There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about online bidding, it’s effectiveness and ease of use.
If you are hesitant to try this new technology at your next fundraiser, here are some answers that will put your mind at ease.
Myth #1: Older People aren’t Tech-Savvy
In the past, it was common wisdom that older people tend to be uncomfortable with technology. But as devices have become more pervasive and easier to use, people 60 and up are making technology a part of their daily lives. And, for those who are tech-shy, there’s good news: online bidding is really easy to learn and it’s fun. To ease the transition, you can have Bid Assistants circulating through the room to help anyone who needs it.
Myth #2: Online Bidding is Anti-Social
No one wants a room full of silent people engrossed in their phones. Luckily, the opposite is true with Online Bidding. It actually creates more of a buzz and encourages interaction. It allows people to walk around and visit with their friends, rather than huddle around the silent auction area. When someone outbids them, they’ll get an alert on their phone and they can place a new bid. We’ve seen mothers cradling a baby with one hand and bidding with the other. Sometimes you’ll hear a shout across the room as friends try to out-bid each other.
Myth #3: People Don’t Want to Give Out Their Credit Card Information
In today’s world, people are justifiably hesitant to share their payment information. You can reassure your guests by explaining that registering for a fundraising event is much like checking into a hotel: you provide your credit card for incidentals and then settle up your bill when you check out. Online Bidding with Greater Giving Online Bidding is 100% PCI 1 compliant, providing the strongest security in the industry. Your guests can bid confidently, knowing their personal information is protected.
Myth #4: You Have to Download an App
No one wants the hassle and clutter of downloading yet another app to their phone. Actually, Online Bidding is much easier than that and your guests don’t have to download or install anything. The whole thing runs securely in a browser. When your guests check in to your event, they receive a text message with a link to the Online Bidding tool. You give them their bidder number and off they go. Bidding is as simple as scrolling through the items and entering a number. Done. Now that was easy!
Myth #5: Phones Will Run Out of Battery
Yes, some people will have phones that won’t last the evening. But it’s an easy thing to prepare for and can even be an advantage. Set up a “Juice Bar” with outlets for people to charge their phones and a Bid Assistant to help those who need it. You can use this opportunity to promote your sponsors by displaying their logos in your Juice Bar. Or, better yet, find a company to sponsor the entire charging station and generate even more revenue.
Myth #6: It Requires a Team of Experts to Pull it Off
Some people believe they’ll need to hire a group of techno-wizards to set up a Online Bidding event. Have no fear—you can train your own volunteers in 15 minutes and they’ll be ready to assist anyone who needs help with their Online Bidding. It’s dead simple. You’ve already got people lined up to help with your auction, just show them one more thing and they’re ready to go.
Myth #7: People Won’t Bid as Much
Many people believe that with Online Bidding, people are not actively competing with each other for bids. Actually, Online Bidding tends to generate more buzz and more competition than paper bidding. With a traditional silent auction, guests tend to group around the package they want most, so they can make sure they aren’t being out-bid. With Online Bidding, your guests can bid on 10-15 items in the time it would take them to walk over to look at 1 or 2 items. When someone out-bids them on an item, they’ll get an alert and they can place a new bid. Online Bidding tends to increase bidding, rather than squelch it.
Myth #8: Online Bidding Doesn’t Generate as Much Money
The image of people buried in their phones leads to the assumption that raising revenue will be more difficult with Online Bidding. In fact, Online Bidding makes it easier to generate revenue—not only from the auction itself, but from many other sources as well. Because your guests can now freely move around the facility, they are more likely to check out the items you have for sale, wander over and buy raffle tickets and purchase more drinks. They are also now free to visit your information tables and learn more about your cause, which helps to build long-term relationships.
Myth #9: People Need a Smartphone for Online Bidding
Yes, a smart phone makes Online Bidding easier, but your guests can also do their bidding on a tablet. This opens up opportunities for you to assist those without a smart phone. You can provide a table with a few spare tablets for those who need them. You can even set up a desktop computer for those who prefer bidding with a keyboard rather than a phone. Your Bid Assistants can place bids for your guests as well, which gives you more opportunities to create a favorable impression and connect people with your cause.
Myth #10: The Online Bidding Company Will Take Over My Event
Some people are afraid they’ll have to let the Online Bidding company run their fundraiser. The truth is, Online Bidding is so simple to set up you can easily train your own people to manage it. Your organization stays in control and runs the whole show.
Additional Benefits of Online Bidding
Aside from the energy and fun that Online Bidding can generate at your event, there are other great benefits as well:
- Attract younger generations.
- Open up your auction to people who can’t attend in person.
- Make it easier for your guests to check out after the auction.
- Evaluate item performance so you know what sells well.
What’s Your Experience?
Do you use Online Bidding at your fundraising events? What’s been your experience? Did your team have reservations about the process? What convinced them to try it? Share your thoughts in the comments below. We look forward to hearing from you.
