Do big items sell in an online auction?

As a community foundation or United Way, your campaign kickoff reaches the whole community online. But the committee worries that a trip to Italy or a US Open package won't get bids through a screen. You need items that sell without leaning on the same local businesses your grantees ask.

Community foundations and United Ways run campaign kickoffs, annual celebrations, and golf events with corporate tables. When you move the silent auction online, your reach extends to the whole community, not just the room. But your committee may wonder if a trip to the US Open or an adventure experience in Italy will attract bids without the live auction atmosphere.

Adding these packages costs nothing upfront. You reserve the experiences you want at no charge. You only pay for an experience if it sells, keep 100% over the cost, and can sell experiences multiple times if the bidding gets hot. The recommended starting bid is 15-20% above cost, so profit starts with the first bid. The number of items depends on your audience size, and you can add them even the day of the event. Unsold items cost you nothing.

Browse over 140 travel and experience packages from Giveback XP. Pick a few that fit your crowd, like regional adventures or international trips. You get a one-page PDF for each, with photos and details, ready for any online bidding platform. You are not too late: items can be added the same day as your event, so there is no risk in trying.

Your online silent auction includes high-value trips that attract bids from across your donor base. Every sale brings in funds your organization keeps. Unsold items cost nothing, so your committee sees that big items do sell online and your next event runs even stronger.

Other questions about silent auctions for community foundations & United Ways