Charity Auction Flop? Here’s What 90% of Organisers Get Wrong – And How to Fix It
Charity events take time, energy and heart to plan. But when the auction – one of your biggest fundraising tools – underperforms or feels like an afterthought, it’s not just disappointing… it’s a missed opportunity.
At Raise, we’ve worked on hundreds of auctions, from glittering gala dinners to intimate local fundraisers. And time and again, we see the same common mistakes that cost charities thousands in lost bids.
Here’s what most organisers get wrong – and how to make sure your next event maximises donations, not misses them.
1. Treating the auction as a ‘side piece’ rather than a core fundraising tool
Many events focus heavily on ticket sales, entertainment and catering – and the auction gets squeezed in wherever it fits. But a well-run auction can raise more than the cost of the entire event.
Fix: Integrate the auction into the guest journey. Mention it during speeches, make it visible and engaging, and give it time to shine.
2. Relying only on donated prizes
While donated prizes are fantastic, they can be hit or miss – and not always high-value or appealing to your audience. An auction filled with wine gift sets and generic vouchers won’t excite bidders.
Fix: Curate a strong mix of donated and supplied prizes. At Raise, we have a wide range of hand-picked, high-performing items with zero upfront cost – so you can offer luxury travel, exclusive experiences and unique items that spark real bidding wars. All available on a ‘sale or return’ basis and you keep every penny above our low cost price.
3. Using the wrong auction method for your event or audience
Not every event or audience is suited to the same auction format. We’ve seen luxury galas run with pen-and-paper auctions that feel clunky, and small community events try to use tech without wi-fi and screens.
Fix: Choose a method that fits your event’s style and your guests’ expectations. A sleek digital platform works brilliantly for tech-savvy or large-scale events, while a traditional bid slip approach can feel more personal and accessible at smaller or more formal occasions. At Raise, we offer both – and we’ll always help you pick the right fit.
4. Poor auction promotion
If guests don’t know what’s in the auction, they won’t bid. It sounds obvious, but we’ve seen events where the auction isn’t even mentioned until halfway through the night!
Fix: Share a preview of key auction items before the event. Use email, social media and your event website to build excitement. On the night, use signage, MC announcements, and staff/volunteers to encourage bidding.
If you’re using Raise’s full event service, we’ll set up a visually striking display of auction items to catch your guests’ attention as soon as they arrive. Our experienced on-site team engages with guests in a friendly, non-pushy way, helping them understand how to bid and encouraging them to take part. We also support your MC throughout the evening with updates – including highlighting items that haven’t had any bids yet – so no prize goes unnoticed.
5. No clear call-to-action or urgency
Charity guests are generous – but they need a nudge. If there’s no countdown, no reminder to check their bids, or no incentive to act now, bidding stalls.
Fix: Use clear calls-to-action and time limits to create a sense of momentum. For live auctions, generate buzz with an engaging host who knows how to drive excitement and close bids at the right moment.
For silent auctions, tailor your approach to the format. If you’re using a digital platform, take advantage of features like outbid notifications and real-time countdowns, and give regular verbal reminders about the closing time.
If you’re running a traditional paper auction, get your MC to announce when there are 10–15 minutes left, and again with 5 minutes to go. Our Raise team can also help by circulating discreetly to collect any final bids, offer gentle reminders, and make sure every guest has had a chance to participate before the auction closes.
Want to Raise More?
At Raise, we specialise in charity auctions that deliver real results – whether that’s through our modern silent auction platform, traditional pen-and-paper service, or even a DIY option for smaller events.
We help you select the right prizes, set up the right format, and run a smooth, stress-free auction that gets results.
👉 Planning an event? Let’s chat. No pressure – just ideas.