The holidays are just about over and planning for Spring Benefit Auctions is in full swing. One of the questions I am asked at every organizational committee meeting I attend is ‘What sells best in the live auction.” Most want me to spin off a list right then and there. The answer is far more complicated that. So I am cautious about the information I give, even if I know many of (Benefit Auctioneers) agree on some of the same items.   Here is some general information for the newer committee chairs and benefit auctioneers. 

Before handing over that list, you would be wise to learn the makeup of the people to which the organization is marketing their benefit, ask about income profile, a good gauge is ticket prices, is it a celebration or party with an “auction” or is it a pure benefit auction. I have found a difference in “Gala Benefits” and their makeup. Is it a small school, large private prestigious school, church, large non profit, etc.?

Consider the items your trying to procure, as if you where bidding on them.  Would you  bid more for something you can buy at a retail store, including Televisions and Electronics?   Yes there will be exceptions; after all we hope to raise the level of “competitive” bidding, that’s our job.  “To have one person bid (give) more than the other so he has pride of ownership”.  I always tell committees, now is the time to use your imagination, think outside of the box, you will come up with winners.

Dental services may not go over at a wine auction, and expensive wine may not sell well at a small school auction.  Art, even by a known local artist can come up short in any live auction.

 A very large expensive vacation may not go well in an auction at a smaller mid town catholic school. But it would at a large prestigious private catholic school.  

It is also important to “package” your items;   theater tickets are better with a dinner, even better with a hotel, and even better with limo service.  Out of state condos sell better with air fare. Vacation trips always go better with air fare.   Try for unique items and packages; a camping package is better than a tent, a camping package with tickets to a private camp ground is even better.  Starting to get the idea??

Here in general are some items to be cautious of in the live auction if you want to sell “over value”,  professional services, ie  Attorneys, Dentists, bowling, art, home crafts, portrait sessions, tires, repair services, gym memberships, massages, jewelry can be a loser, furs, flowers for a year, almost new furniture just a few.

So before you hand a committee chairman a list of items that are complied by benefit auctioneers around the country, use them only as a tool, learn all you can about the organization, their sponsors and attendees and help them plan winners!!

Later we will talk about the items that usually do well bearing in mind again, the audience you’re selling to.