Why an All-Inclusive Auction House is Imperative to a Successful Gala

by Olivia Warren

One of the most effective ways to fundraise at a gala is to host an auction. This not only generates donations for the charity being honored but also increases awareness of the cause, fosters community among attendees, and promotes competition among spenders. However, the key to a successful philanthropic event, or more specifically, one with an auction, goes beyond simply gathering items to bid on or even hiring an auctioneer. This is nothing like Storage Wars!

Auction items include a chance to win trips, expensive toys, excursions, experiences, and more - but of course, an auction isn’t just about the prizes.

What if there were a service available to aid in making your next gala both systematic and sensational for everyone involved? Assisting you in raising money for your charity of choice while providing the utmost care to your guests. Murad Auctions in Dallas, Texas, is taking this niche to the next level. Misty had the opportunity to meet with Claire from Murad and acquire the ins and outs of auctioning and their business. Murad explicated that the utilization of an all-inclusive Auction House like theirs could exponentially elevate your company’s next fundraiser, and here’s how:

Structure

Planning

Before a gala comes into fruition, there is a lot of preparatory work necessary behind the scenes. What will be bid? Who will work the event? Who will attend? An all-inclusive Auction House assists in all of these areas before the fundraiser. Acting as an event planner, the staff at Murad will answer any questions asked, provide auction expertise, and even go as far as to help obtain items donated by local and national businesses through Auction Solicitation Services. From their website, “As Professional Charity Auctioneers, we do much more than just show up the night of the event and ‘call the auction.’ Our job is to bring new ideas and procedures to your organization, increase efficiency, educate you on new technology and creative ways to increase revenue. This keeps your donors excited and happily giving their funds in support of your worthy cause.” What more could you ask for?

Registration and Checkout

Murad states, “One of the most critical aspects of any fundraiser is an efficient registration and checkout. Our system enables your guests to pre-register and receive their table assignment via text message to skip check-in altogether. Alternatively, they can come through our ‘white glove’ check-in to register their credit card and provide their contact information and receive their bid paddle, program, and table assignment. At the end of the night, your guests can check themselves out on their smartphones or come to our checkout desk, make their payments, and collect their winning packages.”

Frustration during registration or checkout could lead to negative emotions among attendees, contributing to lower participation and, in turn, a worse lasting impression on your organization. Let an all-inclusive Auction House handle this for you to avoid any complications. “A quick registration process and hassle-free checkout inspire your donors to start and keep bidding. We'll help you navigate this process and enable your guests to make donations, purchase raffle tickets, or easily bid in the auction, either via mobile bidding or bid sheets, and pay for auction packages they have won; all in an easy, smooth process.”

Inclusions

Paddles

What is an auction without the bidding paddles? Murad provides paddles for your charity event, so you do not have to worry about outsourcing them. By bundling this expense with the other services provided by utilizing an Auction House, you end up saving extra money along the way. You can even order customized bidding paddles to further build brand awareness and add a personal touch.

Technology

As mentioned previously in the Registration and Checkout section, texting technology is an available option to modernize your philanthropic gala. Murad offers an array of equipment ready to be rented and utilized to make the process as efficient and up-to-date as possible. Whether it be iPads, computers, card readers, or more, Murad has you covered. They also have Audio Visual technology, a PhotoBooth, and a DJ on hand to liven up the space and provide guests with additional entertainment at your event.

Do keep in mind that those who make higher bids are usually older money. This may imply that this demographic struggles with advanced technology, such as using an iPad to make a bid. Thankfully, the staff at Murad will assist with technology during the event to avoid any discrepancies. Providing the equipment is one thing, but walking the floor to assist on the night of is exceptional.

Assistance

Murad is there to help! Beyond knowledge, technology, or anything already discussed, the connections and staff provided by Murad can boost the overall accomplishment of your fundraiser. Provided professional auctioneers in-house bring energy and excitement to your gala that engage the audience and promote participation while the bid spotters move through the crowd, remaining aware of each offer and communicating with the auctioneer. If any guest is confused at any time, Murad will be there to answer their questions and provide support. Their team, in combination with your team, can potentially produce philanthropic wonders never seen before!

“I am decently well-versed in how silent auctions work, how to play the games, etc. Not only have we at Photography by Misty worked many galas and done some bidding along the way, but I’ve gone many times as an attendee,” Misty said. “At a recent gala, I would have spent $200 more had I either been educated at check-in or had been able to find help.” If Murad had been there for Misty at the auctions she attended, imagine how different the experience might have been!

Make Murad a part of your auction team and experience the all-inclusive benefits of professional servicing. Raise awareness for your cause, gather donations, inspire action from members of the community, and learn how to level up your events all at once. By accepting their help, you could, in turn, help many others through the funds raised for your charity. You could also inspire others to either join your cause or work to support those of their choosing. A chain reaction of positivity and inspiring the community to give back is a massive benefit in itself.

Now that you have everything you need to put on a wonderful auction, you will need photographers to document the event. Luckily, Photography by Misty has worked on many auctions and can be the missing piece to pure genius. Book PBMisty after getting in touch with Murad Auctions for the ultimate dream team experience. Refer to the blog to hear about events in the future, or to learn more. Let’s get this party started!

0 Comments

Why an All-Inclusive Auction House is Imperative to a Successful Gala

Why an All-Inclusive Auction House is Imperative to a Successful Gala

Leave a comment

Archive