5 tips to help you #RaiseMore through auction items!

Posted by Tim Stansbury on 4 December 2015

Givergy have made it their mission to not only help charities across the globe #RaiseMore through state-of-the-art fundraising technology but to enrich the entire auction process.

This year alone we have helped incredible causes raise over 1 million through our unrivalled Givergy lot collection. To celebrate this milestone wed like to share 5 of our top tips to help ensure that you raise as much as possible online or at an event through your fundraising auction, it is the season for sharing after all!

1) Less is more
Its easy to get carried away when choosing auction items. Displaying too many (60 lots in a room full of 400 people) will overwhelm guests and make them more inclined to go for the cheaper ones, ultimately raising you less. So, the moral of the story is to choose quality over quantity.

2) Mix it up
Ensure you have picked a good variation of auction items and experiences in regards to type and cost. A good mixture of items and experiences will ultimately mean something will appeal to everyone, generating more bids.

3) Tickle their fancy
Keep the demographic of your guests at the forefront of your mind; pick items and experiences that will directly appeal to them which will inevitably make them competitive, thus raising you more.

4) Move with the times
By implementing fundraising technology at your event you will be able to efficiently keep an eye on the items that are doing brilliantly and, more importantly, the ones they may need a push during the evening. Guests massively benefit too by being able to scroll through the lot list at any given time, giving your items more exposure.

5) A picture speaks a thousand words
Include a clear image of every lot available, especially if they’re not physically displayed at the event. An image is far more inspirational then copy and is likely to entice guests to get bidding.

After supporting over 1,000 causes in the last year, we’ve learned that just sourcing incredible items isn’t enough to ensure you, reap what you sow, so to speak. Therefore, we recommend you implement the tips above to ensure your cause fully benefits from the item.

If you would like further advice on how to make the most of your auction items, or if you’re simply looking to source incredible auction items, please do get in contact.

Tim Stansbury

Director and Fundraising Consultant

Tim joined Givergy in 2010, overseeing the early stage growth of the business to 50 employees across five international regions, supporting over 4,000 events worldwide. With a passion for leadership, business growth and exceptional standards, Tim is at the heart of all clients needs both in the UK and worldwide.