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Stanka Kordic · 03-25-2002, 06:42 PM

Sorry for my breezy chatter, should have clarified more...

My donation when I started this was the cheapest oil portrait I offered (a single-figure, head & shoulders length). The value at the time was $3,000. I had them set the starting bid at $1,000. and it went up in $100. increments. I did a full 'freebie' this way 3x. All three times, the clients either upgraded (wanted a double portrait) or had another child for an individual portrait. Also, the same fundraisers brought in additional full price work.

One year, they put my piece in the 'live auction' portion, and it went for $4200. That went to charity, and the portrait was a 'freebie' for me. THEN, that same family followed me to my 2nd fundraiser for that year, bid, and WON for their child #2!! (oohhh was I mad).

Now, my rules have changed. I offer a gift certificate for $1,000. off towards a portrait of their choice. That way, it can be any length, and I am guaranteed at least some money out of it. However, some charities think its too complicated and choose not to do it, but that's OK.

Also, I have restrictions: New clients, and 6 months expiration.

At the bidding table, I display my promo materials, as well as a SAMPLE original portrait. I have several that are part of my permanent collection. That way I don't bother my commissioned clients. However, I donate to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and I usually use the previous year's winner as the sample piece. They usually attend the event and its easy to manage the delivery, etc.

I hope this clarifies things. Good Luck..

03-25-2002, 06:42 PM	#6
Stanka Kordic SOG Member FT Professional Joined: Sep 2001 Location: Cleveland Heights, OH Posts: 184	Sorry for my breezy chatter, should have clarified more... My donation when I started this was the cheapest oil portrait I offered (a single-figure, head & shoulders length). The value at the time was $3,000. I had them set the starting bid at $1,000. and it went up in $100. increments. I did a full 'freebie' this way 3x. All three times, the clients either upgraded (wanted a double portrait) or had another child for an individual portrait. Also, the same fundraisers brought in additional full price work. One year, they put my piece in the 'live auction' portion, and it went for $4200. That went to charity, and the portrait was a 'freebie' for me. THEN, that same family followed me to my 2nd fundraiser for that year, bid, and WON for their child #2!! (oohhh was I mad). Now, my rules have changed. I offer a gift certificate for $1,000. off towards a portrait of their choice. That way, it can be any length, and I am guaranteed at least some money out of it. However, some charities think its too complicated and choose not to do it, but that's OK. Also, I have restrictions: New clients, and 6 months expiration. At the bidding table, I display my promo materials, as well as a SAMPLE original portrait. I have several that are part of my permanent collection. That way I don't bother my commissioned clients. However, I donate to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and I usually use the previous year's winner as the sample piece. They usually attend the event and its easy to manage the delivery, etc. I hope this clarifies things. Good Luck..