1. Philanthropists

Philanthropists attend events because they believe in you and/or your mission. They don’t attend events or support organizations to acquire things. They’re here because they truly believe in the work that you do and they want to help fuel your impact. Philanthropists often lead with legacy gifts, matching donations and challenge pledges. They’re less likely to need or want public recognition or the spotlight. In fact, oftentimes, these are your anonymous donors. Leave the spotlight trained on the competitive bidders in the room!

2. Competitive Bidders

Competitive bidders are the life of the party. They love being showered with praise and attention and they love a challenge – especially if it’s a challenge they can issue to other potential donors! They raise the energy in the room, often single-handedly, and are most likely to be the ones starting bidding wars, standing on chairs while bidding and raising the energy of the event overall. Recognize them by name, fuel their rivalries and celebrate their enthusiasm. They thrive off of it!

The lion’s share of live auction purchases will come courtesy of the competitive bidders in the room. But there are other types of bidders whom you can target through other fundraising event games and activities: the gamblers, shoppers and staff + volunteers at your event. 

3. Gamblers

The Gambler personality type in the room loved games of chance – any opportunity to win big for a lower dollar buy-in. Things like raffles, monetized games and drawings keep them engaged. Offer low-to-moderate buy-in prices to keep their adrenaline flowing. Check out some fun game ideas.

4. Shoppers

Shoppers see fundraising as philanthropic bargain hunting. Silent auctions, online auctions, tiered lower priced raffles and exclusive deals speak to their love of scoring a deal. They may not always give big, but collectively, they can have a profound effect on your final numbers. See more tips!

5. Staff + Volunteers

Staff + Volunteers typically spend less, but they’re definitely a group you want in the room! And you want them happy and engaged, so provide affordable games and activities like Heads & Tails, raffles, gift card and wine walls. Volunteers and staff bring immeasurable value—celebrate them!

Here are some general guidelines we keep top of mind when determining your live auction item sequencing – assuming your special appeal follows the auction:

• Start Strong – Open with a lower value but high-appeal item. This will help set the tone and get the most bidders involved from the moment the live auction begins.
• Build Momentum – Follow up with another great item at a higher price point to keep bidders engaged.
• Continue Building Value – It’s like climbing a mountain.
• End with a Bang!  Your final item should be a Big Kahuna. Ideally, it’ll be a high interest package that appeals to everyone in the room (even if it’s not in everyone’s price range). It’s likely the package your guests will remember the most, so make it a great one that a high number of folks will be interested in.

If you lead the live program with your appeal, well, that’s a whole different strategy for your live auction sequencing. Again, consult with the pros for the most effective sequence for sequencing live auction packages.

A Professional Benefit Auctioneer is a MUST!

A live auction isn’t just a bunch of people in a room showing their bid cards. It’s a performance; one intended to not just raise money, but to raise awareness of your mission as well. A seasoned Benefit Auction Specialist has the training you need to accomplish both. Here are some of their many specialties:

• Working knowledge of local laws regarding fundraising, so your org isn’t liable in case things go sideways 
• Strategically plan for the best possible outcomes
• Ability to capitalize on the energy and momentum in the room
• Keep guests engaged and excited to support your organization
• The skills to read the room and drive bidding wars
• The ability to maximize revenue, by knowing when and how to push for higher bids – and when not to!

Your Benefit Auction Specialist is an investment in your success. You will raise more money, and your guests will have a better experience, if you hire a pro instead of a well-meaning but untrained volunteer. Pair a solid Emcee with your Benefit Auctioneer for even more engagement!An engaging and confident emcee or event host is crucial to keeping the energy up and run-of-show moving throughout the entire live program. Pros are fantastic. But you can also utilize more mission forward folks intimately involved with your org too. Just be certain they’re the right fit and personality for your event and donors.

Procurement: What’s Hot??

If you want big bids, offer what people actually WANT. Based on recent auction trends, here’s what’s hot across the board today:

• Trips, Trips, and More Trips! Local, drivable, same-coast, national & international—curated destination vacations and getaways are ON FIRE!
• Unique Group Experiences – Exclusive concerts, chef dinners, sporting events, “sell-a-seat” and progressive bid items have been hot for years and remain big sellers today.
• Wine & Spirits – Fine wine, bourbon, tequila tastings, tours and experiences are all crowd pleasers. Bonus when paired with additional activities, meals and even transportation.
• Cruises are BACK! People are ready to take to the high seas.

What to Avoid?

• Tangible items like art and jewelry do not sell well at benefit auctions. Think experiences over stuff – every time!
• Overly restrictive trips with limited date availability are easy for your guests to pass up. Avoid!
• Shopping parties – again, think experiences over effects.

Data doesn’t lie! Look at what has historically sold well at your past events and use that information as your guide for procurement in order to maximize your ROI.

Let’s Make Magic!

Need expert guidance for your next fundraising event and benefit auction? We bring data-driven strategies, high-energy auctioneers and years of experience to the table. Your next live auction can be a blockbuster success. Let’s change the world together. Reach out. Let’s chat!