Top Tips To Make Your Auction Items Stand Out

Posted by Ben Crook on 19 July 2019

Many of you have organised, managed and attended fundraising events supporting charities across the globe. Sourcing auction items is an imperative component in raising more for your cause. Promoting the right items and experiences can help form lasting connections between you and your donors as they will begin to associate their amazing experiences through your items with your events and cause.

You need to identify and collate items that will excite your specific audience. When considering different categories of items, keep in mind that the more enticing and premium the item, the more buzz and energy it will generate at the event.

Take the reader on a journey

Be as descriptive as possible when writing the copy, include details that will help form a picture in the readers mind. For example This stunning farmhouse, set high in the Umbrian hills, is the perfect place for you and your family/friends to sit back and unwind whilst enjoying the spectacular views across this beautiful Italian valley.

Include all the key details

A description should be full, accurate and include all the details needed for a guest to make an informed decision, leaving no room for uncertainty. Put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself this question, does this description include everything I would like and need to know in order to bid?

Include exclusions

Ensure that the final sentence always includes all the exclusions. For example, if its a holiday include unavailable dates, seasonality and age restrictions. Also state clearly if your package includes or excludes flights, accommodation, type of accommodation, food, drink, transfers etc.

Cash is King!
After supporting 5,000 events globally, we’ve learned it should be a best practice for the start and reserve price of the auction items to be the same. This means that the item does not go for less than its worth, remember to offer a range of auction items at different start prices to ensure you’ve captured everyone’s attention.

Guest Demographic
You should who are guests are, what do they like? how old are they? What expectations do they have from the event? Once you gather and/or analyse this data you will be able to identity and source the auction items that will resonate with your guest demographic. This will ensure an engaging evening for your guests and profitable event.

Imagery is vital

Studies show that it takes us less than 7 seconds before our first impression has been made! Ensure the images your use to represent the auction item is high res and inspiring! Remember, if you’re using Givergy’s fundraising technology you can apply multiple images per auction item but make sure you upload the best one first!

If you’re hosting or managing a fundraising event feel free to get in touch, our auction item consultant would be more than happy to advise you on pricing and identify gaps in your current collection to ensure you capture your guests attention!

Ben Crook

Chief Operating Officer

Ben is at the forefront of every project in Givergy, listing and actioning constant improvements across the business. With over a decade of experience in the charity and events sector he brings a deep understanding of what the fundraising industry needs to operate effectively and efficiently.