Overcoming The Roadblocks To Digital Auctions

Lots of fundraisers tell us that they'd love to make the switch to digital auctions. But they have some concerns: How will their older guests deal with the technology?Will digital raise as much money as paper based bids?

How can digital auctions engage the audience? Won't they just spend the entire time looking at their phones?Isn't a digital auction very expensive to buy and run?

Change can be confronting. Tried and tested practices can be hard to leave behind. But new ways of doing things can be exciting and offer lots of opportunity. If you want to make the switch to digital auctions, here are a few tips on how to overcome some of the roadblocks:

1. Terrified of Technology?

Many fundraisers worry that older guests won't engage very well with digital based auctions. In our experience it's the older guests who find digital auctions easy and to participate in. Most people have a smart phone or tablet and older people are no exception. The difference is they often have more time to spend with technology so are very tech savvy. They also tend to have bigger phones and take the time to read bidding instructions. But regardless of whether someone is old or young, if they do have reservations a digital auction can still be a positive experience. The process is kept simple to ensure maximum participation. Plus, technical support can be made available for on-site help with quest queries and registration.

2. Will Digital Really Raise More?

It certainly can. The difference with digital as opposed to paper-based bidding is that guests have an opportunity to keep upping their bids for the items they really, really want. Digital auction technology is designed to get the competition firing on all cylinders. Bidders are notified in real-time when they have been outbid. Rather than being stuck with a one-off bid, digital auctions mean they can keep upping their bid until they secure their item. There's also the option to hold pre-event bidding. We find that up to 40% of the auction fundraising takes place during pre-event bidding All up, this means higher bids and more funds raised for your charity or cause. Don't forget that digital also means that guests can see and obtain information on every single auction item. It's a little tricky to display a Bali holiday on a prize table but guests can see beautiful images and get all the information they need right there on their phone on tablet.

3. How Can Digital Auctions Engage An Audience?

Don't worry, just because fundraising guests have their phones out it doesn't mean you'll be faced with a room full of people with the noses glued to their screens. A digital auction makes bidding fun and turns the fundraising into a vibrant event all by itself. The competitive bidding element creates such a buzz around the room. There's genuine and palpable excitement as guests discuss who's bidding for what. The leaderboard keeps all eyes on the game. Guests can see who's in the race to get the top items and who's just outbid them on their favourite item! Of course, it's all in good humour and with fundraising in mind. But the addition of digital technology can really inject a lively, positive vibe to the occasion. And there's genuine transparency in the auction proceedings too with no risk of missed or doctored bids.

4. But Digital Auctions Are Expensive!

You may be surprised at just how cost effective a digital auction is to purchase and run.  But the key issue is that the investment reaps rewards. On average, our clients realise a 30% uplift in revenue raised when they make the switch to digital auctions. The ROI means the auction platform effectively pays for itself while still raising more funds for the charity or cause.