We love to open an auction with a “warm-up” lot that has a low opening bid, but hopefully is extremely popular and sets the tone for the rest of the auction. These lots are fun, readily accessible, easy to describe, and usually offer some sort of instant gratification.
There are many variations on this theme, usually involving food or drink. We often sell opening lots of a round of “special” drinks served immediately to the winning bidder’s table, a “better dessert” for the winning bidder’s table, or special attention from the waitstaff and bartenders.
If your event has valet parking, you have an easy warm-up lot just waiting for you. At most events with valet parking, there is a line of people waiting for their cars at the end of night – especially larger events of 500 people or more. On more than one occasion we have offered the opportunity to have the winning bidder’s car moved to the front of the valet line as an auction lot.
The logistics are simple: as soon as a winner is determined, a staff person gets the winner’s valet ticket and has the winner’s car pulled around so it is waiting for them when they are ready to leave. All it requires is an agreement with the valet service provider to maintain a lone parking spot at the front for when the time comes to get the winning bidder’s car.
Market it in the auction catalog and slideshow, give it a description that sells the story. I’ve even seen some extra details added on, like a goodie bag to take home waiting on the front seat for you. The point is to keep it simple and make it fun. The results always align with what we’d hope for an introductory lot like this. Worst case scenario, we raise about $500 and do a great job of warming up the crowd. Best case scenario, two bidders go at it and we’re off to the four- or five-digit races on our first lot.
If you have other ideas for great warm-up lots, post them in the comments below, or drop us a line.
