Silent auctions are a staple of fundraising galas, but donor fatigue is real. If your guests see the same generic gift baskets and restaurant vouchers year after year, their willingness to bid high amounts will dwindle. To maximize revenue for your non-profit, you need to curate an auction catalog that sparks genuine excitement and competition. The secret lies in offering unique experiences rather than physical goods.
Feature Exciting Experiences Instead of Things
Most of your donors already have enough “stuff.” What they crave are memories and exclusive access.
Instead of a standalone bottle of wine, auction off a private tasting dinner for eight people in their home with a local popular chef. Instead of sports memorabilia, offer a package that includes tickets plus a meet-and-greet or a stadium tour. “Curated” packages perform significantly better than single items. Combine a hotel stay, a theater ticket and a gas card into a “Weekend City Escape” bundle. These comprehensive packages have a higher perceived value and make the bidding war worth the effort.
Leveraging Technology for Increased Bids
The method of bidding is just as important as the items!
Old-fashioned paper bid sheets can kill momentum because guests have to physically walk back to the table to check their status. Switching to mobile bidding software allows guests to bid from their phones while they eat, drink and socialize. They receive instant notifications when they have been outbid, which triggers a competitive instinct and drives the price up in real-time. By removing the friction from the bidding process and offering experiential rewards, you turn your silent auction into the highlight of the evening rather than an afterthought.
How to Get More Great Ideas for Your Fundraiser
Please call our office and ask to speak with one of our event coordinators. She will schedule a visit for you, show you what Villa Ragusa has to offer and she’ll make some suggestions for your event. We hope to see you soon.
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