Where To Get Items For Your Auction
How to get auction items | Silent auction items | How to find auction items for my golf tournament
Sourcing items for your auction can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be!
In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips to find auction items for your event–– allowing for a more exciting experience for your attendees and extra revenue for you!
Ask Local Companies for Donations
One of the best ways to source auction items for your golf tournament or other charity event is to contact local businesses and ask for their support. This can be done a number of ways, from cold outreach to pivoting from a declined sponsorship.
Always remember that worst case scenario, you get a “no”–– but you’ll never know if you don’t try!
Utilize your resources–– send an email, make a phone call, or network through mutual connections. You may be surprised with the amount of local (or even not-so-local) businesses (and sports teams–– don’t forget about tickets!) that will be willing to support you by donating goods, services, event admissions, or baskets to your auction.
With an event website like BirdEase, you can also highlight the mutual benefits to prospective donors. With built-in sponsor recognition and page editing capabilities, you get auction items, and the company gets promotion and visibility! It’s a win-win!
Pivot From Declined Sponsorship Opportunities
Did a prospective sponsor decide to not purchase one of your packages? Don’t be discouraged! Instead, pivot and ask if they’ll provide an in-kind donation in lieu of a monetary sponsorship. You may be surprised by a company’s willingness to contribute to your event, even if they can’t swing the cost of a full sponsorship.
Offer Your Own Unique Service or Experience
Items for auction don’t have to be “fancy.” Embrace the uniqueness and unexpectedness of what you and your organization have to offer!
Consider allowing attendees to bid on a coveted seat, table, or starting hole at your event. Are you hosting a pro-am, or will a locally well-known individual be in attendance? Auction off a chance to play with, sit with, or just meet the person!
Ensure that you’re taking advantage of all available opportunities. Participants just want to have fun, and often enjoy bidding simply knowing that their funds are going towards a worthy cause that they care about.
Do Market Research & Buy Your Own Preferred Prizes
While obtaining auction items for free is certainly preferred, as it maximizes your potential revenue, don’t completely count out purchasing some items.
Do you live in a particular area where certain activities are popular? Are there die-hard sports fanatics rooting for the local college football team? Is your area full of neighborhood dogs that would love an assortment of treats? Do an assessment of interests in the community, and consider purchasing some enticing options.
Options for Runners
Is running an activity popular in your area? Consider auctioning a new pair of sneakers.
Options for Sports Fans
Have a great local football team? Connect with the team and offer a signed jersey or ball for auction.
Options for Pet People
Lots of local pups? Put together a basket of treats and toys so dog lovers can get excited and bid!
Interested in what’s working for others in your general area? Check out the BirdEase Search Events Feature. Look up other outings on our platform to see what’s popular on their auction page and take some inspiration from them.
Hosting a silent auction is a great way to drum up excitement for your outing and garner additional revenue for your cause.
Pulling together enough items to present a well-rounded auction page can seem daunting, but if you follow our tips and take it one step at a time, you may be surprised with how well it all comes together.
