Last year, we used the # system. We took cheap paper plates and hot glued them to wooden tongue depressers. The we #'ed each one. The bidder was able to choose thier # when they re3gistered on the sign-up sheet. This worked out great for out Live/Silent auction. We will be doing the same this year!
With our auction we have a silent and live event. We also use a computer program that tracks items, bidders, and bids. We have people register as they come in the door. We use 3x5 cards that are prenumbered and then have each person write their name and contact info on a card (sometime couples or families want to use the same number, which is OK). We then give them an auction brochure with their number written in large thick print on the back . People prefer writing a number on the silent auction sheets rather than writing out their name every time, especially in the frenzy of the last few seconds. For the live auction bidders hold up the back of the brochure with their number to bid.
How difficult is it to register everyone with numbers? Do you do it while they walk in or beforehand the event? Only the cashier's need to have a copy of the final numbers, right?
I seriously do everything for our silent auction and I'm hesitant to give myself yet another job to do! But if it brings in more money, then it is really worth it.
We've never done the numbers before, but I can see people not wanting to bid against each other.
We just did a silent auction using names - and I would HIGHLY recommend using bidder #s instead. We had so many people not wanting to "outbid their friends".
Thanks for the input. We too have used the silent then mini auction - it bothers me because I think why did we waste all that time having the silent bids when there is so much movement at the end.
