Auction Item Procurement

How To Get Items For A Charity Auction

Getting the right live auction items for your nonprofit auction can be a challenge, but it’s a lot easier when you know what you’re looking for! The best live auction items are unique, exclusive, or truly priceless.

If a friend approached you asked for an item donation to their charity auction, what’s the first thing you would think of to donate? Probably the thing that’s easiest to donate (least valuable) that would placate your friend! Instead, what if your friend asked you for a specific donation, something they know you have and could easily donate (but that’s more valuable)? If it’s just as easy to give that, you probably will.

Throw An Auction Item Acquisition Party!

Arm your item acquisition committee with some great item ideas that they can request as donations. Throw a brainstorming party for them where you can all brainstorm the possible donations that are available to you.

Here are some great questions to ask at your auction item brainstorming party:

• “Do you or someone you know have access to a home in a desirable location?”
• “Do you or someone or know have a connection to a celebrity who would have lunch with the winning bidder?”
• “Do you or someone you know have access to a once-in-a-lifetime experience, like a ride in a blimp or on the Zamboni at a hockey game?”

Inevitably, someone can either donate on their own, or has a connection to someone who can donate, charity auction items like these. When someone asks specifically for the donation, chances are good that they’ll get it.

Enlist the help of a full-time charity auctioneer like Andrew Bost to get your brainstorming process started right!