Download Silent Auction fact sheet (1268 KB)

Sean Kelly, Director of Golf at SPARKS, outlines the benefits of IML's silent auction technology in Professional Fundraising Magazine. 

Download the article here: (80 KB)

 

Click here to find out about New features to IML’s Silent Auction technology.

How does silent auction technology work?

IML's Silent Auction bidding system is extremely easy-to-use. Guests simply scroll through the lots on their Communicator keypad and then select the items they want to bid on.

The Communicator displays the name of the lot alongside the highest current bid.

Guests enter their bids into the keypad and instantly receive a message confirming whether they hold the highest bid or whether they have been outbid. Other guests are then automatically updated with the new leading bid on their keypads.

The immediacy of IML's Silent Auction system has been proven to create a competitive atmosphere amongst guests who are able to re-bid on items immediately.

Bid updates can be anonymous or identified. During an identified bidding process, the Communicator informs guests of the highest current bid and the name of the bidder who placed it.

Step one: Enter the number of the lot you want to bid on. 

Step two: The Communicator will inform you of the current highest bid for the lot and whether it is held by you or another bidder.

Step three: Enter the amount you want to bid.

Step four: The Communicator confirms that you hold the highest bid and will update you if you are out bid.

Display screen

In addition to keypad display screens, IML can design screens to be projected onto main/plasma screens to keep guests updated with the highest current bids for each lot and promote more bidding activity.  

Display screens can be branded with company logos and will also feature the name and a description of each lot, alongside the overall total raised.

 

How are guests identified by the system?

In order to track the guest's bidding activity we provide you with Smartcards that store guests' name/identification details.   These can be given out at registration or placed on the table prior to their arrival.

In order to place a bid guests must insert their Smartcard into their Communicator keypad. This automatically identifies guests and links them to their bids.

Smartcards can be labeled with guest's names and branded with logos and designs, enabling you to highlight sponsors and match the theme of your event.

 

Tracking Bids and Reporting

IML's software tracks all bidding activity. At the end of the auction, reports can be printed immediately, detailing the names of the winning bidders and the final value of the bid.   Alternatively IML can print a report with all bids if requested.

 

IML's Pledge Function

Some of your guests may be unsuccessful in their bid to win auction lots but may still wish to donate money to the charity. This can be done quickly and easily using IML’s Pledge function.    

Guests wanting to pledge money simply enter the 'Pledge’ lot number and then key-in the amount they would like to donate.

The total amount pledged can also be displayed on the main screen.

Pledge: The Communicator screen displays a message confirming the amount you have pledged.

 

Reserve Values

Reserve prices on auction lots can easily be programmed into the software before the event.

 

How will your charity benefit from using the IML Silent Auction and Pledge System?

• Convenient and discreet - guests do not have to leave their seats.
• The competitive bidding amongst guests increases the value of the lots
• Creates a lively and fun environment for guests.
• The bidding process is simple and fast.
• Guests receive immediate feedback on current highest bids.
• Proven return on investment
• Detailed bidding reports are available immediately.

 

Client testimonials

"The immediacy of IML’s technology created a competitive atmosphere as guests were able to respond quickly to the bidding process.  Keeping guests constantly updated on the current highest bid generated even more bidding, as they could see when someone else outbid them. Without doubt, IML was a contributing factor in the great success of the evening."

Cathy Brannon, Donor Development Manager, The Prince’s Trust. 

Read case study

"At an unforgettable evening which raised more than £1,000,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the IML technology was one of the talking points. Our guests became caught up in the novelty and ease of using the technology and we ended up with numerous bidding wars on our hands - the perfect scenario for a charity auction. The investment has repaid itself several times over."

Alastair Graham, Head of Trust and Major Donor Fundraising, Breakthrough Breast Cancer