Silent Auction Donation Ideas for a Successful Fundraiser

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores ideas for donations to silent auctions, particularly focusing on how to create appealing packages that attract bids while being mindful of budget constraints. Participants share their personal experiences and suggestions for items to include in their donations.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, suggests including a couple of products along with a free cooking show to enhance the appeal of the donation.
  • Another participant shares their experience of creating a gift certificate for a silent auction, noting that it can lead to new customers.
  • Several users mention the effectiveness of presenting items in a basket to make them look more substantial.
  • One participant discusses the idea of combining a gift certificate with other products to increase perceived value.
  • Another participant notes that including business cards and promotional materials can help in gaining visibility.
  • Some participants express that they have had limited success in converting auction bids into future business, while others remain hopeful.
  • One participant shares a specific example of a successful donation package that included various kitchen tools and promotional materials.
  • Several users inquire about the best types of gift certificates to offer, debating between general gift certificates and those tied to specific promotions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best combination of items to include in auction donations, with no clear consensus emerging on whether to prioritize gift certificates, cooking shows, or product bundles.

Contextual Notes

Participants are primarily Pampered Chef consultants looking to leverage silent auctions as a means of advertising and gaining new customers, often sharing personal experiences from various events.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants seeking creative ideas for silent auction donations and ways to enhance their visibility within their communities may find this discussion beneficial.

P
PamperedK
Silver Member
Messages
1,126
I've been asked to make a donation to a silent auction fundraiser. There's going to be over 400 guests at the party so it will be a great advertising opportunity!

I'm just looking for recommendations as to what I should donate. I don't have a lot of money so I can't order lots of stuff, but I'd like the prize to look significant.

Do you think it would be OK to include a couple of products and a Free cooking show???

Any ideas are really appreciated.
 
Yes,girls I would like feedback also. I am trying to decide the same thing for school silent auction.
 
What about your own gift certificate, redeemable only through you for $15 plus a few items? It is all a write off, and chances are, half of the people won't even use the GC...or, if they really love PC....maybe they will become a great customer!Everything is in the presentation, make sure you wrap it up all pretty...
 
I did this last year for a friend's private school and I made my own gift certificate. I gave the GC with a business card and a catalog. I did have an expiration date on it and the person never called me to redeem it. Then about 6 months later I got an email from her asking would I still honor it as she had put it in a safe place and just found it....of course I will! It was a $30 GC and she spent about $65 so it was well worth it for me! Plus, the $30 is a write-off for charitable giving.
 
Thanks alot, you gals are great. I would of never thought of this. Good idea on the GC. Thanks Linda & Jennifer
 
I am donating either the Pizza Party Set or the Deep Covered Baker to my youngest daughter's school silent auction. As well...her class is making a basket (all the classes are) and the class mom decided since I was the first to volunteer that it will be a family cooking basket. Perhaps we should make it easy on all the parents and hand them a catalog and make it the Pampered Chef family basket!! LOL!!!
 
Anything in a basket looks nice. It's a great way to take some insubstantial items and make them look more impressive. Definately use the gift certificate that is only redeemable through you. That way you hopefully get a new customer from it as well!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Would y'all do a GC rather than a free cooking show? Or both? Do you think a GC is something people would like more?What about if I did a striped medium bowl and a couple of door prize type things plus the GC? Would that be too much?
 
I think that would be good. Def do the GC....some people may get a "'free cooking show" from their consultant as the host gift...so this way, you can hopefully get them to spend more then the GC...and then you can try and book a show off of them. Since it is an auction, they know what they are bidding on...so I would assume that they like PC!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
True...OK I think I'll do that.I have a show to submit this weekend in which the person holding the auction is a guest, so I'll probably just add the products onto the host order...I can do that, right? I'm having the show shipped right to me, so I'll be able to get out the donation and wrap it up pretty.Oh, and they said they would give me lots of recognition, but I wanted to put in some business cards. Would just 1 be OK or should I give the person running the fund raiser some as well so she can hand them out?eta: to change "gift cards" to "business cards"
 
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That would be really nice, or....what about a season's best (with your biz info in the cover of course) and a small door prize...like bamboo tongs, etc. for her to hand out? I wouldn't go crazy if money is an issue for you. Then again, if not...$10 GC's to hand out would be great...hopefulyl more orders for you!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
Ok, I'm dumb. I meant to say Business Cards.Can you tell I work for a Retail Organization?? :P
 
You might as well give some extras and hope they get passed around!!
 
