Charity Auction Items     |     3 July 2024

11 Items to Avoid in Your Next Auction

Why choosing the right auction items matters

20 minute read

Auctions are a fantastic way to raise funds and generate excitement around a cause or an organization. The success of an auction largely depends on the items you choose to include. Items that captivate and excite your audience will make a huge difference in the money raised. However, not all items are created equally; some donated items just are not suitable for auction. Recognizing what to include and steer clear of is a huge part of organizing a successful auction. It's wise to avoid certain auction items to ensure your event runs smoothly, leaves a positive impression, and meets its fundraising goals.

Whether planning a traditional live auction with an auctioneer or a silent auction, here’s what you need to consider when considering auction items to avoid.

Initial Considerations

Know your audience

Understanding who attends your auctions is the first step. The demographics and preferences of your audience can greatly influence the appeal and success of the items you choose. For instance, a local community event might find more success auctioning off services and experiences provided by beloved local businesses rather than high-end luxury items that don't connect with the attendees' lifestyles or interests. 

This understanding can prevent common pitfalls in auction planning. For example, it would not be sensible to offer a snowboard in a region where it never snows or a meat smoker at an event primarily attended by vegetarians. Knowing your audience's preferences, needs, and the logistical aspects of their lives helps you create a list of auction items more likely to attract enthusiastic bids and avoid the dreaded silence when the auctioneer calls for offers (or a blank bidding sheet). This alignment with your audience maximizes fundraising potential and improves the overall feel of the event.

Seasonal considerations for auction items

Choosing the right auction items often means tuning into the calendar. Seasonal themes influence what people are interested in and can also inspire generous bidding. For example, a summer charity gala might benefit from auctioning off a luxury beach resort stay or a private sailing adventure, appealing to attendees' vacation mindset. Handcrafted Christmas decorations or a New Year's Eve event package can capture the festive spirit during the winter holidays, encouraging higher bids.

Incorporating seasonal sports can also be a hit. Think of signed memorabilia from baseball stars during spring training or exclusive ski passes when the slopes open. Aligning your items with the seasons makes them more appealing and relevant, which can translate to more spirited bidding.

Evaluating Item Accessibility and Inclusivity

Ensuring the accessibility and inclusivity of auction items is important to planning your event. This means selecting items that appeal to a broad audience and accommodate the varied capabilities and resources of all potential bidders. It's important to consider whether the items require special knowledge, physical ability, or additional expenses to use, as these factors can limit participants' ability to engage fully.

For instance, offering a high-adventure sports package might seem exciting, but it could alienate those who are not physically able to participate or who cannot afford the travel and equipment costs., especially if there aren’t other, varied items up for bid. Similarly, auctioning specialized hobby equipment might only appeal to a niche market, thereby narrowing the potential bidding pool.

It’s perfectly okay to offer specialized items or things that require certain capabilities. Make sure your item descriptions reveal any additional costs associated with the item. For example, if you are auctioning off a luxury hotel in the Bahamas, specify if travel, transportation, and tips are included. Understanding your audience will help you select appropriate items. 

11 auction items to avoid

Items that miss the theme

When planning an auction, keeping a consistent theme can make or break the interest of potential bidders. For instance, if you’re hosting a vintage 1950s-themed fundraiser, auctioning off a modern smart home device might not fit as well with the attendees who are there for the nostalgic charm. Instead, classic items like a vintage jukebox or retro diner-style memorabilia could see much higher interest and bids.

Here’s a practical tip: align each auction item with your theme. Start by listing words that describe your theme and use this as a filter for evaluating potential donations. This practice helps the thematic experience and shows that you're thoughtful and selective, which can elevate the overall perception of your event.

1) Low-value or unwanted items

Imagine the disappointment when an item is up for auction and barely sparks interest, let alone a bidding war. Items perceived as low-value or simply undesirable, such as outdated electronics or overly common items like plain coffee mugs, can slow down the momentum of your event.

To gauge the appeal of potential auction items, consider conducting a quick poll among your team or within your network to see if the items spark interest. Alternatively, look at past auction data to see what items have historically performed well and which have not. This data-driven approach can make sure that every item on your list has potential appeal.

2) Items with legal or usage restrictions

Certain items come with strings attached, complicating their use for the winner. Gift cards are a common example, especially if they are region-specific and your event attracts a geographically diverse audience. A gift card to a restaurant chain in another town isn’t as desirable as something meant for a local store. 

To avoid these issues, clearly communicate any restrictions with potential donors beforehand and make these limitations known to all bidders before the auction starts. This transparency helps maintain trust and satisfaction among your supporters.

3) Difficult-to-transport items

Consider the challenges of a local charity auction where a beautiful but massive, hand-carved statue is up for bid. It’s an impressive item, yet it remains on the floor because potential bidders balk at the thought of getting it home. Instead, focusing on smaller, high-quality items or experiences can keep logistics simple for both the organizers and the winners.

A good practice is to offer delivery options for larger items or to include transportation as part of the bidding package. This thoughtful gesture can greatly increase the item's attractiveness. If that’s not possible, advertise the larger items ahead of time to attract bidders who understand the logistical challenges and can properly prepare.

4) Highly personal or sensitive items

Personal items, especially those worn close to the body, like jewelry or apparel, can be tricky to auction. What might be a treasure to one person could be less appealing to another due to personal taste or sizing issues.

Opt for more universally appealing items such as artwork or experiences to keep your auction comfortable and appealing. If personal items are donated, consider pairing them with other less personal items to create a more attractive package deal. This approach helps maintain the professional and inclusive atmosphere of your event.

That’s not to say you can’t use jewelry or apparel as auction items. These can be extremely popular. You just want to make sure that these items fit the theme and are appropriate for your audience. A beautiful tiara might earn big bucks at a fancy gala but may not be as popular at a community center silent auction. 

6) Overly common or generic items

A common misstep in auction planning is including items that are too ordinary or widely available, like basic kitchen gadgets or common household decor. These items often fail to ignite excitement or competitive bidding because they lack a unique appeal. If your audience can stop at Target on their way home and purchase the item, they are less likely to bid on it. 

Focus on unique, engaging items that offer a special experience or rarity that can't be easily found elsewhere to spark interest and drive up bids. For instance, a signed memorabilia piece from a local celebrity or a handcrafted item unique to a particular artisan can draw much more attention and higher bids. If these types of items won’t be donated in kind, use a charity auction consignment partner to add more specialty items to your auction.

7) Technically complex or outdated items

Auctioning items that are technologically obsolete or require extensive technical knowledge can alienate many potential bidders who might not be savvy with such specifics or interested in older technology. Instead, aim for modern, user-friendly items that are easy to use right out of the box. Contemporary gadgets that integrate with everyday life, like smart home devices or the latest fitness tech tend to be more appealing and will likely generate more interest and higher bids. Of course, if your audience comprises technophiles or collectors, these outdated or complex items might be a hit. 

8) Items with controversial or negative associations

When selecting auction items, avoiding anything linked to controversial figures, events, or that could be perceived as offensive is essential. This includes items that might touch on politically sensitive topics, adult content, or anything that might reflect negatively on your organization. Such items can detract from the positive atmosphere of the event and may lead to negative publicity, affecting your organization’s reputation and the trust of your supporters. Carefully vet all donations to ensure they align with your organization's values and the diverse beliefs of your audience.

9) Items that require too much setup or explanation

If an item arrives at the auction requiring extensive setup or detailed instructions for use, it can be a significant deterrent for bidders. People prefer items that are straightforward and ready to enjoy without extra effort. Focus on providing simple items to understand and use, adding to the bidder's experience by minimizing complications. For example, a ready-to-use spa package or a pre-arranged weekend getaway can be much more attractive than equipment requiring assembly or detailed setup.

10) Perishable or Time-Sensitive Items:

Auctioning items with a short shelf life or requiring immediate use can pose significant challenges for both the auction organizers and bidders. Perishable goods, such as gourmet foods or floral arrangements, must be handled and sold quickly, which can complicate logistics, especially if the auction duration extends or items remain unsold. Auction items like concert tickets or date-specific dinner reservations can limit the interest only to those available at that time. They might be great additions to your auction catalog, but be aware of specific date limitations. Focus on items that provide flexibility and longevity, allowing participants to have an opportunity to bid and enjoy their winnings at their convenience. 

