A silent auction can be an excellent way to raise money for an organization or an event. In a silent auction, items are donated from businesses and individuals. These items are then placed on a table for others to view. Bids are made by writing down a number and placing it in a container that rests next to that particular item. The most important part of the silent auction is acquiring the items that will be bid on. Here are some tips for asking for those donations.
Instructions
1. Call or speak in person with friend and relatives about donating small items to your silent auction. Explain to these people that you're simply looking for anything that they can give up and that won't cost them anything. Used furniture that is in good-to-great condition, such as a table or TV stand, would make an excellent donation to your silent auction. Airline miles are another popular donation made by individuals.
2. Visit any companies that you do business with and ask them for donations to your silent auction. Only visit these places if they are familiar with you and you are friendly with people in the company. Explain what your silent auction is all about, and emphasize who or what it benefits. Don't ask for a specific donation at that time, and don't make them make any type of commitment on that day. Give the company your contact information, and give them at least 3 to 5 days in order to get back to you regarding the silent auction.
3. Mail fliers to smaller local businesses regarding your silent auction. "Mom and Pop" stores are more likely to donate items or gift certificates to a silent auction that helps out the community. For this reason, the informal flier is an acceptable way to ask. Again, don't ask for any specific donations from these smaller businesses.
4. Write a letter and send it to companies or organizations that are similar to yours. This is a professional way to do business with an organization that you have no relationship with. In your letter, talk about the silent auction in the first paragraph. Then, name a few other businesses and companies that have agreed to help. Finally, ask the company to whom the letter is addressed for a donation. When doing so, write down a date that you would like to be contacted. If you don't hear from the organization by that date, you can assume you will not be receiving a donation from that organization.
5. Place an advertisement in the local newspaper. This advertisement should explain the basics of your organization and how the silent auction benefits the organization. You should name the type of donations you are accepting for your blind auction without naming specific donations. Placing this ad in a Saturday or Sunday paper will help ensure that the entire area is aware of the silent auction.
