Silent Auctions: How to Increase Your Bids and Host an Unforgettable Event

Silent auctions are among the most effective fundraising ideas that charitable institutions and other groups use to collect funds. However, the outcome of this helping hand activity heavily depends on the way it is organised. So, when planning to conduct a silent auction, make sure to have careful planning and comprehensive preparation. Aside from that, it is also best that you have a solid understanding of the following.

What Is a Silent Auction?

A silent auction is a type of auction conducted by allowing the bidders to submit their offers privately. This helping hand activity does not involve an auctioneer, and the buyers are allowed to make direct bids. Due to this setup, all the bidders don’t know each other. Also, the secrecy practised on the submission of the offers increases the chances of getting the higher price for the items offered.

How to Conduct a Silent Auction

Conducting a silent auction can be overwhelming, so consider the following steps when preparing for one.

Step 1: Set up an auction committee

Setting an auction committee is the first thing you should accomplish when planning to conduct a silent auction. By doing this, you will be able to create a team that will handle the essential aspects of this helping hand activity. This includes managing the tasks like venue setup, securing of items that will be auctioned, ticketing and marketing.

Step 2: Select the best venue

Selecting a good venue is an essential aspect of preparing for a silent auction. Doing this right will most likely boost the event’s chances of getting favourable results. When doing the selection, make sure to take into consideration a few crucial factors like the expected number of attendees, the availability of amenities that will be needed during the auction and more.

Step 3: Secure the items to sell

Secure all the items that you intend to sell at your event earlier. This will allow you to determine the quantity of goods that will be sold. Also, knowing the number of items that will be sold can help you develop a more effective strategy to sell them during the event.

In case there are a lot of items to sell, make sure to group these into packages. This ensures that the number of items that will be sold is not more than the number of bidders. The technique is also helpful in boosting the level of competition among bidders. Thus, your event will most likely earn higher bids.

Step 4: Pricing of items for auction

Have all the items up for auction properly priced. For best results, try to create a bid sheet for every item that will be auctioned. Make sure that the sheet includes the name and a brief description of the item, and the name of its donor. Don’t forget to include a few lines that the bidders could use to write their bids.

Step 5: Set up the registration process

Set up your helping hand event’s registration prior to its actual schedule. To do this, you can allow the attendees to register using some of the silent auction software, such as Silent Auction Pro, ClickBid, Xcira and more. You can also allow them to register a payment card to make the bidding process simpler.

Step 6: Set up the venue

Make sure to proceed to your helping hand event’s chosen venue earlier. The technique will allow you to check on the setup and implement the needed last-minute changes when needed. Also, coming in earlier gives you more time to fix some issues on the venue that might hinder the event’s success.

Step 7: Close the silent auction

Closing your silent auction well will help you establish a good reputation in the industry. Typically, you can spontaneously close the event. Doing so can encourage the bidders to keep on bidding for the items since they will not know when the auction will be closed.

Aside from that, you can also set a pre-planned end time to close your helping hand silent auction. To encourage the bidders to make more last-minute bids, make use of a countdown timer.

Why Conduct a Silent Auction

A silent auction is a must-have helping hand or charitable event for groups that want to raise funds. Many of them consider this as their preferred auction type because of the following.

      • A silent auction allows the selling of more items.
      • A silent auction can increase the retention rate of a donor.
      • A silent auction makes some of the attendees become organisation supporters.
      • A silent auction helps in extending the organisation’s donor base.
      • A silent auction is proven to boost the event’s revenue.
      • A silent auction is a great way to entertain guests.

How to Increase Your Bids?

A silent auction is a good way to raise money. However, the revenue obtained from doing the event depends on the bids that the bidders are offering in exchange for getting the items offered for sale. That’s why you need to learn how to increase the bids during the auction by doing extensive research on how it’s done. You can also consider the following tips.

1. Identify the items that will excite the donor

Given that a silent auction derives its revenues from the proceeds of the items sold to the attendees, you should ensure that these would excite them. To accomplish this, study and know your audience. Look for ways to identify the items that appeal to them. By doing this, they will most likely place higher bids on every item that will be offered during the auction.

