My Tip of the Week: Hot Items for Your Auction
Gearing up for a fall fundraising auction? If yes, then you're likely in "acquisition mode," where your volunteers are scrambling for donations that you can auction off. That's fine, and I totally see the value in getting $20 for the dry cleaning gift card you got for free. But if you want a really successful, memorable auction, focus more on what I call "stuff you can't get at Target."
Gear
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ring up for a fall fundraising auction? If yes, then you're likely in "acquisition mode," where your volunteers are scrambling for donations that you can auction off. That's fine, and I totally see the value in getting $20 for the dry cleaning gift card you got for free. But if you want a really successful, memorable auction, focus more on what I call "stuff you can't get at Target."
The best memories and your best profits will come from truly one-of-a-kind items. The good news is that these don't have to cost your group much at all, if anything. My mom, a 1st grade teacher, used to offer two hours of after-school computer time and an ice-cream trip. That item went for big bucks each year. Her cost: $3.99. At my children's school, the ride home in a police car, Principal for a Day, and naming rights for the school cafeteria (David's Deli, Rachel's Restaurant) are the big ticket items.
Not only do these items turn nice profits, they also generate the kind of buzz that helps you grow your auction year after year. Frankly, dry cleaning gift cards or a $50 restaurant trip for $42 just aren't all that buzzworthy. For long-term success, buzz matters.
We have a ton of auction info on the site. Check out these links:
The best memories and your best profits will come from truly one-of-a-kind items. The good news is that these don't have to cost your group much at all, if anything. My mom, a 1st grade teacher, used to offer two hours of after-school computer time and an ice-cream trip. That item went for big bucks each year. Her cost: $3.99. At my children's school, the ride home in a police car, Principal for a Day, and naming rights for the school cafeteria (David's Deli, Rachel's Restaurant) are the big ticket items.
Not only do these items turn nice profits, they also generate the kind of buzz that helps you grow your auction year after year. Frankly, dry cleaning gift cards or a $50 restaurant trip for $42 just aren't all that buzzworthy. For long-term success, buzz matters.
We have a ton of auction info on the site. Check out these links:
