Silent Auction Software
Occasions such as charity fundraisers often have an auction
element that is in the form of a silent auction; this type of
auction can be automated using silent auction software.
Silent auction software is a system that allows the audience at
the fundraiser or other auction event to use an electronic input
device to submit their bids for items. Silent auction
software takes away the need for paper bid sheets and the
associated clutter and administration work.
The technology used to facilitate silent auctions is the same
technology used to facilitate interactive
voting systems, both of which fall under the category of
audience
response systems.
This technology is simple. The host of the auction (or
presenter of the event) has a computer connected to a receiver
device. The receiver device is capable of listening for the
signals from the handheld input devices that the members of the
audience have. As the auction proceeds audience members type
their bid into the handheld device.
Auction software on the computer collates all the inputs and the
auctioneer can then tell which were the highest bids for each
individual item. More advanced software packages can even
project the auction bids as they occur in a live display so that
audience participants can observe the increasing bids.
Another major benefit of using silent auctions software to run
auctions is that it increases the participation of audience
members. Because the keypad is so easy to use it is more
likely than an attendee will take advantage of the opportunity to
bid for an item.