2. Make use of mobile bidding

The use of mobile bidding apps available out there is an effective way to increase your silent auction’s bids. These apps allow you to put the bidding on the hand of every donor. In addition, this makes participating in the auction more convenient for you and the donors.

3. Seek help from experts

Seeking help from experts has always been the most effective way to increase your auction’s bids and make the event successful. Many fundraisers consider this technique their most preferred option. This is because hiring reputable service providers, such as Helping Hand, allows you to sit back and relax. Once hired, they will handle all the procedures needed to make your silent auction a success.

Helping Hand Auction Services

For years, Helping Hand has helped hundreds of clients get the best out of their fund-raising activities. Our years of experience in handling this kind of event make us highly successful every time.

We provide our services at no cost to our clients! We offer auction items on a consignment-type basis, and we cover the costs through the sale of the auction items that we provide. We set up the items at your event, manage the auctions, as well as the payments, removal and shipping. That’s how we help. For more details, contact us today.

Tips to Host a Successful Online Auction

A growing number of nonprofit organisations are now adding online auctions to their fundraising strategies because of how effective they are at reaching their target audience. Now that everyone is adjusting to the new normal, looking for alternative ways to raise funds is necessary.

Typically, fundraising campaigns and initiatives provide nonprofit organisations with great help in raising money for their programs. But with so many aspects to consider, doing an in-person event can sometimes feel overwhelming. So, where do you start in hosting an online auction?

How do you organise an online auction?

#1 – Create a team

Handling everything by yourself is a considerable challenge. That’s why it’s best to create a team to help you with virtual auction execution. Having people to back you up can help you manage everything and designate particular tasks that you need to get done immediately.

#2 – Set realistic goals

Next, you need to determine your goals to help you stay focused throughout the project. You can start by establishing your budget, including the system or tools that you need. It’s also best to include the particular revenues you need to achieve and the engagement level so that you can plan the event effectively. A few of the goals you need to complete are getting new sponsors, promotions, stewarding your current sponsors and engagement.

#3 – Review your software

 

You wouldn’t want to have something go amiss during the live event. So, it’s best to check your system to get yourself familiarised with it. When looking for a software application for your event, it’s highly advisable to invest in a software application that you know will help you execute your plans. You might also want to take your time reviewing your toolkit to fill any of your knowledge gaps.

#4 – Create an item wish list

Any auction can only be as triumphant as the quality of your auction items. While there’s no surefire way of getting the best auction items your guests will want, it’s always helpful if you know where to start. One way to do it is by looking at your past auction event’s performance. Check your previous events and see what you did well and what you could have done better. Also, don’t be afraid to get creative when it comes to your auction items. They need to be interesting enough to draw attention to the event and encourage a bit of competition with everyone.

#5 – Create effective marketing strategies

You need to formulate effective marketing strategies for your plan to succeed. A few promotional techniques that you can consider include invitations, early registration promos and a couple of advertisements that can help you generate excitement from the crowd. Given that you’ll be holding online auctions, you should create compelling digital promos that encourage competition among the audience.

#6 – Create your online auction website

Once you’ve established your marketing strategies, it’s now time to set up your website for the fundraising campaign. You need to ensure that you can customise each page based on your event and the project’s mission. You can also put your donation appeal, auction catalogue and fixed-priced items, such as raffles and merchandise.

#7 – Plan the entire program

It’s best to create a virtual program that’ll complement the auction to capture your target market’s attention. The same with how you’d plan for a typical in-person party, you need to start planning a program that’ll give it the same vibes. You can begin with an introduction from your speakers, followed by an inspiration video. Then, start the live auctions for the first two items before having a break. You can then resume with the auction and end it with a special musical guest.

How do online auctions work in Australia?

Registration Process

When attending online auctions, you need to register first before you become a part of the event. That’s because online registration makes it easier for the organisers to track the items you’re bidding or selling. It also allows them to keep up with the bids and determine who’s winning. Additionally, online registration is an excellent way to build a database that contains both the bidder’s and the seller’s feedback.

When registering for an online auction in Australia, it’s highly advisable to set up a different online email account to your primary account to help you track the auction’s progress. Even more, setting up a separate email prevents you from getting spam messages into your primary account.

Winning bids

Every bid for the auction closes precisely at the time that the organisers scheduled it. If you’re planning to put up a few sales of multiple lots, then those with the highest bids at the end of each auction need to buy the item at the agreed price. Meanwhile, if no one bids above the set price or even meets it, the organisers will close the auction without any winner.

Once the virtual bids end, the buyer and the seller will communicate via email to make the payment arrangements. They can also discuss the delivery and other queries there.

How do you run a successful auction?

Get quality auction items

If you want to get your participants excited, it’s best to get auction items that capture their interests. The more quality items you’ll get, the more successful your fundraising project will be.

Captivating imagery

Another factor that you need to consider is the images and marketing copies that you’ll use for the event. Your marketing strategy will play a massive role in your event’s success. So, ensure that the images and copies will captivate your target market’s attention.

Use social media

You can use social media algorithms to know which content is best for your audience. Every platform has its unique idiosyncrasy. So, you need to understand what type of media will work well on each social media platform that you’ll use.

There’s no such thing as a can’t-miss formula when it comes to online auction marketing techniques. That’s why you need to find the one that’ll suit your project best.

If you need assistance with your live online auctions in Australia, send us a message at Helping Hand. We’ll be more than happy to lend a hand.

New Auction Items: Hot Air Balloon Flight and Tesla Luxury in the Hunter Valley

In need of special auction items to drive a more interesting and effective fundraising auction? Our team is always looking for new and exciting auction items for fundraisers and we are proud to announce TWO brand-new, local experience packages, available now.

Experience and holiday packages as auction items can offer a unique, stand-out touch to your live or silent auction. This can conjure interest from more guests to encourage participation in your auction and result in more funds raised for your cause.

More about these new special auction items:

Hot Air Balloon Flight for 2 and 2-Nights’ Accommodation
Your auction winner will experience the fun and unique sensation of a hot air balloon ride. The 4-hour experience, with minimum 60 minutes of flight time includes a gourmet champagne Breakfast, in-flight digital photo pack and complimentary transfers. Next to this, your auction winner will get to spend two nights (with late checkout) in a fully renovated studio room with ensuite bathroom at the Hunter Valley ‘Wine Country Retreat’. The estate is set on 60,000sqm of natural beauty. Included is an outdoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, daily continental Breakfast, and a unique Wine Experience at the Tamburlaine Winery!

Tesla Luxury in the Vines for 6
Your auction winner will enjoy a private, chauffeured and guided Wine Tour to world-class wineries and local hidden gems in a luxurious, zero-emission Tesla Model X! Included in this amazing experience is a 2-night midweek (Monday – Thursday) stay at the Hunter Valley’s famed ‘Wine Country Retreat’ across three fully renovated studio rooms. The estate is set on 60,000sqm of natural beauty and includes an outdoor swimming pool, gym, sauna and daily continental Breakfast.

As always, we can offer all of our auction items at no cost to your event budget (consignment). Contact our team for more information, terms, and conditions, and how to add these auction items to your next fundraising auction.

What are some of the best auction items for fundraisers?

Spice up your auction items with unique holidays to remarkable destinations. 

Adding one or multiple big holiday packages as auction items to your fundraising auction is a great way to maximise the funds you raise at your fundraising event. Holiday packages inspire your guests to reach out beyond their comfort zone by appealing to their desires to get away, relax and explore the world. They are generally higher in value and draw higher than average bids. Since holiday packages can accommodate 2-10+ people (depending on the package), guests have been known to band together and bid as a group. In other cases, one guest could have other friends or family in mind when he or she gets into the bidding. This can significantly drive up the value of bids your auction items receive and ultimately the total amount you raise. 

Do you have a small budget (or no budget at all) for fundraising auction items? 

No problem! We understand that putting on a fundraising event is taxing on an organisation’s budget. Helping Hand Group offers holiday fundraising items at no cost to your event budget. The packages are only paid for when sold. So, any type of fundraising event can showcase one or multiple holiday package items. This allows you to take advantage of the bids they can obtain without the stress of the items hitting your budget. 

How can you WOW your guests and get them engaged with your silent auction items? 

