Prioritize Special Auction items through Super Silent Auctions
At every fundraising auction event, choices are made about the presentation of auction items. To every choice there is a question proceeding:
How do you highlight an item at a silent auction?
What if you have too many items in the live auction?
When is an auction item too expensive for a silent auction and not appealing for your live auction?
Charity Fundraising has another question that might be your answer: Have you heard about Super Silent Auctions?
Super Silent Auctions are meant to bring more attention and buzz around a subset of auction items.
Think SUPER:
Seeable
Universal
Promoted
Exclusive
Refreshing
Seeable
A Super Silent Auction should be the first thing people see. Using strategic lighting and displaying the auction items in a high traffic area is paramount to making these “Super” items noticed. Placing the Super items near the registration table starts your guests’ night out with excitement. Additionally, the center of the venue is a prime spot for the Super items. Special lighting also commands attention.
Universal
It is beneficial to set up the super silent auction so that it is universally viewed. What does that mean? Create a special close for your super silent auction. Your guests have the ability to view and consider as many or as few tables and items as they wish. Closing the Super items at the end of the event will entice your guests to stay and will draw everyone’s attention to the items at the same time. The higher concentrated attention can promote excitement and procure higher bids. If the competition for these items becomes great, it’s even possible for an impromptu live auction to be inducted by the auctioneer. Talk about excitement!
Promoted
Utilize the pre-event promotions to generate enthusiasm about the super silent auction. Let people know what to expect before they arrive. Another strategy is creating mystery about the super silent auction through social media posts.
Don’t be afraid to make multiple announcements at the event. Have the auctioneer or emcee highlight the super silent auction to direct guest’s attention. The two strategic times for such announcements are during any dedicated silent auction time and as the event is reaching its end.
Exclusive
Be exclusive with what you put in the super silent auction. Be exclusive in quantity as well as quality. Limit your super silent auction to 1-3 items. This ideal size focuses your auction into seeable super items and it is easier to promote the limited amount of items before and during the event. The quality of these auction items should also be high (i.e. no gift baskets). Try a VIP Experience/Vacation Package or Priceless Autographed Memorabilia from pop culture, political, or sport icons.
To maintain the appeal of exclusivity, consider using ropes and stanchions around the super items. This helps create the understanding of these item’s importance and circumstance.
Refreshing
The super silent auction is a wonderful new dimension to add to your fundraising event. The pressure to evolve your event in a way that will engage and entertain your guests can be exhausting. This pressure comes (and builds) each and every year! The super silent auction is easy. It is fun and exciting. Not only that, it increases more revenue for your nonprofit! What’s not to love?
Contact us for our silent and live auction expertise, our exclusive and zero-risk auction items, and much more!
