The Science and Stress of Silent Auctioins
If you have ever been to a fundraiser of any sort chances are that you know all about Silent Auctions. If so I’m sure this will hit very close to home.
As a fundraising tool, we must all admit as to just how effective they are. Quite often these auctions make us do things that our rational minds usually wouldn’t let us. Silent auctions involve a brilliant process whereby items are placed out on display for everyone to see and a list is put directly below it asking people to place bids on what they would be willing to pay in order to own it. Naturally when you see something you like you hope that you can grab it for the lowest possible price, but along the way you get it in your mind that this awesome Paintball, Pedicure and Pilates’ package is something that you MUST have!
You begin by placing a bid that’s near the minimum but slightly above to show that you respect the item and its value. During the event you don’t pay much attention but you periodically stroll past to check up on the bid sheet for your item. Usually at some point your bid is topped and then you suddenly begin to feel something inside of you that is a blend of both anxiety and adrenaline. You can hear the words “Game On” in your head and you up the bid again then start to create a plan. Do you recognize the name? If so, then spot them in the room and pay attention to their every move. If you don’t, then you find a discreet spot at the other end of the room where you can still see your item and you wait. Once you have zoned in on your competition you become territorial and watch your sheet like a Hawk. You soon hear that bidding stops in 5 minutes and you begin to sweat. You must have that set! They top your bid, and you respond back. Before you know it, the bidding ends and you have won! They say congrats to you and for the moment you feel the euphoria that comes with victory!
A day later you will likely realize that $250 was probably $200 more than you wanted to spend, however you got what you wanted, you beat your rival and you gave selflessly to a worthy cause. Now all that’s left to do is to explain the purchase to your spouse.