Silent Auction Description
A silent auction is typically a fundraising technique held at a charity event. This might be an annual gala, wine tasting or dinner to raise money for an organization. It also could be an event put together by friends and family of a medical patient. People are able to contribute to a good cause and also go home with a prize.
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Silent vs. Traditional Auction
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Unlike the standard auction where an auctioneer chants increasingly higher prices for each item as people bid, a silent auction has all items set out at once and bidding is done on paper throughout the event.
Donations
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A chairperson usually is in charge of obtaining donations for the silent auction, with other volunteers helping. The silent auction usually features a wide variety of items.
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Typical Process
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At the event, tables are set up with all the items on display, along with bid sheets for each item. An opening bid price is listed on each sheet, and each new bidder writes in a higher bid until the silent auction closes. The person who writes in the final bid is the winner.
Hidden Bids
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An alternative method of bidding involves writing the person's name, and bidding on a small piece of paper and putting all the bids in a box. Sealed envelopes also can be used.
Thrift Shops
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Some thrift stores run silent auctions for set periods on more valuable items they have received. They might display those items in a case.
Online Bidding
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Some charity organizations allow bidders to place their bids online instead of in person. Additionally, online auction sites such as eBay, although not usually for charity, are silent auctions running for a certain time frame, typically five to seven days.
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