Similar to the silent auction, you could just put out a third of a page of paper next to each item, having space for the bidder's name, phone number, dollar amount, etc. That way they don't have to stay for the whole event and you can track them down afterwards to collect the money. Also, parents are free to spend what they wish, whether its $1 or $20. It's a win-win.
We are getting ready for our 2nd silent auction. We also do a school wide art show. This year we are going to be selling the kids art work for any amount donation above $1 (we want to give low income families ability to purchase). The art is in the classrooms & the silent auction is in the gym. We also have food and gifts to purchase at different booths.
My question is what would be our easiest way to handle $? We obviously won't have cash everywhere & tickets would be silly if someone wanted to donate $20 or more for their child's art work.
Last year things were a little chaotic for our first year cashing out auction items as well. We want to simplify and make life easy for the giver and reciever.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I get such a wealth of info here - if it wasn't for this site I think I'd be lost!