Off-the-beaten-track style holiday adventure packages are a great way to bring a buzz to your auction. They are similar to that one-of-a-kind piece of art or autographed sports jersey from a famous sports player.

Here are Helping Hand Group’s Top 3  holiday packages that will turn heads at your next fundraising auction:

#1 – Ancient Adventure in Jordan for 2

Your auction winner will visit the magical ancient city of Petra, one of the Middle East’s most spectacular, unmissable sights.  For four days and three nights, they will enjoy the hospitality of a modern Bedouin family and experience true Jordanian culture with a home cooked meal. The adventure will start with a trip to Al Madras to see the upper and lower halves of a single monument. Then, they will see Obelisk Tomb and Bab as-Siq Triclinium and the Roman Theatre from above. Then, they will continue to the High Place of Sacrifice and pass the Roman Soldier Tomb via Wadi Farasa to Qasr Al Bint.

The third day will have them trek on a five hour hike to Petra and the Treasury, Amphitheatre, and Monastery El Deir. They will trek along the lesser known back trail across mountain ridges to the Baida region enjoying breathtaking scenery and archaeological monuments that portray the layers of Jordan’s rich history, heritage, and religious relevance. A truly incredible and one-of-a-kind experience!

#2 – Whale Sharks in West Papua for 2

Your auction winners will enjoy a city tour on the first day and explore the town of Nabire. They will visit a traditional market and ‘tembok MAF’. This is a popular hangout place for the locals. On days two and three, they will head to Sowa where they will experience a breathtaking swimming excursion with whale sharks being fed at the bagangs (traditional fishing platforms). After swimming, they will enjoy a late fish barbeque served on a beautiful small island.

#3 – Behind the Veil of North Korea for 2

Your auction winners will spend five unforgettable days and four nights in Pyongyang commencing with a visit to the Arch of Triumph and the Mansudae Grand Monument. On day one, they will drive to Kaesong and visit Panmunjom, DMZ and the Karson Koryo Museum. After lunch, they will visit the Tomb of King Kongmin before transferring back to Pyongyang. Day three will have them visit to Mt Myohyang and the Pohyon Buddhist Temple. They will also see the International Friendship Exhibition Hall. Following lunch, they will visit the Ryongmun Caves before returning to Pyongyang. On day four they visit Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, Fountain Park and Juche Tower. After lunch, they will visit USS Pueblo followed by the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum, the school children’s palace and the Kwangbok Supermarket.

This incredible package includes four nights accommodation as well as private English speaking local guide. It also includes private transportation, sightseeing, all meals (excluding drinks), DPRK visa fee, DMZ entry fee, flowers to lay at memorials and airport transfers. (US Passport holders cannot travel).

Questions or want to learn more about all of the holiday auction items we have to offer? Contact a team member today to discuss.

View more of our auction items currently available for fundraising events.

Marvel Items a Hit for Fundraising Auctions

Helping Hand Group is excited to announce a range of popular Marvel items. They are perfect for live or silent auctions such as Ballot Bidding to spark the interest of guests who are fans of the franchise!

Top Fundraising Auction Item #1: Avengers Endgame Signed Movie Poster

Extra-large framed movie poster, signed by 9 members of the cast. Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Brie Larson, and Paul Rudd. The record breaking latest chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, critically acclaimed and on track to become the highest grossing film of all time. Undoubtedly the biggest superhero film in history – own a piece of history!

Top Fundraising Auction Item #2: Autographed Vintage Comic

Stan Lee, Chris Hemsworth and Robert Downey Jr signed vintage The Avengers  comic. Stan Lee was the founder of Marvel and creator of The Avengers. Chris Hemsworth and Robert Downey Jr have brought the characters to a whole new generation as the stars of the film franchise. With Stan Lee tragically passing in 2018, this is without doubt a collectors’ item.

View more of our auction items for fundraisers here.

Contact a Helping Hand Group Fundraising Event expert near you for more information about this range of fundraising auction items.

Sports Memorabilia for Fundraising Auctions: Masters Autographed Golf Flags

 

In the ‘comeback’ story of 2019, Tiger Woods has won his first Major Championship, since the 2008 US Open! He collected his 5th Green Jacket with an inspiring victory at Augusta National and now has 15 Major titles. Expect a resurgence in Tiger Woods’ signed items at your next fundraising auction.

