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►When a Bidder Backs Out-Part Two

 March 11, 2020 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

See Part One for 3 things you can do to (hopefully) safeguard your gala and stop this from happening, but, if it happens, here’s what you can do:

(Excerpt from a recent conversation with a client:)

I would 
-start by trying to address the exact issue: is the winning bidder just now realizing the blackout or expiration dates? If so, contact the donor to see if you have any wiggle room. Is the amount of the purchase too much at one time? Offer to break up their total into payments. Is the top bidder claiming, “It wasn’t me?” Show him or her your back-up confirmation system, whether clerk sheet, signature, video of the auction, or all 3. Did anyone from your team have a conversation with the winner immediately after the purchase? Your bidder may still back out, but make sure you’ve done all you can, because trying to sell an item after the event can be a headache.

If you’ve tried your best to be diplomatic and solve the issue to no avail, ask the person who no longer wants their live auction item if they’d like to donate the item back and instead make a 100% tax-deductible straight donation to your organization. I’ve seen this done multiple times.

If you still end up with the auction item, you now have to monetize it somehow.

  1. Is there an upcoming event you can use it for? Will the expiration (if applicable) still be far enough in advance? If that event isn’t suited for this size or type of prize as a live auction item, could it become a raffle that you sell chances to win for over time? (check your local raffle statutes).
  2. Can you sell it internally, to a board member or staff member or volunteer?
  3. If you have to open it back up for bidding or buying, try the guests who were in the room and heard the promotion/saw the images.
    Email every table host individually and say something like
    “Thank you for attending and supporting us! We had a wonderful night and are so thankful for you and your guests.We have some exciting news! We have something in the works where guests may be able to still place a bid for a _________________ valued up to _____________. We’ve spoken with (donor) and the offering would be___________________________. (Our auctioneer thinks) there may have been a guest at your table bidding during the Live Auction, and we wanted to extend this opportunity. If you know of a guest who had been bidding, we’d love to share this updated info with him or her.”

If you don’t get any responses from that, you can put the item on your website or an online bidding platform to find a new offer (or two or three).

As I said to my client, “I’m sorry this happened. Sometimes people are…people.” 

Comments are closed - Categories: Better Buyers, Board members, Consulting, GALA GAL Case Study, Live Auctions

►When a Bidder Backs Out-Part One

 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

It happens.

Not very often, but it happens.

Sometimes it’s because the person drank too much. Beware of Open Bar combined with a too-late live auction. It’s an urban myth that you should get your guests drunk so they “bid more.” Drunk is NOT the goal, should never be the goal. The guideline fundraising professionals use is “Two drinks good, 3 drinks bad.” Get your fundraising FINISHED before your guests have finished a third drink. People who’ve had too much to drink (more than 2-3) tend to be louder, talkative, self-absorbed, unable to focus on the larger agenda of the whole room, and -in extreme cases -not thinking clearly. Oh they might bid, but they’re the first ones to cry “buyer’s remorse” and refuse to pay, leaving you with a multi-thousand dollar auction item and no crowd left (on Monday after the event) to sell it to.

There are other reasons people refuse to honor their auction bid, and there are a few ways you can minimize your risk, so start building these safeguards into your next event:

  1. Videotape your live auction and paddle raise appeal. If you’ve got them on video raising their Bid Number, it will be harder to claim it was a mistake.
  2. Get an instant confirmation after each item is sold. We often create a separate invoice for each live auction item and a runner gets an immediate “Print, Phone, Signature” – printed name, phone and confirming signature acknowledging the item and the purchase price. If using mobile bidding, one of the reps can go to each winner and immediate confirm acceptance by asking for his/her phone number to tie that item to an account on file.
  3. Make sure your clerks are writing down the back-up bidders, too, in case you need to reach out to them after the event. (Side note: remember that ALL bidders during your live auction – everyone who raises a bid number – was trying to give you money that night, and only a few were the final winning bidders. It’s a GREAT idea to follow up with all bidders after the event and thank them, see if you can interest them in supporting in another way, invite them to join the committee for next year’s auction, etc.)

Despite all of your efforts, someone calls on Monday and backs out/won’t honor their bid. Now what?

Check out Part Two…

Comments are closed - Categories: Better Buyers, Consulting, Event Logistics, Live Auctions

►February Gala Themes

 March 9, 2020 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

You’re in luck! One of the most elegant and beloved themes should be back on your radar – Hollywood’s Biggest Night! The decor and dress code are upscale and lux, the theme suggests all kinds of movie and celebrity tie-ins, and you can sell a Viewing Party buy-in opportunity in someone’s home for top dollar! I’m happy to chat about ways to wow your crowd, and – in the meantime – mark your calendars: 2021’s Academy Awards ceremony is set to take place Feb. 28 and 2022’s on Feb. 27.

Comments are closed - Categories: Charity, Consulting, Event Logistics

►Text Me!

 September 4, 2019 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Quick FYI that I’m ending my 877-GALA-411 toll free number, as those days are gone and texts to my 407-791-1360 (Tampa) cell are in! Of course, you can call me on that same number, or e-mail me at Info@GalaGal.com. Nothing’s constant but change 🙂

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting

►Calling in Favors

 August 21, 2019 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS
image of live auction table

Committee members often ask me how to reach out to a well-connected community pillar or a semi-celebrity they happen to know. When you’re not asking for a direct donation, but instead asking to be connected to someone’s friends and associates, that asking can be tricky.

When it comes to reaching out for donations, it’s helpful to consider a couple of things:
First, ask the person you know if the cause you’re requesting on behalf of is one they feel good about supporting.

For example:
“As you may know, I’m on the committee for X Cancer Organization, and they help people across the state with emergency scholarships for basic necessities while going through cancer treatment, like keeping their electricity on and a roof over their heads. I’d love your help to make their fundraiser more successful, and I’m not asking for money 🙂 With your help, we could raise thousands more dollars. Could I ask you a few questions?”

Then, explain the type of connections you’re looking for. 

“This event has an exclusive live auction with only a small number of carefully chosen packages, and a silent auction also. Each live auction spot typically raises $2000+, and we’re always looking to offer the guests memorable, emotional experiences that they just can’t stop bidding on! During committee brainstorming for ideas, they were hoping for (insert package ideas you think could come from the prospect’s contacts – Dinner for 12 with Chef ________, Sunset Yacht Trip for 20, Box at ______ sporting event, etc.). Would you be willing to connect me to people who can make this happen?”

That process is both polite and effective in securing more and higher value donations. 

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting

►It’s all about the Shoes!

 August 10, 2019 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS
photo of red high heels

One of my favorite themed events is coming up: Wine, Women and Shoes. Instead of being the brainchild of and benefiting only one nonprofit, WW&S is an outside partner that over 100 nonprofits across the country have partnered with, raising more than $75 million dollars. That’s some impressive philanthropy. At one of these signature events you’ll find – of course – a lot of wine, a lot of women, and A LOT of incredible shoes! You’ll also find a lot of bidding, donating, and all-around generosity. If you’re looking for a feel-good night out, find your fanciest footwear and join us!

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting

►Here’s a Good Idea

 August 4, 2019 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS
photo of bid sheet

About half of my events still do traditional silent auctions with paper bid sheets. And about half of those organizations use the “Just Buy It” or Instant Purchase option, so that attendees can stop bidding in small increments and just opt to buy it and be done. However, this can cause more than a little confusion. People unfamiliar with the Instant Purchase option often try to keep bidding, and then more than one person believes he is the winner. With the clear and easy notification show above, you will make your auction clearer and easier for your bidders. And, you know the GALA GAL motto, “Make it easy for people to spend money.”

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting

►A long-time client says…

 June 17, 2018 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

I am delighted to recommend Jenelle Taylor as an auctioneer. We have been working with her for the past five years, and she has been sensational in every way. She works well with a multitude of different personalities on our gala committee, and she never gets flustered. Jenelle is a bundle of positive energy. She has a wealth of ideas and yet remains flexible and willing to try any ideas others may have. Jenelle is well- organized and a good communicator. She pays attention to every auction detail. Jenelle is bright, personable and fun-loving and her warmth shines through in everything she does. – Nancy Ludin, Jewish Pavilion 

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Charity, Consulting, Event Logistics, Silent auctions

►First-time Client

 March 27, 2018 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

photo of Jenelle Taylor

Tropical-themed Gala!

I recently worked with a small school on Florida’s east coast, and here’s the result, direct from the chair, Tamara:

“Wow! You are absolutely amazing and I am so thankful for you! From everything I read and researched  about auctions prior to contacting you explained and taught me to hire a professional auctioneer, and now I completely understand why!  You are the best and if I decide to do this again next year, you will be the first person I call to make sure you are available! Many people including the principal asked me how I found you and commented on how amazing you did! From not knowing our community you did your homework and were on target with everything! We were all impressed! Plus this auction was more profitable than it has been for the last 5 years! I can’t thank you enough for everything! Also, I wish I would have used your book more than I did. It is really invaluable and now that it is over if I am going to do it again I am going to follow your book exactly and get started ASAP! 

Thanks again! You are a true professional and such a lovely person!” 

Are you planning an event, or part of a committee? I’d love to help you, too!

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting

►Need an Emcee?

 January 7, 2018 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

You know you need a professional auctioneer for the live auction portion of your event, and that same professional typically handles your Paddle Raise, Fund A Need, or Donation Appeal part of the fundraising, too. But have you been paying extra for an emcee? Or using someone who speaks well with a teleprompter and not so great without one?

Recently I’ve been asked to emcee more and more events. These clients like that I’m already practiced at being their ambassador because I’ve been preparing to guide the crowd in giving. Since I know the group and its programs inside and out, I often hear -like I did last weekend- “Do you work for the organization? I thought you did, because you know so much about it.”

Being an emcee is more than just reading a script, it’s crowd control, getting the audience’s attention, knowing how and when to change your voice to influence the mood in the room, knowing how to do compelling introductions, and always keeping an eye on the timing, music, lights and other cues that all work together in your evening.

So as you’re planning your event, remember, I can help if your event needs an emcee.

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting

►Multi-year Agreements?

 November 7, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

photo of GALA GAL Jenelle Taylor

Yes, you should consider multi-year contracts

Recently I emailed an organization in Tampa with a really cool, unique event, asking if they had an auctioneer already for spring 2018.

Here’s the reply:

I have hired my auctioneer with a five- year,  first-right-of- refusal contract. Thank you for your interest. We can revisit you in 2020.

I was like, “Wow, 2020! Ok, then, they are taking this 5-year thing *seriously*. And then I thought, “Kudos to you, unknown auctioneer, who talked your client into this job security, rare in our line of work.”

But here’s the thing – I soon found out it wasn’t the auctioneer’s idea – it was the Event Chair’s!

Check this out:

“I have been doing events since 1986 and after my first year working with everyone I’ve nailed them into a five-year contract. It just helps so I do not have to re-create the wheel every year.”

How.Wise. Is. That? I mean, crazy smart, right?

Once you know you like an auctioneer’s style and you like working with them, or like a DJ, a caterer, a venue, an emcee, etc., doesn’t it make your life sooooo much easier to not recreate the wheel each year? Of course you can have a new theme, new decor, maybe different entertainment, but good auctioneers are hard to find, as are ideal venues, especially those with great food. Wouldn’t it make your life soooo much easier to agree to a longer-term partnership than 3 months, 6 months, or even a year?

I was pretty blown away by the crystal clear logic of this Event Chair with 30 years of experience.

I think it’s something we would all benefit from, so if you love your venue, emcee or auctioneer, next time give them first right of refusal beyond year 2, as a show of goodwill (and a commitment to your sanity!)

 

Comments are closed - Categories: Auctioneers, Consulting, Event Logistics

►Everything Silent Auction

 October 11, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Auctioneer Jenelle Taylor on silent auctions

GALA GAL Jenelle Taylor has a series of short Youtube videos on silent auctions

Are you planning a silent auction? Is this your first one, or your 14th?

For a quick refresher on every way to streamline your process and earn the most money, make sure to check out this series of two-to-three minute videos on Youtube.

Comments are closed - Categories: Charity, Consulting, Event Logistics, Silent auctions

►Got Scarves?

 September 28, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

photo of selling donated scarves at auction

DON’T leave things folded up!

So, scarves.

It’s not a frequent donation, but these were high-end, valued about $80 each, and we had 12 of them!

How to display, how to display, to get the most eyeballs and attract the most bids?

“Don’t worry,” I told my client last January, “I got this.”

And with our hotel contact, we tucked 2 narrow tables into an alcove and draped them in black to make them “disappear,” and then draped 3 easels in an expensive-looking cream stripe to better offset the various scarf patterns. Then we grabbed 2 bamboo poles the hotel had in storage, tied those to the easel rests, and draped each gorgeous scarf. A quick tie with cream ribbon kept each from sliding off the pole, while still allowing guests to touch the fabric and lift upward to see the design.

Sure, you COULD leave them folded in squares, flat and sad on the silent auction table…but that’s only if you didn’t have a Benefit Auctioneer Specialist to help you craft a better display, right? 🙂

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Event Logistics, GALA GAL Case Study, Silent auctions

►Venue Checklist – Download This

 September 14, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

image of Venue Checklist

Download the FREE Checklist!

I try to do a Venue Visit with clients at least 2 months before the event, so I can help determine stage position, traffic flow, sound system and lighting needs, etc.

You can download and print (or view on your phone) this 70-item Venue Checklist to help you either A.) narrow down your venue options, or B.) catch potential problems with the venue you chose.

It covers

  • Destination Appeal
  • Parking / Valet
  • Raised Stage
  • Pre-dinner Space
  • Auction Promotion
  • Lighting

I often repeat the mottos “Make it easy for people to spend money” and “Ambiance is bad for auctions” (meaning low light is fine for dinner, but make sure the lights can be brighter for silent and live auctions and appeals).

As always, if you’ve got a question, just call my cell at 407-791-1360 in Tampa!

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Event Logistics, Live Auctions

►Cancun was the SUMMIT!

 August 30, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

photo of Benefit Auction Summit 2017

Featured Presenter Every Other Year!

It’s that time of year again, when the biggest names in Benefit Auctions nationwide gather to share and learn.

Oh, yeah, that happens, too, but many of us go year after year to see our much loved peers and friends! You see, the benefit auctioneers are a very tight group.

In fact, I’m part of a connected international (and private) group of more than 1000 individuals who do fundraising auctions.

That means that at any time, I can reach out to professionals across the country  – to check out a consignment provider, bounce off ideas, or mentor someone. I can even get feedback on your committee’s brilliant (or kooky!) new idea 🙂

This year, to shake things up a bit we gathered in Cancun, Mexico, and a good time was had by all. My presentation this year continues my streak of being featured as a presenter for our industry every other year since 2010. As you can imagine, we come away with new techniques to bring back home to you, our nonprofit partners!

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Consulting

►Cruise Raffle

 August 23, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

lapel pin of blinking ship

Selling chances to win for that cruise or yacht trip!

Ah, the Chance to Win, doesn’t most every event have one?

Of course, the very first thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with your state’s (and sometimes city) raffle, gaming, gambling, drawing statutes.

Did you know that in Florida, you can’t require anyone to pay for a ticket?

Print out the Florida statute here.

Once you know the rules, this is a great option for the “blinky lights” pin to show who bought a chance to win (and, obviously, who hasn’t yet).

Do you know that Holland America has a reduced-price program that your nonprofit might qualify for? It’s a great program with a reasonable fixed cost, and never expires. Check it out here.

If you’re selling chances to win a cruise or a yacht excursion, instead of generic pins consider these cute things, found at FlashingBlinkyLights.com. It’s themed, flashy, and if you don’t want to pin into guests’ fancy clothes, then simply attach each to a lanyard or a wrist-tie ribbon like my client.

Here’s to selling those chances and raising big money!

Comments are closed - Categories: Better Buyers, Consulting, Event Logistics, Other Money Makers, Raffles/Chance Drawings

►”Lucky Line” with Mobile Bidding

 August 16, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

photo of mobile bidding incentive caption

Using Mobile Bidding? Add an incentive to get guests to Bid More!

Do you use the “Lucky Line” for your traditional silent auction bids on paper?

It’s a way to encourage folks to be more generous, give a little more, just jump down a few bidding lines rather than the next bid available. I’ve got an explanation in a viewable Google doc here.

For years we (the benefit auctioneer community) have been trying to replicate this bidder incentive with handheld mobile/text bidding, but to date most mobile technology companies haven’t figured out a way to virtually highlight only bids past a certain point, and then segregate just those for a random winner.

And then my new client shared a semi-solution!

While the one “who makes the most bids” isn’t random and may not encourage as many people to try for the prize as the Lucky Line highlighting does, it certainly is trackable in mobile bidding reports, AND worth celebrating and rewarding! Using the technique above, the organization rewards participation, not dollars, which is an equalizer of sorts.

How have you figured out ways to incentivize more bidding using technology?

 

Comments are closed - Categories: Better Buyers, Consulting, Event Logistics, Other Money Makers, Silent auctions, Technology

►3 Payment Options

 August 9, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

GALA GAL offers 3 ways to pay

It doesn’t cost to hire a professional, it pays!

What do you pay for your auctioneer, and how?

When you’re hiring someone who does fundraising auctions for a living, you know it’s an investment in your success.

You get 1 night, once a year to hold your event, and your auctioneer may be on the microphone longer than any other speaker! Choose the right look, the right personality, the right ambassador to be the face of your annual fundraiser.

I try to offer folks 3 options to reserve a date on the GALA GAL events calendar: an all-inclusive rate (good if you have a budget or will secure an Auction Sponsor), a retainer to get started and a percent of the Live Auction results generated, or, some events qualify to use the Buyer’s Premium, which includes your bidders in auction underwriting so that you can hire a professional auctioneer at little to no cost.

Can you afford to hire a professional auctioneer?

Can you afford NOT to? You don’t get a do-over for your big event. With at least 3 options, there’s a way for just about every organization to partner with a full-time fundraiser like me.

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Buyer's Premium, Consulting

►3 Magic Words to Get Anything Donated

 August 2, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS
photo of Jenelle Taylor

Today’s tip is about the “Three Magic Words” that help you get just about anything donated. In fact, these words elevate your request from an all-too-common “ask” to an opportunity.

Ready? Here they are: feature, showcase and highlight. And the question? How would you like to be included? 

Instead of begging for a donation, explain that  – of all the possible businesses in town – for this event you’d like to “feature” ABC Business so you can “highlight” their great ____________ and “showcase” what they do to your prominent supporters and community members. “Our committee thinks more people should know about your terrific ____________, so we wanted to invite you to have one of the exclusive (another good word!) spots in our live (or silent) auction. How would you like to be involved?”

If they say “no,” thank them and say (to yourself), “Next.” They either see the opportunity or they don’t, and someone always will when you share how wonderful your cause is and how much you want to include them in your biggest 1 night, once-a-year event.

So just ask! And remember: feature, showcase and highlight.

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Consulting, Event Logistics, Live Auctions, Other Money Makers, Silent auctions

►FUBI: Funny, Useful, Beautiful or Inspiring

 July 26, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Funny Useful Beautiful Inspiring

Don’t Interrupt – ATTRACT!

As I was preparing my 90-minute presentation on Branding and Marketing for the National Auctioneers Association annual conference, I came across this GREAT article from a cool-looking group: The Emotional Intelligence Agency. Their tagline is, “Be as interesting as the internet.”

In their recent article in Fast Company magazine, they explain how marketing has changed.

The buzz word now is “emotion,” and how to connect in memorable ways with your target audience.

There are “four kinds of emotionally compelling content: funny, useful, beautiful, and inspiring.”

They condense this to FUBI – an easy thing to remember when planning (or posting) on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Snapchat, You Tube, your website, or anywhere else.

You don’t have to be all of these, and, in fact, you should consider having a different tone on different platforms. Maybe your posts are funny on Twitter, useful on Facebook, and beautiful on Instagram. You might even assign a different person to manage each distinct “voice.”

So, for my presentation, I made this 4-leaf clover image, because if you focus on being funny, or useful, or beautiful, or inspiring with your posts and content, I bet you’ll get luckier with your results.

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Grab Bag, Other Money Makers, social media, Technology

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