Consignment Auction Items: Why You Should Auction Them At Your Fundraiser
Have you heard about consignment auction items and are wondering if this could be a good option at your next fundraiser? Here’s why they are a great option to auction to your donors. Consignment auction items are items provided by a third party to auction organizers. Instead of purchasing these items up front, the organizer only pays for them if they sell them at the event. For fundraising events, this setup minimizes financial risk while offering high-value items you otherwise might not be able to get donated.
For travel and experience consignment items, this often includes vacation packages like hotel stays, local tours, all-inclusive resort trips, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and more. The third-party provider who specializes in these experience⎯like BlueTree Marketing, curates these amazing items to bid on at your event.
Here’s how it works:
The auction organizer adds the packages to the list of items.
The consignment provider sets a reserve price or base cost, which is the minimum amount they’ll take if it sells.
If a bidder purchases the item at the event, the auction organizer keeps all funds above the base cost, with the provider claiming the base price portion.
This risk-free structure enables organizations to feature premium experiences without upfront costs.
Why Travel Packages Popular Consignment Auction Items
Travel packages are among the hottest consignment auction items for several reasons:
Universal Appeal
Traveling to new cities or countries is a great way to experience new cultures, and some of these places are likely on bucket lists. Whether it’s exploring a new city, unwinding at a resort, or lounging by the beach, there’s something for everyone.
High Value
Experiential items like travel get bidders excited. They feel less transactional because people see them as adventures that will create lasting memories rather than physical goods. The opportunity to check a travel location off their bucket list adds to the appeal and often results in a bidding competition.
Higher Bids
Because travel is considered a “luxury,” people are often willing to pay a premium for it. Travel packages tend to get higher bids compared to other items, so you can hopefully reach your fundraising goal.
Ease Of Execution
By partnering with BlueTree Marking, you remove the logistical hassle of creating and managing travel packages. We take care of the details like creating marketing materials for promotion, recommending a starting bid, and working with the winning bidder to fulfill their package.
Common Types Of Travel Package Auction Items
Luxury Hotel Stays
Who doesn’t love a weekend escape to a five-star hotel? Packages featuring well-known luxury brands like the Ritz-Carlton or Fairmont are sure to get bidders. These stays often include perks like complementary breakfast, spa treatments, or private tours, concierge service, and more!
All-Inclusive Resorts
All-inclusive resorts are really attractive packages because they bundle accommodations, meals, and activities. You don’t have to worry about paying for everything individually and are really convenient for those who want to relax at the resort.
Cultural Experiences
Unique cultural travel packages can include private wine tours in Sonoma, a cooking show with dinner in Italy, a tour of Barcelona, or private tours in Lake Como. These combine travel with fun adventures you might not experience otherwise, making them unique and desirable.
Adventure Trips
For the adrenaline junkies amongst your bidders, packages like a wilderness adventure or a balloon safaris are great travel experiences to have at your auction.
Family Trips
Theme parks like SeaWorld® and Universal Studios in Orlando, a resort with pools for all members of the family, or stargazing in a Sky Dome, make for great family-friendly auction items ideal for bidders looking for kid-friendly trips.
Exotic Destinations
High-end destination trips like paradise in Puerto Rico, the tropical shores of Montego Bay, walking along the pink sands of Bermuda, or the beauty of Dubai, are great auction packages for those looking for luxury.
Adding travel packages to your auction lineup can generate excitement for your event, elicit competitive bids, and raise more money for your cause. Plus, BlueTree Marketing makes your experience seamless and stress-free! Check out our auction catalog and contact us so we can help make your next fundraiser one to remember.