How to Conduct a Silent Auction For Charity?

Answer 1

Silent auctions can be very lucrative when performed properly. Some must-haves include careful planning, a wide range of items that appeal to most people, and a small army of volunteers. The bigger the auction, the bigger the profit. This guide outlines the basic steps on how to organize and pull off a silent auction for charity.

Step 1. Acquire items. The first step in planning a silent auction is to acquire a lot of items to auction. Ask local businesses to donate items in exchange for publicity. You can promote their business by including their company name on the advertisements, on a banner at the auction, or by thanking them periodically throughout the auction.

Step 2. Neatly display all items. If the items are not new, make certain they are clean and ready for eager shoppers to inspect them. Near each item, place a write-up describing the item and the bidding requirements.

Step 3. The volunteers should be positioned conveniently around the room to answer questions and double as security guards if you are displaying items of significant value. In addition, they should be able to overlook the bidding process.

Step 4. Have the auctioneer announce when the auction is about to close to build excitment. Good times to announce the impending close are thirty minutes, fifteen minutes, five minutes and one minute before.

Step 5. Gather the bidding sheets exactly when the auction ends. Announce the winners and the grand total that was collected. Remember to have plenty of people available to help cashout the guests. It’s important to start with a good bit of small money to give guests change when needed.

Step 6. Once the dust has settled, donate the money to charity.

Keep in mind that you will have to provide entertainment to your guests while the auction is ongoing. Typically, this is done by offering plenty of food and music. This way the guests can mingle and eat between looking at items and bidding.