Silent Auction

[zimtech]

I am just starting out as a part time tech. I am becoming involved in my local communities to get to know people and network. The Legion is having a Silent Auction in a few weeks. I was thinking offering some onsite diagnostics and an something extra on top of that that I would total bill for about $100 in value.

As anyone had any experience with Silent Auctions for charity fundraisers?

I read already about the taxes part, and I understand that people in services business like ours can't write anything off for a service preformed if I am giving it away.

 

[altrenda]

I have done it many times when I was starting out. Around here they usually make up gift baskets. I like to put something tangible in, so I usually throw in a mouse pad and a flash drive, and a certificate for a tune up and cleaning or a memory or hard drive upgrade, parts extra.
I try to go to the event and put a stack of business cards next to the basket. Sometimes the winner doesn't call, but I got some good business and exposure from it.

 

[pc-rebuilders]

I have done it many times when I was starting out. Around here they usually make up gift baskets. I like to put something tangible in, so I usually throw in a mouse pad and a flash drive, and a certificate for a tune up and cleaning or a memory or hard drive upgrade, parts extra.
I try to go to the event and put a stack of business cards next to the basket. Sometimes the winner doesn't call, but I got some good business and exposure from it.

I second that!
Usually it's best in my opinion, to give something tangible. I did a gift certificate and never got a call. Found out my donation was bundled with other things, that's probably what was being bid on.

 

[zimtech]

Service Providers

I got the details back from the organizer of the event. They have a form to fill out for the service businesses and they will put them in a standing paper holder which is placed on a table. We are allowed to be at the auction table and answer questions and socialize.

Here is the crappy part, I'm still working a full time job and I can't get that day off. So I'm loosing out on some great networking time with possible clients. I can respond with the filled out form, but it can't answer their questions for me.

Thank you for the gift basket idea. I know of few groups that are in my market area that do gift baskets for fundraisers. I will make sure they get some of my branded flash drives and mouse pads next time these events come around.