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When charity auctions go wrong
Hello everyone,
Over the weekend I did another charity auction, the third in 2 months. It was a high end auction with a wine tasting and finger foods (tuxes and fur coats abound). I donated a gift certificate for a portrait in a head and shoulder format, subject of the winners choice. I brought a really nice painting example, attached a sign explaining it was for display only, and a little card holder so anyone who passed by could get a business card. I was part of the live auction and even though I had hoped (and suggested) that I could stand next to the painting and sell the idea, answering questions as the artist. I had a really great response at the last (silent) auction doing this even though it was not bid on in the end. But alas, I was placed on the back of the stage, no one able to even grab a card. I became concerned when all of the tables but one were reserved for businesses that obviously paid for their workers as a group. Then I became more concerned when I noticed that almost nothing was being bid from the silent auction and tons of items were being carted away to the back, including artwork. I thought, well, even if no one bids, I guess it was free advertising. The item was worth $1,800 and I had set minimum bid at $1,000. I was pretty clear with this as I spoke with the women who ran the auction and the auctioneer (it was on the sheet she read the item from as well). They had way too many items in the live auction and they halted the wine during that time. I don't thing that anyone really understood what they were getting. So she starts the bidding at $1,000 and no one bites so she goes to 500 and then 200..ended at $400. Needless to say I wasn't very happy. I thought minimum bid was self explanatory. Was I wrong?
Of course I have an obligation to do this portrait, it is for charity and it isn't the bidder's fault. But when the painting is valued at $1,800 and it goes for $400, the service is greatly devalued. A prospective client contacting me in the future based on this event may not understand why the asking price is $1,800 when the winning bidder of this auction received the same item for the price of $400. So I now have to have a contract with the auctions I donate to. I was wondering if anyone else had to do this (I'd be happy to hear other stories) and had an example contract they would like to post.
In your opinion is a live or silent auction better? Are the ones that are high ticketed better (remembering that many of the tables were bought for workers that were obviously there for free food and alcohol)? Or is it better to be at the ones with the friendly church crowd at 40-50 dollars a plate? Also, everyone seems to be ultra-conservative with their buying, (we are offering a luxury item) is it affecting any of your businesses? If you have a waiting list are people canceling?
Thanks for sticking with the long story,
Amanda
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