Make sure that when you look at auction software, you know whether you want it to run on-line auctions or just proctor your silent auction.
SILENT ONLY: Look to make sure that the price quoted is for multiple machines and that there are no on-going support charges to answer your questions. Some of the "great deals" out there are definitely too good to be true.
ON-LINE: Make sure that if it is a software that you have to host, that you have somebody on your committee that is very knowledgeable in this area. Many of these download pieces are difficult to use and even harder to maintain.
Visit www.auctionsystems.com
. I use their software and highly recommend it. Our auction is small, but my hopes are to one day INCREASE our current profit of $14K to $50K.
This software helps me keep organized. Throughout the year I am able to gather business names and addresses which I input into this database. When I am ready I simply merge my list with my solicitation letter. As I receive donated items I can easily track all this info in my database. Then I am able to print out a catalog for the auction. And I haven't reached the good part yet. This software also has a unique setup for checkout. Last year, two of us entered in the winning bids and printed out everyone's invoice. Needless to say, check-out went so smooth.
Does anyone use any special auction software for their silent auctions? There are apparently some products out there for $200-$300 that my school is looking into, but they want to talk to someone who actually uses one first.
