What Businesses Should I Reach out to for Silent Auction Items?
- HelloFund
- Aug 20, 2020
- 1 min read

We’ve seen some of the same auction items for many virtual auctions. Here are the ones that we believe are the best based on the type of business they operate.
While most of the organizations listed below are based in the Austin or surrounding areas, here are some tips to help you gather some items for a fundraiser in your area:
HelloFund Tip #1 – NEW BUSINESSES
New businesses want a simple and easy way to promote their product or service at a low cost. An auction gives them immediate exposure and a way to create more buzz around their brand.
HelloFund Tip #2 – TOP AUCTION ITEMS SOLD DURING PANDEMIC
Include Travel/Local Getaways, Restaurants/Delivery services, Jewelry, Spa, and Outdoor Activities
HelloFund Tip #3 – MORE ITEMS DOESN’T EQUATE TO MORE REVENUE
With over 15 years of experience working in fundraising, we’ve run several of these events that have an auction component. It can also depend on the number of bidders and the competition that comes into play during an auction.
20% Rule – Example. If you have 300 Bidders/Guests for a fundraiser, you would want to max out your auction items at 60.
Some great companies that would make a wonderful auction item or package for your event:
Hotel Van Zandt
Ranch 616
Antone’s
The Driskill
Contigo
Four Hands Home
III Forks Private Room
Glamping at Camp Lucy
Comal Fajita House
Salt Lick BBQ
Sourced Craft Cocktails
Zilker Belts
YETI Coolers
Comedor
Surely, the information is useful to many, especially when you are talking about new businesses! I remember helping with a silent auction last year, and I called up a few startups that were working with the best online reputation management Dubai to build up their brand. They surprisingly donated because it gave them good local exposure. I so agree that having a lot of items does not necessarily mean success; the right mix is what counts!