Silent Auction Trends are Changing

There are certain trends that are emerging in the world of charity and non-profit fundraising. Donors are looking to purchase lifetime experiences and less “stuff.”

You and your Event Committee need to ensure that your Event is relevant and successful. Here are a few ways to tweak your Event’s Silent Auction to keep up with current Donor trends:

Reduce the Size of your Silent Auction.
 Donors have reportedly become overwhelmed with the quantity of items on display at Silent Auctions over the past few years, which can lead to “paralysis by analysis” and cause Donors to bid on few if any items. To combat this, non-profits are offering fewer but more comprehensive items, especially “experiences” and “bucket list travel” items.

Other benefits to offering fewer items include less strain on precious Committee resources, maximizing the limited space at your venue, best us of volunteer time, and opportunity cost when compared to other Donor and Sponsor outreach tactics. You will find that with help consignment auction item services such as Auction Packages, fewer items will result in greater net proceeds.

Offer More Experiences and Less Stuff.

Donors are finding “stuff” less satisfying or rewarding than once-in-a-lifetime experiences and are willing to donate more for such experiences. Donors prefer to Do Things instead of Buying Things. Furthermore, Donors are seeking to create everlasting memories for their entire family, across several generations of relatives.

You will find that Donors will jump at the opportunity to take their family on a Hawaiian Vacation or watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Donors will also reach for the checkbook to attend the Country Music Awards or to throw out the first pitch at a local baseball game.

You will find that many Donors budget more than $5,000 for family travel each year! Just think of the possibilities if your Committee can offer unique travel packages all while benefiting a worthy cause!

Utilize “Fund-a-Needs” to Supplement Your Silent Auction.

Many successful fundraising events provide opportunities for Donors to participate throughout the event – not just during the Silent Auction bidding window.

A Fund-a-Need/Direct Ask/Special Appeal is a way to entice contributions from Donors who have not yet been moved to purchase any items. It also can motivate Donors who have already won Auction items! Donors get to demonstrate to their peers (the other Donors at the event) their commitment to your Event’s philanthropic focus.

Do you or your Event Team need help staying ahead of current fundraising trends as you compete for Donor dollars? We at Auction Packages can help. Our team of Silent Auction Specialists can guide you through the myriad of options to make your next event a success. We Live to Give.