How to Run a Silent Auction

Silent auctions are a great way to raise money for charity or other causes. Unlike traditional auctions, they don’t require an auctioneer. Instead, attendees write their bids on sheets of paper. With careful planning and execution, you can host a successful silent auction that maximizes your fundraising efforts.

Part 1: Preparing for the Event

Step 1: Recruit Volunteers

1. Build a Volunteer Team: Assemble a team of volunteers to help set up, monitor tables, close tables, handle bid sheets, and manage payments.
2. Identify Key Roles:
   • Officials: Designate volunteers who will wear identifiable clothing (hats, vests, etc.) and can answer questions about the auction rules.
   • Setup Crew: Help set up the venue and items.
   • Monitors: Oversee tables during the auction.
   • Bank Crew: Organize bid sheets and collect money from winning bids.
   • Cleanup Crew: Assist with post-event cleanup.

Step 2: Ask for Donations

• Solicit Items and Services: Reach out to local businesses and individuals for donations. Explain the purpose of the auction and who will benefit from it.
• Include Services: Don’t forget to ask for services like haircuts, golf lessons, or dining experiences.

Step 3: Make a Master List

• Document Everything: Create a master list of all donated items, their value, donor information, and winning bid details. Use a program like Excel to keep everything organized.

Step 4: Number Each Item

• Label Items: Assign a number to each item using stickers or labels and record these numbers on your master list and bid sheets.

Step 5: Gather Supplies

• Essential Items: Purchase clipboards, paper, pens, whiteout tape, extra bid sheets, and tape.
• Security: Obtain a secure cash box and a credit card reader if you plan to accept card payments.

Step 6: Print Bidding Sheets

• Create Sheets: Include the item name, description, value, donor, minimum bid, and minimum bid increments. Add space for bidders’ names, phone numbers, and bid amounts. Consider adding a “Buy it Now” price.

Step 7: Start Setting Up Early

• Allow Extra Time: Begin setting up a day or two before the event to handle any last-minute issues.

Step 8: Lay Out Items and Bid Sheets

• Display Items: Arrange items creatively to maximize space and visibility. Use walls or easels if needed.

Step 9: Secure Bid Sheets

• Prevent Movement: Attach bid sheets to clipboards with pens or tape them securely to tables.

Part 2: During the Event

Step 1: Monitor the Tables

• Volunteer Assistance: Ensure volunteers are available to answer questions and enforce bidding rules.

Step 2: Announce Closing Times

• Give Warnings: Announce the closing time 10 and 5 minutes before the end. If you have multiple closing times, clearly specify which table is closing.

Step 3: Collect Bid Sheets and Pens

• Close Bidding: Volunteers should quickly collect all bid sheets and pens to prevent any late bids. Circle the winning bid and draw lines through empty spaces.

Step 4: Verify Winning Bids

• Check Compliance: Ensure all winning bids meet the minimum bid and minimum increase requirements. Set aside any sheets that don’t meet these criteria.

Step 5: Organize Bid Sheets

• Sort by Last Name: Alphabetize the bid sheets and group them by winning bidder. This helps streamline the payment process.

Step 6: Control the Payment Area

• Manage Access: Keep the payment area organized and secure. Only call bidders to pay once their bid sheets are verified.

Step 7: Distribute Items

• Supervise Collection: Have a volunteer collect items for winners as they pay to prevent any confusion or potential theft.

Part 3: After the Event

Step 1: Handle Leftover Items

• Follow Up: Contact bidders who didn’t pick up their items and arrange for collection. If needed, call the next highest bidder.

Step 2: Deal with Unpaid Items

• Manage Non-Payments: If a bidder doesn’t pay, contact the next highest bidder or decide how to handle the unpaid item.

Step 3: Count Money and Checks

• Ensure Accuracy: Double-check all payments before depositing them at the bank.

Step 4: Thank Participants

• Express Gratitude: Send thank-you notes to donors, bidders, volunteers, and anyone who helped promote the event. Acknowledge their contributions and share the success of the auction.

By following these steps, you can run a smooth and profitable silent auction, ensuring that your organization meets its fundraising goals while providing an enjoyable experience for all participants.