What to do for your online fundraising auction

1. Do NOT Assume your patrons know that you have an online auction.

2. Make sure your have good photos for your items. This has been proven to increase the sell value of an auction item!

3. Seasonally sell. When would your patrons most likely purchase the item you are auctioning? Seasonally selling has been proven to increase the closing value of an auction item (example: a gift certificate for flowers generally goes for a higher value right before Valentine's Day, or Mother's Day than at other times. Why? The demand is greater.)

4. Package smaller valued items together to create a more interesting and desired auction item. (example: combine donated items such as a round of golf, golf balls, towels, etc. to create a gift package or basket that has an even greater appeal to your patrons)

5. Promote on a regular basis. Don't stop your marketing and advertising, be like the pros, continually keep your patrons abreast of new auction items and featured items!

6. Deliver your auction items quickly to the winning bidder. Don't let your best patrons have a frustrating experience. Make sure you follow through and deliver the auction item in a timely manner.

7. For your donors: Make sure you recognize them appropriately so they will be sure to include you on their list of charities or non-profit to help next year.

Use the following ideas to promote your auction:

** Use fliers to promote your auction

** Email your patrons regarding the event and feature items in the email
(Check out our email marketing tips link above)

** Word of mouth can be your best way to get the news out about your auction - use the "send to a friend" button on our site as a "word of mouth" tool.

** Send a "Press Release" to local community papers. Many local papers are looking for news to fill there pages - make the effort.

** Get a corporate sponsor. Many companies are looking for inexpensive ways to promote their company while showing their community involvement.