Organising an auction

Auctions can be a fantastic way to raise a lot of money in one evening/ day. They can be a great way to add value to a fundraising evening, dinner dance or ball.

Resources 

• A room/hall, with a podium if possible 
• An auctioneer and some volunteers to spot bidders and take payment 
• Various prizes or 'promises' (these could include a promise to paint a room, be a slave for the day or to cook a meal at your home)
• Labels showing the lot number for each prize 
• Programme/ list for each guest with a brief description of each lot

Timing

You will need to ensure that you have enough time to get prizes or 'promises' donated. You will also need to book your venue and apply for a liquor licence if needed. It's best if you spend at least eight weeks planning the event.

Venue

You will need a fairly large room or hall. Make sure that the guest's seats face the podium, that everyone can see the auctioneer and that the auctioneer can see the guests when they make a bid. It is a good idea to have a section of the room or the lobby dedicated to displaying the prizes on offer. Make sure each prize has a lot number. If you run a bar you will need to apply for a liquor licence if the venue you use is unlicensed.

Fundraising

The auctioneer asks people to make bids for the various lots, the highest bidder wins. Give each lot a set price to start at, so that you can guarantee a certain pay back. It is best to have a broad selection of prizes so that everyone can bid for at least one item. As well as your big prizes (TVs, driving/ golf/ diving lessons, weekend away) make sure you have some smaller prizes (signed books, theatre tickets, a meal for two.) Also add some surprise ones such as a head shave (see how much the crowd will pay) or a 'promise' such as a cleaner/ gardener for the day.

You can raise extra money by selling advertising space in your programme. Ask a local printer to produce the programme for free / at cost in return for a mention in the programme.