Have You Ever Donated to a Chinese Auction?

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and thoughts on donating items to a Chinese auction, particularly in the context of fundraising for a school booster club. Participants discuss what types of items to donate, the mechanics of a Chinese auction, and the potential benefits of making personal connections through donations.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, suggests donating a gift certificate to encourage future orders or bookings.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about the concept of a Chinese auction and seeks clarification.
  • Several users mention that including a gift certificate with donated items could facilitate personal contact with the winner.
  • One participant shares their experience of donating a product and not receiving follow-up, indicating a preference for creating their own gift certificates in the future.
  • Another participant describes the structure of a Chinese auction, explaining how tickets are used to bid on items.
  • One participant recounts their experience of attending a Chinese auction and the types of items they donated, noting that it did not lead to significant business but did result in an order later on.
  • Several participants discuss the idea of creating a basket with various items and a gift certificate to maximize visibility and potential orders.
  • One participant mentions the importance of including contact information with donated items to facilitate future business opportunities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of donating items versus gift certificates, with some participants advocating for a combination of both to enhance visibility and contact opportunities. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach to donations.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences related to their local community events and fundraising efforts, reflecting a range of perspectives on the potential outcomes of donating to a Chinese auction.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering donations to local fundraising events may find insights from shared experiences and varying opinions on effective strategies for engagement and visibility.

buckeyefan08
Messages
611
I was wondering if anyone has ever put anything in a chinese auction before. The booster club at my DD school is doing one and are asking for donations. What should I put in if anything? I was thinking a gift certificate that way they will place an order or better yet book a show to spend it at. I'm just wondering if it would actually be worth it.
Any ideas?
 
Chinese auction? Explain...All I can think of is egg rolls, small buddhas, and chopsticks...
 
I think I would do a gift certificate. And make it one only good through you.. Then they have to contact you to spend it and even if it does not get a bigger order, you have made a contact.

With giving away a product you do not get to make personal contact with the winner.

I am with Janet, what is a Chinese Auction?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Your cracking me up... but what is even better is I don't really know how it works either!!!!
I think it's like a silent auction. They have the items out on the table and people put slips with their bid on it into a basket or something. THen the person with the highest bid wins the prize at a set time. The paper sent home from school says Doors will open @ 10am and the auction starts at 2pm.
 
Chinese Auction is a bunch of baskets from all different places.
You buy tickets and walk around to all the baskets and you put your ticket or tickets in what you like. They then pull one winner for each basket.

I would put a catalog, make your own GC for $25.00 and put little stuff in it. What is nice about making your own GC, you really do not lose any money.
If you need it for this month, I would get a Easter Basket and put your stuff in it.;)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Thanks Colleen! I was a little confused. I do have stuff I could put in a basket. Do you think it would be worth it though? Do you think they would order more than the $25? I was thinking of making up a flyer or something telling them how to turn it into a show. Funny as it may sound, I have NEVER had a show in the town I live in. Would it be worth doing just to get my name out there?
 
The times I have done GC, the person ordered the exact amount of the GC as close as they could get. But I have heard of others getting big orders from them. You just never know.
 
letscook04 said:
Chinese Auction is a bunch of baskets from all different places.
You buy tickets and walk around to all the baskets and you put your ticket or tickets in what you like. They then pull one winner for each basket.

I would put a catalog, make your own GC for $25.00 and put little stuff in it. What is nice about making your own GC, you really do not lose any money.
If you need it for this month, I would get a Easter Basket and put your stuff in it.;)

We just call that a table raffle around here.
 
buckeyefan08 said:
Thanks Colleen! I was a little confused. I do have stuff I could put in a basket. Do you think it would be worth it though? Do you think they would order more than the $25? I was thinking of making up a flyer or something telling them how to turn it into a show. Funny as it may sound, I have NEVER had a show in the town I live in. Would it be worth doing just to get my name out there?


Your welcome. Here are some GC I have.
It would be worth doing. You will get your name out there. You can put as much as you want and make up a flyer with the up coming Host specials! Cataloge & a business card.
 

Attachments

janetupnorth said:
We just call that a table raffle around here.

Funny that everyone does the same thing but calls it something different!:rolleyes:
I really don't know why they call it a Chinese Auction. LOL
 
Now that I understand what it is, I think you should do items with a gift certificate as well. I would be worried that people would not see actual stuff and bid on it if it was just a gc. hope that helps!
 
