ISPA Foundation Auction Donation Tips

To maximize your exposure and bidding, below are a few tips and types of donations that have been popular in the past:

• Tangible items that a bidder can touch, feel or smell can market themselves, and are good ideas to include with gift certificates. 
  
• Handcrafted items such as quilts, furniture, clocks, sculptures, pottery, statues, woodcarvings, jewelry and paintings.  If you have staff members who have special artistic talents and skills – it is a great way for them to become involved as well.
  
• Collector’s items, such as old beauty ads, antique teacups or memorabilia that is unique or hard to find always generate competition among bidders.
  
• Sports memorabilia such as autographed items, apparel, photographs, equipment and tickets to sporting events.
  
• The holidays are just around the corner from the auctions and items such as jewelry, children’s gifts and toys are always in high demand.
  
• Mini vacations for two or more people that include hotel accommodations and spa services can acquaint people with your property, as well as generate a lot of bidder interest.
  
• Themed gift baskets can also generate a good deal of attention, while still highlighting your company.  Themes are endless, but following are some ideas to get you started:
  
  
  • Pet Basket - pet treats, toys and collars
  • Gardening Basket – flower/plant seeds, flower pots, gardening tools & gloves and watering can
  • Kitchen Basket – utensils, spices, cookbooks, measuring cups and salt & pepper shakers
  • Summer Fun – sunscreen, pool toys, floats, towels, hats, and sunglasses
  • Scrapbook Basket – scrapbooking paper, scissors, stickers and stamps
  • Children’s Basket – items such as stuffed animals, toys, t-shirts and games
  • Picnic Basket – linens, blanket, plates, glasses, wine and corkscrew

• Think outside your company.  Do you have a wonderful wine provider or access to a great vacation home?  Every donation helps and can introduce your fellow members to new things.
• Do not wrap gift baskets.  We find that items produce more bids if the bidder can have a clear view of everything available in a gift basket.  It can make it easier for shipping if a basket is wrapped, but we may remove any wrapping for display purposes on-site.

The 2006 Silent Auction tables