Frequently Asked Questions > Live Auction FAQ > What types of items should be avoid in our Live Auction?
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Avoid Artwork*, clothing, furs, furniture, orthodontia, fancy rugs or high end appliances. All are very personal items and difficult to sell. Most are also straight forward retail items that people are not likely to overpay for as they have clear idea of the value. Remember, the auction ideal item is something that 100% of the bidders would want to own. Clearly, that's tough to find. So we settle for an item that has the widest possible appeal and is most likely to get people fighting over it in a live auction setting.
Way to often I see "A Complete Orthodontic Package - valued at $6000" and the committee will want this item in the live auction. I agree, at a school auction, there are plenty of families who will need this item. But, do we really see people fighting over orthodontics? Every parent knows what it costs and every orthodontist offers multi-year financing. At an auction, the winner will need to write a check that night.
I see two primary reasons why these get shoe-horned into live auctions. First, the misconception that "Because it's valued at $6000 it MUST GO LIVE. That's just bad auction policy. Second, these doctors tend to be really good people who already know everybody in the room, so it's a feeling of obligation to include them in the highest profile part of your event. I've pretty much given up arguing this point. It's just silly and a terrible way to manage your fundraising efforts.
Way to often I see "A Complete Orthodontic Package - valued at $6000" and the committee will want this item in the live auction. I agree, at a school auction, there are plenty of families who will need this item. But, do we really see people fighting over orthodontics? Every parent knows what it costs and every orthodontist offers multi-year financing. At an auction, the winner will need to write a check that night.
I see two primary reasons why these get shoe-horned into live auctions. First, the misconception that "Because it's valued at $6000 it MUST GO LIVE. That's just bad auction policy. Second, these doctors tend to be really good people who already know everybody in the room, so it's a feeling of obligation to include them in the highest profile part of your event. I've pretty much given up arguing this point. It's just silly and a terrible way to manage your fundraising efforts.
* Unless done by small children or freakishly trained animals.
Last updated on December 1, 2011 by Jim Miller
