Frequently Asked Questions > Online Auctions > When Should Our Online Auction "Go Live"?
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Some online auction companies will recommend you run your online auction as a primer for your Auction Event. They may recommend you to run your online auction in the 2-4 weeks running up to your big event. I disagree with that approach.
Let me be clear, I like online auctions. They have thier palce in many of my clients fundraising efforts. I expect most organizations will offer online bidding as an effective revenue stream, sooner rather than later.
When your online auction closes, all those items need to be packaged and shipped to the winners. This takes time. Time you likely don't have in the days before your your annual event. Why add stress to an already stress filled day.
Add the fact that I don't see any financial benefit in following that advice and it's an easy decision.
Two approaches I like:
1) Start the online auction the day AFTER your event. Print the web address in your program for the night. Show it on your big screens. Have your auctioneer promote it. Print up and drop a business card in each persons bag at the end of the night directing them to your "Online Auction".
2) Start the online auction any time you want. I have several clients that run online auctions year round. Sometimes they have 50 items for sale, other times maybe only 10. But they place things in the online auction as they are procurred in many cases.
- This avoids storing it all year.
- Keep that cash flow throughout the year.
- Ease the work load of your committee.
The argument that the online auction allows for the promotion of your event is a good one, but most organizations have their own website for promotion and can driving their own traffic to it via newsletters and event reminders.
Last updated on February 29, 2012 by Jim Miller
