Silent Auction
07-28-2011, 11:45 AM
#11
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: S. W. Indiana
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Originally Posted by seamstome
In my experience quilts go notoriously low in silent auctions. However if they are willing to sell raffle tickets for it, they will make more. People love applique and it will be fall so an autumn themed quilt might sell.
OR write up a bid sheet and each person bidding will have a chance to up the previous bid. At the end of the bid period, the highest bidder wins. Usually, this method will yield much better results than the hidden bids in a jar. Set a increment minimium of 5 or 10 dollars---------or more.
Just an unseen bid often brings very low income. I'd hate for my work to go for a $100 or so.
07-28-2011, 11:48 AM
#12
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 722
I too have learned my lesson on the silent auction route, it would have been a better benefit for the charity if I had just written them a check for the amount of money I paid just for fabric and supplies. I didnt feel bad for myself, but I did for the event organizers.
07-28-2011, 11:53 AM
#13
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: at my sewing machine
Posts: 1,916
our guild did a silent auction of a bunch of art quilts at this years show and so many of them didn't even get an opening bid.
the most one quilt went for in the silent auction was $45 - everyone agrees never to do the silent auction again.
the sad thing is most of the people who come to our show are quilters and they didn't even bid up the quilts - its not just the general public that doesn't want to pay for quilts.
the most one quilt went for in the silent auction was $45 - everyone agrees never to do the silent auction again.
the sad thing is most of the people who come to our show are quilters and they didn't even bid up the quilts - its not just the general public that doesn't want to pay for quilts.
07-28-2011, 11:55 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: California
Posts: 883
Its so sad; at the auctions especially silent auctions. Many times an opening bid isn't even there. Then it gets lowered sometimes several times. I bought one just to get it started at $30 dollars - full size !! Then gave it away. I made some table runners and they don't even bring more than $15 - $25. That is alot less work and you are still being supportive of the cause. I would say that a raffle held over a period of time would bring in more money; most people will open their pocketbook for $1.
Good luck ~
Good luck ~
07-28-2011, 12:44 PM
#15
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I refuse to make a quilt for a silent auction. I will make a quilt to raise money with a raffle. In my experience, silent auctions never raise enough money for a quilt whereas raffles do (provided tickets are priced reasonably and the group makes an effort to sell tickets over a long period of time).
If it's a charity you really like, I would just make a cash donation.
If it's a charity you really like, I would just make a cash donation.
07-28-2011, 12:46 PM
#16
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 2,328
Originally Posted by feline fanatic
Originally Posted by seamstome
In my experience quilts go notoriously low in silent auctions. However if they are willing to sell raffle tickets for it, they will make more. People love applique and it will be fall so an autumn themed quilt might sell.
07-28-2011, 01:12 PM
#18
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1,991
Just send a donation as I've yet to see a quilt bring very much in a silent auction. I was asked for one this spring and sent an apron and cookbook. I bet it generated as much as the quilt would have and I had a lot less time and fabric tied up in it.
07-28-2011, 06:27 PM
#19
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Lake Elsinore, CA
Posts: 15,265
I agree with the others. Silent auctions work okay for small things, but even then there should be a minimum price set for each item. Raffles work much better, but then you need to sell tickets at as many events as possible, and that can be very time consuming.
07-28-2011, 06:38 PM
#20
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Beautiful Briery Mountain in WV
Posts: 2,551
Just because you make a big, beautiful quilt there is no guarantee there will be big, beautiful bids, especially at a silent auction. Too many quilters have been disappointed when their work is practically given away at one of these events.
Since it's to be for the Children's Museum, why not make a baby's or doll's quilt? Or even two or three in traditional patterns.
Since it's to be for the Children's Museum, why not make a baby's or doll's quilt? Or even two or three in traditional patterns.
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