You could argue that there’s no such thing as an unwelcome charitable donation. Likewise, you could also say that all charity auctions are equally superb, given how they support good causes at home and abroad.
In reality, however, not every charity auction is as successful as it could be. It’s not that those involved don’t invest the necessary time and effort, but rather a case of getting into something they might not quite understand.
One of the best ways of ensuring the success of a charity auction is to involve an experienced third party like Superstars. If you choose to go it alone, it’s a case of approaching all stages of the planning process like a pro.
So with this in mind, here’s a brief rundown of six tips for not just doing a charity auction, but doing it right:
- Start planning early
Right off the bat, the importance of starting the planning process as early as possible cannot be overstated. Even with the simplest charity auctions – silent or otherwise – it’s common to encounter delays and complications along the way. As a general rule of thumb, the earlier you start planning, the higher the likelihood of a successful event. If time is a factor, it’s definitely worth considering the involvement of an experienced auction planning specialist.
- Choose items for sale strategically
It’s worth remembering that while this is a charity event, it doesn’t mean those in attendance will be happy to spend money on any random lot that comes up. Charity is one thing, but if you want to accumulate as much money as possible for a good cause, you need to think about lots that people actually want to buy. There’s no such thing as a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ lot as such – it comes down to the interests and preferences of those in attendance. That said, experiences (restaurant vouchers, hotel stays, spa visits) tend to have universal appeal, so could be worth prioritizing.
- Choose your team equally strategically
You’ll probably find that most people around the office are willing to help with charitable events like these. Nevertheless, there’s a big difference between being willing to help and being genuinely passionate about the cause. While the latter will go the extra mile to help you organise and put on a successful event, the former will, in all likelihood, simply go through the motions. Hence, if they aren’t comprehensively enthusiastic about the whole thing, don’t even think about adding them to your A-team.
- Convenient timing and location
While most people are happy to support a good cause, they’re also far more likely to do so if it’s convenient for them. In this instance, we’re talking about the date, time and location of the charity auction. In terms of location, it needs to be somewhere that’s quick (ish) and as easy as possible for attendees to travel to and from. As for timing, the event should take place at a date and time that ensure sufficient engagement and interest. For example, an enjoyable charity auction on a Friday evening could be far more appealing than a similar event on a Monday morning.
- Choose an option type
Both traditional auctions and silent auctions have their own unique points of appeal. A silent auction can be great for running alongside another event (like a dinner or party), though a traditional auction can be more energising, engaging and entertaining. There are also differences in terms of the complexity of setting up and running each type of auction. Again, it’s not to say that one is ‘better’ than the other – it’s down to you to figure out which works best for you.
- Advertise your items ahead of time
Don’t make the mistake of unveiling your lots for sale at the event itself. It can be far more effective to advertise and promote them ahead of time, giving attendees plenty of time to think about what they want and how much they’re willing to pay for it. Just be sure to market your items as appealingly as possible, sparing no time or expense creating impactful and engaging marketing materials.
- Make it fun
Last but not least, there’s nothing more important than ensuring your charity auction is an event to be enjoyed. Even if raising money for an extremely serious and sensitive cause, the event itself should be as enjoyable and light-hearted as possible. The happier and more relaxed the guests, the more likely they are to open their hearts and their wallets. Hence, you’ll need to consider other aspects of the event (like entertainment and catering), along with the actual sale itself.
