How to Get Items for your Online Auction
Don't let the challenges of item acquisition deter you from having an attractive and robust online auction catalog. BiddingForGood (cMarket) will help you to solicit donations from your community with ease, and supplement your catalog with exclusive items at no risk to your organization.
- The best place to start is close to home. Reach out to your local community. You will find willing participants in the surrounding areas that are eager to support local organizations.
- If you have compiled a database of businesses and constituents that have supported your organization in the past, concentrate on these primary contacts.
- Have your volunteers call or visit other potential donors in the area to discuss the possibility of donating to your online auction.
- Consider obtaining lists and networking with similar organizations to expand your potential.
- Begin by introducing your organization and giving a brief overview of your mission and services.
- Explain why you are running an online auction and how the money raised will be used - and when applicable- how it will benefit the community.
- Touch upon former fundraising initiatives and provide details as to how the money was spent and the noticeable benefits of those efforts.
- Donors can take advantage of the visibility and promotional value that comes from having an item in your BiddingForGood (cMarket) auction.
- Donor names and company logos can be represented on the Item Details page and linked back to their website for the duration of the online auction - offering greater exposure than a live or silent auction.
- Email communications, weekly features and mentions on the online auction homepage can be used to draw attention to the products or services the donor contributes, and result in additional promotion.
- Bidders gravitate to donors. Philanthropic consumers tend to take interest in, and become patrons of contributing companies. Corporate donors are likely to obtain new business by supporting to your online auction.
- All donations are tax deductible
- Discounted items and services - Everyone loves a deal!
- Item categories that produce the highest revenue include: Sports Tickets, Get-A-Ways, Travel, Entertainment/Leisure, Designer handbags & Accessories and Unique Experiences.
- Item categories that generate a lot of competitive bidding include: , Dining Gift Certificates, Retail Gift Cards, Sports Tickets, Gift Baskets, Gourmet Food and more.
- General rule: the more universally desirable the item is, the more revenue it will produce.
- Take advantage of the BiddingForGood (cMarket) Item Donation Program. BiddingForGood (cMarket) has acquired a large selection of items available to include in your next online auction. Items include Luxury Travel, Jewelry, Sports Tickets, Spa & Beauty, and much more. This program is a fast, easy way to boost your catalog size - and is an exclusive program for BiddingForGood (cMarket) clients only!
- Employ BiddingForGood (cMarket)'s "Donate An Item" feature on your auction pages. Give your community the opportunity to donate online to assist with item solicitation and free up resources.
- Use a "Donate An Item" - Quick Link on your organization's website to obtain items prior to your online auction's launch.