Autographed sports memorabilia grab the attention of the sport fan on your fundraising event guest list. Sporting events and athletes become popular at different times. This depends on the trending news at any given time. Our team strives to find the top trending items to help our clients “wow” their fundraising event guests.

Great auction items to add to your next fundraising silent auction:

Masters 2019 Framed and Signed Golf Flag (pictured at top):

Signed by the champion, Tiger Woods, himself!

Masters 2018 Framed and Signed Golf Flag (pictured at right):

Signatures from living past Masters winners, including champion Patrick Reed and all the greats – Tiger, Scott, Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, Faldo, Spieth and many more. A piece of golf history!

Interested in more autographed golf memorabilia? Contact a team member near you to discuss our full list of auction items available.


Helping Hand Group is a leader in fundraising silent and live auctions and provides a wide range of auction items at no cost to your event budget.

View more of our auction items for fundraisers here.

Auction Items for Fundraisers: The best holiday packages to list in your silent auction

Auction-items-for-fundraisers---Holiday-package-Phuket-for-silent-auctions

What are the best items to list in your silent auction to get more bids at your fundraising event?

Choose auction items that appeal to as many of your guests as possible.

There is a group of auction items that perform well at fundraising events because they appeal to a wide range of guests with different interests. Holiday packages that include desired destinations – either closer to home in Australia or abroad – coupled with beautiful accommodation and unique package add-ons will appeal to the largest group of people on your guest list. These items provide a common benefit to people with different tastes. They are a means to get away and relax or explore a different part of the world.

Diversify your silent auction list: add a range of small and big-ticket items.

While it is generally easier to obtain donations or find auction items that are smaller in value, big-ticket items such as holiday packages will add a “buzz” to your auction and promote larger bids. In some cases, this can push the winning bid in excess of $10,000!

Holiday packages inspire groups of friends to spontaneously bid together to win.

Many holiday packages can be auctioned off for a group of 6, 8 or 10. This opens the door for groups of friends attending your event to bid together for a spontaneous trip away. This can significantly increase the value of the bids your silent or live auction obtains.

Find holiday packages to list in your silent or live without breaking your budget.

Helping Hand Group provides clients with a wide range of holiday packages on consignment. This means that you can showcase holiday packages as auction items in your fundraising auction at no cost to your event budget. Packages are only paid for when sold. This can be a great asset when planning and managing a fundraising event.

Helping Hand Group’s Top 3 holiday packages for fundraising auctions:

#1 – Bali Pool Villa, Seminyak – 7 nights for 6 guests. Our top holiday package! Your auction winner will relax in a comfortable three bedroom villa located just 600m from Seminyak Beach featuring comfortable living quarters, your own private pool, Villa Manager, maid, groundskeeper and security. Everything is on hand to ensure an incredible stay.

 


#2 – Queenstown, NZ Villa – 7 nights for 6 guests. With spectacular views of the pristine waters of Lake Wakatipu, your auction winner will holiday in a beautiful multi-level Lux Villa. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a superb location this villa is located just five minutes from town.  Majestic, snowcapped mountains in winter make for the perfect winter holiday destination. Enjoy the best views NZ can offer and experience a world of activity all year round. Includes complete concierge services to book adventures, including jet-boating, golf, skiing (in winter), rafting, wine tours, fishing, luge. Do it all, or do nothing but relax!

#3 – Phuket Hideaway – 7 nights for 10 guests. A week in one of Phuket’s most serene, luxurious and well located villas! Five extra-large bedrooms with luxury ensuite bathrooms (finished in natural stone and marble) are all within minutes to magnificent West Coast Beaches! The Villa has a complete staff of housekeepers, garden attendant, security guards and concierge. It also features oversized private pool and outdoor areas to relax.

View more details and videos on some specific holiday packages here.

 

Auction items for fundraisers: Upcoming events at ANZ Stadium in Sydney

Unique events of all sizes – from small, intimate performances to big, international headliner shows – can provide a unique attraction to your auction table.  It can appeal to a wider range of people and inspire your fundraising event guests to participate in your auction. By encouraging more participation on various auction items, you will generate the opportunity for higher bids and ultimately raise more funds for your charity or cause.

