Sourcing the Right Auction Items for Your Next Fundraiser

Not having the right collection of items in your auction catalogue is a surefire way to devastate revenue-generation. Thus, with the New Year almost upon us, it's the perfect time to re-evaluate what items you need to include in your next fundraising event. Although every charity and fundraiser is unique, there are certain items that almost always sell… and sell well. The most popular auction items are those that suit the interests of your supporters, complement your event theme, and have good income potential.   Unique food experiences and vintage wine One-of-a-kind restaurant experiences, vintage wine, private dinners, canape functions, and cheese and wine tastings, will appeal to your guests innermost 'foodie' and make for great gifts and prizes. One particular item that has been selling like hot cakes, is the chef's table experience for 6 at Gordon Ramsey's Petrus. Guests are given a ringside seat to watch as the brigade create an amazing menu specially designed to suit the tastes of their party.  Themed gift baskets

The highly popular gift basket is a great way to combine smaller donations items into one BIG package. With a little resourcefulness, originality and creativity, you can produce a product that is much more valuable than selling each item individually (see our blog on bundling auction items). A beauty basket labelled the “Ultimate Makeover” for example, is an excellent fundraising idea for an event tailored towards women. Bundling items like hair care products, make up, styling tools and a gift certificate to a local salon can bring in a sizeable profit.   Highly sought concert tickets and sporting events Sport and concert related prizes render appeal to both men and women alike. Tickets to games and tours such as the State of Origin, US Masters or Singapore Grand Prix are crowd favourites. Providing unique opportunities like “designing your own Mick Fanning surfboard” or allowing guests to buy their own racehorse shares also work well. Similarly, packaging highly-sought concert tickets with signed memorabilia and music equipment give these prizes that extra something special.   Travel Packages Last, but definitely not least, are travel experiences. Whether it's a fun weekend getaway or a magnificent overseas holiday, these items are proven winners. Supporters are more likely to bid for packages that have that extra X-factor. Take for example, a romantic getaway to a mid 19th Century Scottish castle. A big-ticket item like this a big draw card for a fundraising auction however is almost impossible to get donated. Fortunately, that's where GalaBid's no-risk consignment service comes in handy.