Choosing the right auction partner for your fundraising event can be an overwhelming and confusing process. Many misconceptions about it also make the decision even harder.  

Here are some of the common concerns we hear about running silent auctions.  

 

“Running a silent auction will cost too much” 

Running a silent auction won’t cost you a penny. We structure our silent auctions so that there are no fees to pay. Every auction lot has a reserve price, within which we build our costs. We then pay the charity everything over the reserve price. 

Our service includes everything, including charity auction prizes, printed auction brochures, staff, payment terminals and the management of prizes post-event. There’s nothing for you or your team to do as we take care of the entire process. 

 

“The silent auction will interfere with my event” 

Unlike a live auction, a silent auction is driven by printed brochures which are placed at each place setting before the event starts, so it doesn’t require a dedicated time slot. The silent auction runs seamlessly alongside the event and guests browse their brochures at leisure with our team on standby should they require assistance. Whatever the running order of the event, the silent auction will not interfere. 

 

“We already do fundraising at the event so there’s no need for a silent auction” 

It’s fantastic when we hear that events already raise money for charity. If you already have fundraising activity at your event, such as a live auction or a raffle, then a silent auction is a totally risk-free addition, which could raise even more. The silent auction offers a ‘wow factor’ experience to guests who will be astounded by the prizes we offer. 

 

“People have paid a lot for the ticket, we don’t want them to feel pressured to spend more on auction items” 

Our team has been analysing event data since we started fundraising in 2010. We make sure that our range of charity auction prizes is diverse and has items that will appeal to all tastes and budgets. 

Our charity auction prizes are very bespoke and specialist. We have things such as a Monaco Grand Prix experience, dining packages, luxury holidays and many more! We promote a no-pressure attitude to bidding. Even with a range of amazing prizes, not all guests will want to bid on items, so they simply put the brochure to one side. Be assured that at no point will we push your guests to bid. 

 

“It’s not the right audience for a silent auction” 

Part of the excitement of a silent auction is not knowing what hobbies and interests your guests have. At every event, you’ll find guests with surprising past times; secret golfers, F1 enthusiasts, globe trotters and most definitely sports fans longing for memorabilia from their favourite sports star. 

You’ll find auction lots purchased as client entertainment, for gifts, family holidays and sometimes personal purchases when they see something that’s just too good to pass up. They love it because by purchasing something in the auction they are donating to charity in the process. 

We also find that because guests are getting something tangible in return for their donation, the likelihood of auction items selling is high and the average donation from a person buying something from an auction is higher than an average envelope contribution. So the charity benefits tremendously from running a silent auction – and remember it’s free, so whatever the charity makes is 100% profit. 

 

“There are too many items in the brochure”  

With nearly 15 years of experience in charity fundraising, we know that most silent auctions will usually only appeal to 5% of an event’s audience.  So creating the perfect balance of auction items has a huge impact on the amount raised.  Each person in the room has a different personality, interests, income and different preferences about how to donate their money.  So, one of the most important elements of fundraising at charity events is to present guests with a variety of options to suit their needs.  

The service we provide, both to our clients and your guests, is a key priority for us. We always run our silent auctions with the guests’ experience in mind and we are flexible to ensure you are happy with how the service operates. 

 

If you have any concerns about running a silent auction, the answers above will hopefully have helped to put your mind at ease but for further information on Impulse Decisions and to find out how we can help support your event, call one of the team on 01423 531682 or email charity@impulsedecisions.com