Auction Packages That Inspire: How Travel Experiences Can Boost Your Fundraising Results
When it comes to auction events, offering high-value experiential packages can transform your results. Travel experiences like culinary tours, luxury golf getaways, and romantic escapes create emotional connections that inspire donors to bid generously. But how can you provide these sought-after auction packages if you don’t have individuals connected to your organization willing to donate and coordinate these opportunities?
Greater Giving’s Auction Booster Program is the answer. By providing high-demand auction packages with zero risk, you can excite attendees, attract competitive bids, and raise more money for your cause.
Let’s explore three inspirational experiences that can elevate your next fundraising auction, and how you can incorporate them into your event to generate revenue.
Why Experiences Drive Bidding Success
Experiential auction items stand out because they tap into attendees’ emotions and dreams. Unlike physical goods, travel packages create lasting memories that donors are eager to invest in.
- Emotional Connection: Bidders imagine themselves relaxing on a beach, cooking in Tuscany, or teeing off at Pebble Beach.
- Exclusivity: Unique travel opportunities often can’t be purchased elsewhere, driving up demand and bids.
- Appeal to Donors’ Lifestyles: Travel is aspirational, whether for food lovers, golf enthusiasts, or couples seeking a romantic retreat.
By offering travel experiences, you’ll create buzz and excitement in the room while boosting your fundraising results.
3 High-Demand Travel Packages to Offer at Your Auction
1. A Culinary Tour in France 
Food lovers will jump at the chance to experience a culinary tour in France. Imagine strolling through local markets, learning from top chefs in hands-on cooking classes, and enjoying wine pairings in picturesque vineyards.
Why It Works:
- Appeals to gourmet enthusiasts and adventurers.
- Creates a memorable, sensory-rich experience.
- Easy to market as a “bucket list” item for food and travel lovers.
2. A Luxury Golf Experience at Pebble Beach or Scottsdale 
For golf enthusiasts, a package featuring an iconic course and a relaxing getaway to Scottsdale’s luxury golf resort is a dream come true. Pair it with some golf balls, and other fun golf swag for a hole-in-one.
Why It Works:
- Appeals to golfers and those seeking upscale relaxation.
- A combination of activity and luxury broadens its appeal.
- Known destinations attract attention and bidding competition.
3. A Romantic Getaway to Santorini 
Explore Santorini, with its iconic white cliffs, stunning views, and luxurious privacy, is perfect for couples looking to unwind and reconnect. Add in a sunset sailing tour or local dining to complete the experience.
Why It Works:
- Appeals to couples celebrating milestones or looking for romance.
- Unique and aspirational destination.
- Emotional appeal for unforgettable memories.
Offer These Packages with Zero Risk
The best part? With Greater Giving’s Auction Booster Program, you can offer these high-value packages at no upfront cost.
Here’s how it works:
- Select Packages: Choose from a variety of premium travel experiences with our vetted partner.
- No Risk: You only pay the nonprofit price for the package after it sells, ensuring a win-win.
- Drive Bids Higher: Promote the exclusive travel experiences to spark competitive bidding.
This program allows nonprofits to include bucket-list experiences without the financial risk, ensuring more funds go to your mission.
Tips to Maximize Your Auction Success
Auction Booster Packages can be a game changer for your fundraising event- offering exclusive experiences at no upfront cost to your nonprofit while giving bidders the chance to win an unforgettable trip. To ensure success and avoid pitfalls, follow these key strategies:
Work with a Professional Auctioneer
A skilled auctioneer is your best asset when selling consignment packages. They know how to build excitement, increase bidding, and ensure that you are maximizing your revenue. Before the event, communicate all reserve prices and package stipulations clearly with your auctioneer. A good auctioneer will employ best practices to encourage bidders to meet and exceed the reserve, ensuring the package sells for a profitable amount. They’ll also be careful not to sell any package that doesn’t meet the minimum, so your nonprofit doesn’t get stuck covering the costs.
Leverage the “Double Up” Strategy
If bidding gets competitive and reaches a price where the package is profitable, let your auctioneer know in advance that you’re willing to sell it twice. This simple strategy can double your revenue in seconds without any additional effort- two bidders, two trips, and twice the impact for your cause! In our Greater Giving system you can quickly duplicate the package to sell to each bidder and generate a winning bidder letter. This is a highly effective way to maximize fundraising dollars.
Offer a “Buy IT Now” Opportunity
Another successful approach is setting a fixed price above the nonprofit cost and allowing multiple bidders to buy the package. For example if the package costs the nonprofit $3,000, you can set the price at $4,500 and announce that the first five bidders who raise their paddle win the trip. This method removes the competition factor while generating multiple sales quickly and ensuring strong profits for your event.
By strategically selling Auction Booster Packages and working closely with your auctioneer, your nonprofit can turn these high-value experiences into a major fundraising win.
To learn more about securing high-demand auction items, download our Auction Item Procurement Guide – a comprehensive resource designed to help you plan a successful event.
Ready to Inspire Your Donors?
With Greater Giving’s Auction Booster Program, you can make your next auction an unforgettable success. Zero risk, big rewards, and lifelong memories for your donors.
