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Live auctions are a fantastic way to raise big money for your School or cause. When done right, your live auction packages can go for more than their actual value—sometimes bringing in 110-120% of their worth! But the secret is in the details: picking the right items, keeping things exciting, and making sure you don’t overwhelm your guests.
Let’s break down 10 things you should keep in mind when crafting your live auction packages.
1. Go for Unique and High-Value Items
The quality of the items you offer makes a huge difference. Think about it: the more unique or exclusive something is, the more people will get excited about it. Items like:
- VIP experiences (concert tickets, private tours, backstage passes)
- Luxurious vacation packages (beachfront villas, European getaways)
- One-of-a-kind opportunities (dinner with a celebrity, cooking lessons with a renowned chef)
These are the kind of packages that can go beyond their face value, helping you hit that magic 110-120% return on value.
2. Don’t Overdo It With Too Many Packages
This is important: too many packages can drag the auction down. People will lose interest, and bids can drop. You want to keep the energy up! A good rule of thumb? Stick to 6-10 high-quality packages. That way, you maintain excitement and don’t exhaust your audience.
3. Pick Items with Broad Appeal
Your live auction is not the time to go super niche. You want items that will attract a wide range of people in the room. Think about what everyone would be interested in:
- Exclusive School Experiences
- Vacation destinations
- Gourmet dining experiences
- Health and wellness opportunities
4. Use Donated Items Whenever Possible
The less you spend on the items in your auction, the more profit you make. Reach out to local businesses, community partners, and supporters for donations. When everything is donated, every dollar raised in the auction goes directly to your cause. Check out my post BUSINESS DONATIONS: TIPS ON HOW TO ASK FOR DONATIONS AND SAMPLE LETTER.
You can also work with consignment companies that offer high-value packages like luxury trips or exclusive experiences. There’s no upfront cost, and the school keeps a percentage of the sale if the item sells. In some cases, you can sell multiple packages if there’s enough interest. If the item doesn’t sell, there’s no financial loss, making it a low-risk, high-reward option for your auction.
5. Make It About Experiences, Not Just Things
People love bidding on things that create memories, especially in school auctions! Instead of just offering physical products, consider putting together experience-based packages that tap into what parents and students value most. For example:
- “Principal for a Day” – A child gets to be the school principal and make decisions for the day.
- Parking Spot for the Year – Premium parking at the school can be a huge hit. These spots have been known to sell for $3,000 to $15,000 at school auctions. If you have more than one bidder interested, the auctioneer can double down—but start by auctioning just one spot so you don’t give away that there’s a second one available. This keeps the excitement and bidding competitive.
- Exclusive School Perks – Think front-row seats at graduation or other high-demand school events.
For a broader audience, experiences like private wine tastings or VIP tickets to events also perform well since they offer something exclusive and hard to find elsewhere.
6. Set Realistic Starting Bids
It’s tempting to start high, but you want to make sure you’re encouraging bids from the start. A good approach is to start the bidding at 40-50% of the actual value. This gives people the sense that they’re getting a deal, while still allowing room to reach or exceed the full value of the package.
7. Bundle Items to Increase Value
Bundling smaller items together can create more buzz around a package. If you’re offering a vacation package, throw in extras like airfare, hotel stays, and a dining voucher. The more complete the package, the higher the bids tend to go.
8. Make Sure the Auctioneer Highlights Value
During the live auction, it’s crucial that the auctioneer really talks up the value of each package. If there’s something special—like luxury accommodations or an exclusive experience—make sure the audience knows. The better they understand the value, the more likely they are to bid high.
It’s also important to have an experienced auctioneer who knows how to handle these types of high-value items. They should avoid revealing the actual fair market value during the auction, as this can cause bids to max out once that number is reached. By keeping the excitement and perceived value high, you can drive bidding beyond expectations. See my post on HIRING THE RIGHT AUCTIONEER: YOUR SCHOOL’S SECRET WEAPON FOR SUCCESS!
9. Save the Best for Live, Limit Silent Auction Items
Here’s a rule of thumb: silent auctions typically bring in 60-80% of the item’s value, while live auctions often exceed 100%. So, save your most valuable items for the live auction. Let the silent auction handle smaller, more niche items. That way, you’re making sure your big-ticket items get the attention (and bids) they deserve.
10. Promote Your Live Auction Packages in Advance
Don’t wait until the night of the event to reveal your auction items. Building anticipation is key to maximizing bids! Promote your top packages on social media, through email, and even during your event’s lead-up. You can also use printed or digital auction catalogs like the ones available in my templates + printables section to give your guests a preview of what’s available. This allows them to plan their bids ahead of time and get excited about the items, making them more likely to participate and bid generously.
Final Thoughts
Creating successful live auction packages is all about strategy. Pick valuable items, don’t overwhelm your audience, and promote them in advance. And remember: live auctions have the potential to raise 110-120% of an item’s value—so make sure you’re saving your best stuff for the big moment. With these tips in mind, you’ll not only hit your fundraising goals but leave your guests excited for next year’s event!
Live Auction Item Examples:
- Luxury Vacation Getaway – A week-long stay at a luxury resort or private villa, including airfare and concierge services.
- Wine Country Experience – A weekend in a vineyard region with private wine tastings, tours, and gourmet dinners.
- Private Dinner with a Celebrity Chef – An exclusive at-home dinner prepared by a renowned chef for the winning bidder and their guests.
- Sports Package – VIP tickets to a major sports event, meet-and-greet with players, and behind-the-scenes access.
- Parking Spot for a Year—there’s no need to stress about getting out the door for drop-off; you have a spot right up front at school.
- Private Yacht Charter – A day or weekend aboard a luxury yacht with a crew and catered meals included.
- Luxury Staycation – A two-night stay at a local luxury hotel, with spa treatments, dinner at a top restaurant, and show tickets.
- Broadway or Concert Experience – VIP tickets to a Broadway show or a concert, with a backstage tour or meet-and-greet with performers.
- Exclusive Golf Outing – A round of golf at a prestigious, members-only club with a pro lesson or clinic included.
- Adventure Package – A guided experience like white-water rafting, a hot air balloon ride, or a helicopter tour.
- Luxury Car Experience – A weekend driving a high-end luxury or sports car like a Lamborghini or Ferrari.
- All-Inclusive Beach Vacation – A tropical beach resort stay with all meals, drinks, and activities included.
- Spa and Wellness Retreat – A stay at a luxury wellness resort, with massages, yoga classes, and healthy gourmet meals.
- Custom Art Commission – A personalized piece of artwork from a local or famous artist.
- Celebrity Meet-and-Greet – An opportunity to meet a celebrity or sports star, plus autographed memorabilia.
- Chef’s Table Experience – A private dining experience with wine pairings at the chef’s table of a high-end restaurant.