Reserve your items from Sports Stuff well in advance of your event. This will allow you to advertise their availability in your catalog or program.

Consider engaging an energetic and professional auctioneer to help maximize the funds raised at the Live portion of your event. Many times they will bring "spotters" who will mingle among the guests during the auction and encourage competitive bidding.

Know the demographics of your guests. Age group? Gender? Fans of which local teams? How much disposable income will there be in the audience?

Location of display is critical. Sports Stuff representatives will be happy to setup your memorabilia display by providing both floor and table easels. Make sure these items are placed in a high traffic area where they can be easily seen and admired.

Timing is crucial. At any fundraising event, there is a window of opportunity to conduct your auction at the most productive time. Maybe it's during cocktail hour or during a lull in the dinner hour. Whatever the case, DO NOT conduct it too late in the evening because you may lose potential bidders who are anxious to go home after a long day. On the other hand, don't close your auction too early as well. It may result in not providing enough time for all guests to properly view auction items.

Create a sense of urgency and excitement on the part of your bidders by having a countdown to closing for the Silent Auction. Periodic announcements of remaining auction time and a specific closing deadline will help inspire additional bidding.

Double or even triple the winning bid. If you have serious and competitive bidding on a specific Sports Stuff item which results in a high amount, you may be able to offer it at the winning price to multiple bidders. This will allow you to raise double or triple the funds immediately. Many times Sports Stuff can provide duplicates on certain items.
Inquire with Sports Stuff about which item(s) may be duplicated.

Have a specific auction closing time and let the bidders know when that is. At Silent Auctions, you may want to consider staggering the closings table-by-table. If a guest doesn't win an item at one table, they may turn their attention to another not yet closed.

Develop a sound strategy for prompt collection of payments and distribution of items. Offer a variety of payment methods including cash, check and more importantly, credit cards. Offer items to be paid for and collected as soon as the auction is over. This avoids the possibility of the winning bidder skipping out on their winning bid.

Have plenty of volunteer help!!! Preparation of bid sheets, walking items through crowd during Live Auctions, collection of monies and much, much more.