11) Overpriced or unreasonably valued items

Setting the starting bid too high can discourage initial interest and stifle bidding before it even begins. Conversely, undervaluing items can lead to a loss of potential revenue. Achieving the right balance involves understanding the market value of items and setting starting bids that are both appealing and realistic. This strategy encourages more lively bidding and helps items sell for their true worth, maximizing the fundraising potential. Strategies such as market research, expert appraisals, or even previous auction results can provide valuable insights into appropriate pricing.

Turning down donations tactfully

Turning down a donation, especially from a well-meaning supporter, requires careful handling to maintain good relationships and encourage future contributions. Here are some strategies and scripts to help work through these conversations with sensitivity and professionalism.

Strategy: express gratitude first, then explain the reasons

Begin by thanking the donor for their generosity and consideration. This start sets a positive tone for the conversation. Explain that each auction item is selected to maximize interest and fundraising potential, and sometimes, certain items might not align perfectly with the event's theme or goals.

Example script

"Thank you so much for your kind offer of [Item]. We truly appreciate your willingness to support our cause. For this particular event, we focus on items that specifically align with [theme/cause], which helps us ensure the auction's success and engagement. While we might not be able to include [Item] this time, we would love to keep in touch for future opportunities where it could be a perfect fit."

Strategy: offer alternatives

If you need to decline an item, suggest other ways the donor can contribute. That might include financial donations, volunteering, or providing other items that might be a better fit.

Example script

"We appreciate your offer of [Item], and while it doesn't fit our current auction lineup, there are many other ways to support the event. We're looking for volunteers to help with [task], or perhaps you might consider helping us in [another way]. Your support is incredibly valuable, and we'd love to find a way to involve you that leverages your strengths and interests."

Understanding stipulations and practicality of auction items

Handling donations wisely includes knowing the practical aspects of using certain items. For example, gift cards can be a great auction item but come with caveats. In some regions, like Hawaii, only locally purchased gift cards are valid. This restriction must be clear to bidders to prevent disappointment and ensure the items are practical for the winners. Similarly, a "buy one, get one free" lunch voucher might seem appealing but often does not equate to a truly free meal since the purchase is necessary to receive the benefit. Such items might not be as valuable to your bidders as you might hope.

When considering what to accept or reject for your auction, consider each item's usability and restrictions. Clear communication about any limitations or requirements associated with the auction items can prevent misunderstandings and increase bidder satisfaction. This approach promises all participants a positive experience and a feeling of being fully informed about their potential winnings.

What are the best auction items?

Now that you know what not to auction, it’s worth considering the best things to auction. Obviously, what’s best is relative based on your organization, audience, location, and event theme. When selecting items for your auction, look at items that have proven popular and successful in past events. Here are some top choices:

• Travel packages: Ideal for jet setters, these can include exclusive getaways, luxury hotel stays, or unique travel experiences.
• Signed memorabilia: Perfect for fans of movies, sports, or music, items like autographed guitars, jerseys, or posters often draw high bids.
• Custom artwork: Art lovers appreciate unique pieces from up-and-coming or renowned artists.
• Golf lessons or special tee time: Great for sports fans, especially when offered by a known instructor or professional player.
• Behind-the-scenes tours: Appealing to a broad audience, these tours can include movie sets, museums, or businesses.
• Spa packages: Always a favorite, these cater to adults looking to relax and rejuvenate.
• Gift baskets: Versatile and appealing to all, these can be themed around food, wellness, hobbies, or holidays.
• Personalized services: Professional services like coaching sessions, personalized fitness plans, or custom culinary experiences.

Get the most return on your auction items

Selecting the right auction items is key to the success of your fundraising event. With the tips and strategies here, you can avoid common pitfalls and choose items that generate excitement and drive up bids. Of course, having a killer lineup of auction items won’t help raise funds for your organization if you aren’t using the right event management and auction tools. That’s where Silent Auction Pro takes the stage. 

Silent Auction Pro’s platform offers powerful tools to manage every aspect of your fundraising event, from item cataloging and final bid collection to communication and recurring donations. 

To see how Silent Auction Pro can transform your next auction, try a free demo. Discover the ease and efficiency of managing your event with a solution designed to help you succeed. With the right auction items and software in place, your event will surely be a hit.