top-quality charity auction items upfront, ensuring you only pay for what sells. It's a risk-free way to maximize your fundraising potential.

High-Quality Charity Auction Items: Our curated selection of charity auction items includes everything from exclusive travel packages to coveted memorabilia. Each item is handpicked to guarantee top quality and appeal, sparking bidding wars and delighting your attendees.

Revenue-Boosting Opportunities: Captivate your donors with enticing charity auction items and watch your revenue soar. Our proven track record of helping organizations exceed their fundraising goals speaks for itself. Partnering with BW Unlimited means unlocking unparalleled revenue potential for your cause.

Effortless Integration: Planning a fundraising gala is no small feat, which is why we've streamlined the process of incorporating our No Risk Auction Items into your event. From selection to delivery and payment, our team handles it all, allowing you to focus on creating an unforgettable experience for your guests.

Supporting Meaningful Causes: By choosing BW Unlimited, you're not just acquiring exceptional auction items—you're also supporting charitable initiatives. A portion of the proceeds from our charity auction items goes towards making a positive impact worldwide.

In conclusion, if you're seeking standout charity auction items for your fundraising gala, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising's No Risk Auction Items is the answer. With zero financial risk, high-quality items, revenue-boosting potential, seamless integration, and a commitment to making a difference, partnering with us ensures your event's success. Contact us today and let's make your gala an unforgettable experience!

Are Donated Items really the best way to raise funds?

I want to take you on a journey, one that's close to my heart from my time volunteering with various charities. Seeing these causes I deeply cared about struggle due to limited support drove me to become more involved. Now, I'm dedicated to guiding charities across North America as a Director and a coach, helping them thrive in their fundraising efforts part of which is guiding them to select the highest quality auction items for charity fundraising events such as Consignment Auction Items, Vacation Packages for Fundraising Events, Experiential Donations, Travel Experiences Donation, Sports Memorabilia Donations, Consignment Sports and entertainment Collectibles, Autographed Sports Items for Charity, Athlete-Signed Memorabilia Donations, consignment jewelry for charity auctions, Charity Sports Auction Items, Sports Memorabilia Fundraising Partners and Exclusive Sports Experiences Donations.

From my experience, I've learned something vital: the real power of remarkable auction items that go beyond just relying on donations. These items truly make events special, and we call them "Banquet Packages" because they come directly from the heart of these charities.

Surprisingly, while a few charities understand this, most still believe that donated items are the sole key to successful fundraising. But the truth is, many larger organizations, especially in sectors like "Outdoor Non-Profits" such as Ducks Unlimited and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, have quietly been buying these special items for a long time.

Let me share what I've seen:

• Businesses are overwhelmed with donation requests from caring volunteers. They're doing their best to keep their own doors open while supporting their communities.

• Local charities often forget that these businesses are part of their community, too. The people in town are more likely to support these businesses directly.

• Donated items sometimes aren't as valuable or easy to sell as we think. At local auctions, they often only fetch about half of their retail value, considering the time and effort to get them.  Volunteer wasting time, money and emotions with Donation Requests and In-Kind Donations for Fundraisers,

• On the other hand, I've introduced a new approach to charities: "Auction Item Consignment." These unique items, not found locally, are given to charities without any financial risk. By just marking them up a bit, charities start making money from the very first bid, keeping all the proceeds no matter what the final bid is.

Here is something else charities do not consider – How to gain the attention of possible sponsors and guests to attend their event as well as just how much competition there is in their area regarding other charities hosting their events.  Ask yourself?  Which one would get the most attention – the one with gift baskets and gift certificates in their auctions donated by local businesses OR the one with high quality memorabilia, beautiful jewelry and especially with worldwide vacations and experiences that they can bid on?  The answer is obvious.

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But here's the real game-changer: getting these items sponsored. Charities find people or local businesses to cover the costs. Every bid, successful or not, means the charity keeps the money—making profits without any financial stress.

It's a world of difference between donated and consigned items. Do you want real sports memorabilia or something less authentic? How about selling vacation packages worldwide versus a local home limited to certain seasons?

So, here's my question: Do you want your charity to succeed? Want to wow your supporters with amazing auction items? It's time to believe in the incredible success that consignment can bring. Let's connect, let's chat—it's time for your charity to shine.

Call us at 443.206.6121 or email at info@bwunlimited.com. Let’s talk, perhaps you might learn something that may change your opinion and approach ultimately affecting your overall success.