Charity Auctions

For Your Good Cause!

Plan Ahead

As with many things in life, a little planning can make a huge difference!
If your objective is to raise as much money as possible for your good cause, then you should do everything you can to achieve that objective.

It is very important to publicise the main items to be sold in the auction well in advance, so you attract at least two keen bidders. As well as traditional media, website, email and Facebook posts, you may be wise to phone a few potential interested people... if you have a signed rugby jersey - contact the local rugby clubs!

Choose your Auctioneer well - a good auctioneer can make a huge difference to the results.

Find an Auctioneer >>

The Event

You have to speculate to accumulate - budget for the costs of running an auction.
Auctions work well when they are part of an entertainment event such as a dinner or concert, and not the sole purpose for the event.
Consider the best time to slot the auction into the proceedings. After a dinner with wine may deliver more spirited bidding than earlier in the evening!
Don't try to auction too many items in one group. Up to three is a good number. If you have more items to sell, then split the groups of auctions up across the event.
Activate the team! You will need a number of people to help out - make sure they know what they need to do.
- Holders/Movers. Sure-handed folk who can get the item(s) to the front where they can be seen, and displayed in the best possible way.
- Bid Spotters. At least two eagle-eyed, sensible and fair volunteers. The last thing you want to do is miss a bid.
- Winner Liaison. Someone to get the details of the winner(s), arrange payment information and follow-up as necessary.
- Security/Delivery. Have a named person in charge of the item(s) being auctioned. They get them to and from the event, release them to the winner (when Winner Liaison tells them they can) and possibly help with delivery arrangements.
- Community Liaison. Remind a senior person in the charity or organisation to thank during and after the auction any item donors and others who helped in making it a success.
Allowing telephone or written bids can be a bit complex, so work out how you are going to handle them and have clear instructions so the absent bidder understands the process. The auctioneer can help with advice for this.
Not everything is suitable to auction, so have a silent auction or raffle for any other items you have to sell.