Auction Tips

Tips for a Successful Live Auction

1. Use a great sound system

2. Maintain a smooth flow all night long
A. Simple Check-in/Check out
B. Start Live Auction Early; Avoid long winded speeches
C. Close Silent Tables before live auction starts
D. Hold live auction first, entertainment later

3. Live Auction – 1/2 Hour
A. 12-15 items plus a paddle raiser
B. Attention spans are limited

4. Paddles Up & Special Appeal
A. Specific Need
B. Start where you know the money is
C. High to Low
D. Middle of the Auction

5. Avoid Commercial Art
A. Art seldom sells well at a fundraising Auction
B. A Piece with sentimental or unique value may be the exception
6. Don’t use minimum bids
A. Minimum Bids stifle bidding and set a Psychological price ceiling
B. Listing the values of the items in the program limits the bidding

7. Don’t accept High Price consignment items

8. Use simple Language in Catalog- Bullets not Paragraphs
A. Listing the values of the items in the program limits the bidding

9. Use Large readable bid numbers

10. Keep Table Decorations Low

11. Use Large NAME TAGS whenever Possible

12. Volunteers do not drink- ( Until Later)