Charity Auction by IDonate Tocharity.org

Silent Auction Rules

Understanding silent auction rules can help you to communicate well with the participants. There are some general rules for running a silent auction. However, the auction conducted for a charitable purpose can change some of the rules. For every silent auction item, there should be a bid sheet, which offers details about the item, minimum bid and bid increments. The bidders need to write their bid number and bid amount on the bid sheet given to them. They are responsible for paying for the auction items they win. The winning bidders must pay and pick up the item within the prescribed date.

General rules:

·        Silent auction rules specify that all the bidders should be aged eighteen years or above. The bid is interpreted as a legal agreement between the auctioneer and bidder, where the bidder must purchase the listed item at the amount indicated.

·        The bidder must write his name and bidding number in the space provided in the bid sheet. He should also write his bid in the appropriate space. The new bids must be higher than the previous bid.

·        The winning bids must be settled by cash, check or credit card at the end of the event or within a prescribed date. Payments must be made in full. Bids showing cents will be normally rounded up to the next dollar amount.

·        The silent auction rules do not allow the bidder to scratch out the bids, in order to protect the integrity of the bidders.

·        The winner of the auction is one, who places the highest bid within a specified time.

·        The bid sheet should not be removed from the silent auction table.

·        Bids would not be made after an item is closed.

·        The bids must be increased, as per the specifications given in the bid sheet.

·        If any conflict arises in identifying the last valid bid for a particular item, the auction staff has the right to determine the winner. They can also use some alternate method of closing the item.

The silent auction rules stress that the bid sheets must include all known or apparent contents and details of the items. If it is not possible to display gift cards or certificates, it is advisable to display at least the copies of such items. The trips and tour packages are the most appealing silent auction items and are often offered by the auctioneers. The reservation for trips, bed and breakfast in hotels and ticket redemption must be mutually arranged by the donor and the winning bidder.