Winnipegk said:
Would y'all do a GC rather than a free cooking show? Or both? Do you think a GC is something people would like more?

What about if I did a striped medium bowl and a couple of door prize type things plus the GC? Would that be too much?
Click to expand...

Or the GC could read something like 25.00 in free products only at thier own cooking show. ( could use better words usage:o )
 
I always give products I already have here---give them quite a few business cards or mini catalogs to set with your stuff--and I then give a significant (like $25 g.c.) to make it look like more taped to the front of a catalog or the front of the basket

only 2 people have ever redeemed the g.c.---and I donate a lot

don't get your hopes too high tho---about getting lots of orders or shows--I don't think I've ever gotten any--(BUT I HOPE YOU DO!!!)

I do it to get my name out there but....:D
 
I am kinda in the same boat. Our elementary school has a BINGO night every year-it is a HUGE money maker for the PTA and they have asked for donations from local people. They end up having about 300 people there. Since I am just starting out and trying to get my name out there in eery way possible, what's the best donation? They announce the prizes as they are won with the person/organization that donates.
 
I only contributed to a silent auction once, but I took a whisk, spatula, & bamboo spoons, wrapped them in a microfiber towel and put the whole thing in a batter bowl. I used the lid as a base and wrapped it with shrink wrap and ribbon. And, of course, business cards, a mini-cat, the flyer with the upcoming month specials. It looked great and got a lot of bids.

I think the retail was around $50, I had some things on hand and it was a May auction so I was able to buy the rest for 40% off with kit enhansement in April.

I also like the GC idea, and I'm definitely going to use that next time.
 
Does anybody have a sample gift certificate that I can use?
 
I'd love to see a sample GC too and are you giving them an official PC GC or just one specifically from you where you are going to give them a certain amount of products free that you will buy?
 
I like to include something like a $25 gift certificate that states double value ($50) if you host a show ;) I'd include a copy but my previous computer crashed and I lost it :( Note to self and others: BACKUP EVERYTHING!!
 
I always donate some "thing" sometimes a stone I've got extra, sometimes "gadgets" always a SB and always a GC for $10.00 off and then also a GC for a FREE SHOW, I put expiration dates on things for within 3-6 months.

HTH,

Lisa
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of items are best for silent auction donations?

Items that tend to perform well in silent auctions include unique experiences, gift baskets, themed packages, and high-demand products. Consider donating items that align with your audience's interests, such as cooking classes, gourmet food items, or popular kitchen gadgets from Pampered Chef.

How can I promote my silent auction donation effectively?

To promote your silent auction donation, use social media platforms, email newsletters, and community bulletin boards. Highlight the value of your donation and how it contributes to the fundraiser. Engaging visuals and compelling descriptions can help attract more bidders.

Should I set a minimum bid for my silent auction item?

Yes, setting a minimum bid can help ensure that your item sells for a fair price. It also encourages competitive bidding, which can increase the final sale amount. Make sure the minimum bid reflects the item's value and the fundraising goals of the event.

How can I make my donation stand out in a silent auction?

To make your donation stand out, create an eye-catching display that includes a clear description of the item, its value, and any unique features. Consider adding a personal touch, such as a handwritten note or a story about why you chose to donate this item.

What are some creative silent auction donation ideas related to Pampered Chef?

Creative donation ideas related to Pampered Chef could include a cooking party package, a themed dinner night with Pampered Chef products, or a subscription box featuring seasonal kitchen tools and recipes. You could also offer a personalized cooking class or a gift certificate for a Pampered Chef shopping spree.

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