Live Charity Auctions – What to Sell?

The best items to sell at your charity auction are unique opportunities that have no limit to their value. Things that are not readily available elsewhere will create the most profitable bidding wars and intense audience excitement.

When there it is an established retail value, bidders tend to stop at that amount. They will feel like there is a preset spending limit and may not want others to see them spending more for the item than it is worth.

Avoid donated items that tend to sell for below their true value. These are usually works of art, professional services, and jewelry. They are considered individual options and generally do not sell well at auctions. The value of common artwork depends on the tastes of the buyers in the room. You are unlikely to have enough bidders with similar preferences for art in the audience to create a bidding competition. Selling professional services is also difficult. Most of the guests have a hairdresser that they already frequent. Lawyers, accountants, and other professionals are generally chosen on recommendation or reputation, and buyers at auction are unlikely to purchase services from someone they don’t know. Jewelry, even if priced at a high value, is difficult to sell at a charity auction due to personal preference. Unless you know you have multiple bidders ready before your benefits auction event, avoid these types of items.

Your charity auctioneer may have a list of the best-selling items for the best fundraising auction. Your success is financially important to your organization and begins with acquiring the best donated items to sell at the live auction.