DH and I attend an event every year that has a Chinese Auction... for our computer company, we donate a GC... this year (my first with PC during the CA time) I put together a mug and two little baggies of the micro cake with instructions and such. It didn't lead to huge things but the person who won it placed an order when the same organization had their fundraiser. *shrug* I'd be more inclined to do a GC for something through you only. $25 an individual order (through you directly), free cookbook for hosting a show, free show... or whatever you want to offer. Make it nice, put your contact info on there and make sure you find out who wins it so you have their contact info too.
 
jrstephens said:
I think I would do a gift certificate. And make it one only good through you.. Then they have to contact you to spend it and even if it does not get a bigger order, you have made a contact.

With giving away a product you do not get to make personal contact with the winner.

I am with Janet, what is a Chinese Auction?


I have donated products and even included a coupon and have NEVER gotten a callback. Next time I will print up my own special gift certificate.

One benefit I did do a basket for, I didn't personally go to but had someone purchase & enter tickets for me & I won a spa basket complete with their embroidered robe, products and a gift certificate for spa services!:love:

A chinese auction is where there are tables with donated items. In front of each item is a bag. You purchase tickets and place them in the bags by the items you would like to win. Later, a winner is drawn from the bags for each item.
 
Oops....didn't read to the end of the thread,:blushing:
 
My dd just brought a flyer home from school the other day regarding her school's chinese acution . . .We went last year it was great and the place was packed but now you all just gave me an idea that I should donate a basket this year . . .you are all the best. Since I only started in October I didn't have the opt to do that last year. So for those of you who have donated, what did you donate? Any results?
 
sounds like a wonderful idea!!! let me know how the chinese auction/table raffle goes!!!
 
K_Jurich said:
My dd just brought a flyer home from school the other day regarding her school's chinese acution . . .We went last year it was great and the place was packed but now you all just gave me an idea that I should donate a basket this year . . .you are all the best. Since I only started in October I didn't have the opt to do that last year. So for those of you who have donated, what did you donate? Any results?


If you want to gain future business from donating your products, do something like a cookbook (make sure your info is in it) and a gift certificate that you've made up that is only redeemable through you. This will almost guarantee a call from the winner. At that point, you can get them to either book and make that certificate go even farther, or even talk to them about signing and using that certificate as a kit credit. If the winner isnt interested in anything but redeeming the certificate, then ask her/him for referrals. the worst they can say is "Nope." ;)

Hope that helps...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #18
I didn't get to do it this year! My DD was out sick Mon. & Tues. they had a snow day on Wed. She brought it home on thurs. and the blizzard we are getting kept me from getting it to the school yesterday. I'm hoping they postpone the auction, it is supposed to be tomarrow and I'm not sure if everyone will be dug out by then!
I wish I had read the paper better!
 
ragschef said:
If you want to gain future business from donating your products, do something like a cookbook (make sure your info is in it) and a gift certificate that you've made up that is only redeemable through you. This will almost guarantee a call from the winner. At that point, you can get them to either book and make that certificate go even farther, or even talk to them about signing and using that certificate as a kit credit. If the winner isnt interested in anything but redeeming the certificate, then ask her/him for referrals. the worst they can say is "Nope." ;)

Hope that helps...
Great advise. . . .Thank you.
 
I am putting together a basket this weekend for one. I am hoping that it turns out good. The dance school is even going to put "for more info..." on the sign for the table in front of my basket. I hope this gets my name out there.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Chinese auction?

A Chinese auction, also known as a basket auction or a penny auction, is a fundraising event where participants bid on items using tickets. Each item is displayed with a corresponding ticket box, and participants can purchase tickets to place in the boxes for items they want to win. At the end of the event, a drawing is held, and the tickets are drawn to determine the winners.

Have you ever donated to a Chinese auction?

Yes, many direct sales consultants, including those from Pampered Chef, often donate products or gift baskets to Chinese auctions as a way to support local charities and promote their business. Donating can help raise awareness about their products while contributing to a good cause.

What types of items are typically donated to Chinese auctions?

Items donated to Chinese auctions can vary widely, but popular choices include gift baskets, kitchen gadgets, cooking classes, and themed items related to cooking or entertaining. Pampered Chef consultants often donate their best-selling products or unique kitchen tools to attract bidders.

How can donating to a Chinese auction benefit my Pampered Chef business?

Donating to a Chinese auction can enhance your visibility in the community, showcase your products, and attract potential customers. It also demonstrates your commitment to supporting local causes, which can improve your brand image and foster goodwill among community members.

What should I consider before donating to a Chinese auction?

Before donating, consider the event's audience and the cause it supports. Ensure that your donation aligns with your brand values and that the event is reputable. Additionally, think about how you can promote your donation, such as including your business card or promotional materials with the donated item.

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