Helping Hand Group provides a wide range of auction item packages that feature unique events. Moreover, these packages come with various additional features such as food and drinks, full service, signed memorabilia related to the event, and more! Enquire with our team for our available options for fundraisers.

Featured auction items for fundraisers at ANZ Stadium, Sydney

ANZ Stadium in Sydney will be closing in October 2019 for a period of two years. We now have available some experience packages for fundraising silent and live auctions that can provide your guests the opportunity to experience it again before it closes!

STATE OF ORIGIN 3: July 10th, 2019 at ANZ Stadium

This auction item package includes four tickets to access a luxury VIP private suite for one of the biggest blockbusters on the Australian sporting calendar – State of Origin 3 –  on July 10th 2019, at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Your auction winners will enjoy superb food, drinks and full alcohol service as they experience the intense rivalry between the Blues and the Maroons. To top it off, they will also receive their choice of either a beautifully framed squad signed 2019 NSW or Queensland jersey. A unique auction item for fundraisers that is sure to turn heads!

NRL GRAND FINAL: October 6th, 2019 at ANZ Stadium

This auction item will give your auction winners four tickets to a luxury VIP suite for the biggest game on the Rugby League calendar – the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final – on Sunday, October 6th 2019, at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. They’ll be part of the action as they watch from the best seats in the house while enjoying superb food, drinks and full alcohol service! To top it off, they will also receive a hand-signed framed jersey featuring the 2019 Grand Final winning team – their own one-of-a-kind item!

Contact our team for more information how to add these auction item packages to your next fundraising auction at no cost to your budget.

Helping Hand Group launches Auction Item Donation Program for Fundraisers

Do you have a corporate, social, or fundraising event coming up in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, or Hong Kong? Add a Helping Hand Group silent and live auction component and our team will donate to your auction list TWO Hunter Valley Lodge holiday packages valued at a total of $8,000! The DOUBLE holiday package prize includes two separate vouchers each for a 4-night stay for 8 people at the beautiful Hunter Valley Lodge. This means that both holiday packages will come with no cost and all funds raised during your auction will be donated to your cause! List both packages in your auction or use one to reward your event team with a beautiful Hunter Valley getaway!

Adding a fundraising portion to a business event promotes corporate social responsibility and assists the development of your company’s brand. It also builds a stronger relationship with your customers. In addition, our full-service fundraising auction team will do ALL the hard work for you. We will assist you before, during, and after your event to ensure that your silent or live auction runs as smoothly as possible for you without straining your team’s resources.

How to register:

  1. Fill in the form on the contest page to register your interest in the promotion.
  2. Our team will contact you to discuss our available programs and work with you to find the best fit for your needs.
  3. Your entry is eligible for the donation when your event is confirmed.

This offers is available from 1st June, 2018 to 30th November, 2018.

Multiple Live Auction Sale of Jerseys Raises SGD$26,000

SOLD…and SOLD once more!

At times, Helping Hand Group can supply multiples of an auction item for fundraisers. This provides an opportunity for your live auctioneer to sell more than one of a particular item on your auction list. In a standard live fundraising auction, the auctioneer can work with two, three or more of the same auction item – whether it is a holiday package or limited set of signed memorabilia – to engage with the group of top bidders. When the bidding has reached the maximum point, the auctioneer can announce each of the top bidders (matching the number of multiples available) as winners. This can significantly boost funds raised for your cause!

Richard Ernster, Live Fundraising Auctioneer

Recently in Singapore at the VANDA White Boxing event, two sets of Pele and Maradona jerseys were available on auction – and both were sold in an exciting finish to the live auction. This resulted in SGD$26,000 instantly added to the total fundraised on the night!

Helping Hand Group’s program – Last Donor Standing – can also bring about multiple sales of a particular auction item for fundraisers. This program gets the whole room involved by having the auctioneer ask all guests to stay standing through rounds of bidding for an item while increasing the asking price until it sells. The last group of guests standing each win one of the items at the top bidding price announced.

Contact our team to learn more about how we can arrange multiples for your next fundraising event.