Evolving your silent auction

There seems to be growing discussion about the value of silent auctions.  Soliciting, packaging, doing data entry, setting minimum bids, writing descriptions, creating signage and more are labor intensive, and sometimes the return on investment doesn’t add up.  While I belive silent auctions still have value, I suggest a streamlined approach.  Below are a few ideas for maximizing your silent aucttion efforts.
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Narrow your scope.  Focus on fewer, better items in the categories that are most appealing to your audience.  Look back at your auction data from the past few years to analyze what category or categories (wine, getaways, sports items, art, etc.) sell the best with your crowd, and focus only on those.  You may even decide to feature only one category in your silent, like wine or sports - and that’s ok! Your attendees will come to know, expect and look forward to a dynamite wine collection or unmissable sports finds vs. a bigger selection of myriad, more mediocre offerings.  By focusing on quality, desirable items attendees will be more likely to pay attention, and to compete for higher bids.

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Get creative within your narrowed categorie(s).  Once you’ve culled your focus to one or a few of your best categories, gather your committee for a brainstorming session about how to best tackle these categorie(s).  Think about questions like:

• What’s our ultimate wish list of top items in this category, and what are steps we can take toward securing these items?
• Are there any new businesses in the area that sell or specialize in these categories?
• What unique experiences can be created in these categories(s) that leverage the network we have?  Think theme parties, learning sessions with an expert, meet and greets with a local celebrity or team mascot and more.
• What types of cool collections or packages could be made in these categorie(s)?  Themed baskets, verticals of wine, genres of dining certificates, etc.
• Are there any playful packages that could be featured in these categorie(s)?  A craft beer package in a wine auction, an ultimate tailgating kit in a sports section, etc.

​Make sure your display is appealing, and in a good location.  Think about things like:

• Theming your linens or tabletop signage or decor to the categorie(s) you’re featuring
• Investing in high quality category signs to draw attention to your great items
• Making your package titles and descriptions short and sweet.  I suggest simple, straightforward titles and short, bulleted descriptions for easy browsing (and don’t forget to list any restrictions!)
• Making sure there’s enough space between items that guests won’t skip browsing due to crowds
• Placing your auction tables where guests will naturally gather (near the bar!) and making sure items are well lit

​If things that don’t fit in your selected categorie(s) are donated, figure out another way to use them.  Often organizations have long-term in-kind donors who want to contribute each year, and their gifts may not fall within your designated categorie(s).  While it can be tempting to add them to your silent auction - don’t! I suggest using them in another way, like incorporating them into a raffle or grab bag station, or even using them as thank you gifts for hardworking event volunteers.  ​

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