The problem with things like Soaring Adventures is that all the money isn't going to our school. So if someone has, for example, $200 that they're willing to spend at our auction, I'd rather all $200 stay in house rather than having to send $150 to Soaring Adventures. Chances are if we don't offer that, they'll spend the same money on something else.
Many have asked about Soaring Adventures. We decided to give them a try after reading about them on this board.
We had our auction and gala event last Saturday. We tried the hot air balloon rides from Soaring Adventures. They did all sell, but we didn't make much on top of the "reduced price" you have to pay for the rides. We did use the free ride as a raffle drawing item -- but overall it just wasn't as popular as we expected or hoped. People are afraid of heights, I guess! The company is very straightforward about how their packages worked, and I ordered the certificates for our rides today. You do get exactly what they advertise. But we just didn't make much above the costs....and our guests didn't seem as interested as I expected. Live and learn....we'll try something different next year!
I just sent you an email My email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Feel free to contact me at anytime. Look forward to hearing from you.
Kellie
New Donation Declines:
Thirty-One
Daves Killer Bread
Cricut
New Donations Received:
Panera Bread
Sunglass Hut
Old Canary Furniture
Blistex
Stampin Up
We're using our auction software program which has a checkout option. We enter credit cards into the online system and check in which this links to the paddle number. We have auction monitors who will track the winning bidders and also tally the silent items during the live auction. We will then hopefully hand them a receipt at the end of auction they can review and sign and be done. We will also use Square to have handy for quick swipes if we need it during the event. There is a percentage charged for square but for the convenience access and increase in spending, it is worth it to us to lose the small percentage. Hope this helps!
Last year our silent auction was poorly attended so this year the auction was combined with our bingo night.
I became the chair at the last minute and got obsessed - I wanted to do a good job and raise lots of money. I sent a lot of letters expecting no's but got yeses. So I've decided to split the items up and half are going to bingo and I'm going to put the others on a site and close it to only our school.
I'm getting mixed responses but I can't get it all done by our event - I work full time and have other commitments. Also if everything is at bingo - we will never be able to get done - too much to close out.
The company is very straightforward about how their packages worked, and I ordered the certificates for our rides today. You do get exactly what they advertise. But we just didn't make much above the costs....and our guests didn't seem as interested as I expected. Live and learn....we'll try something different next year!