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Silent Auction Ideas: Eliminating the Acrylic Stands from the Auction Displays

Copyright (c) 2009 Red Apple Auctions LLC

One key to a good silent auction is to have an attractive vertical display. Acrylic stands are an excellent option, but if you prefer a different look, or are willing to spend more time creating something from scratch, here are three other options.

These ideas typically involve more hand labor and may involve costs associated with having the frames built. On the positive side, your auction will have a more distinct look and the silent auction descriptions will be easier for guests to read. (At times, a plastic frame can create a glare which makes it difficult for guests to read about the item. This is important to remember if your auction fundraiser will be in a brightly lit area that could cause a glare on the displays.)

OPTION 1: OVERSIZED VERTICAL DISPLAYS

One auction team printed item descriptions in large font on standard 8.5" X 11" white paper. They glued the standard white paper to a heavier-weight colored paper (a posterboard-type of material) and cut the posterboard slightly larger than the white paper in order to give the description a colored edge.

Then they fabricated a stand-up template from the same posterboard and glued it to the back of the "frame" to ensure the entire description would stand securely on the table without a prop to hold it.

The effort involved considerable manpower and the cost of the posterboard was more than purchasing an acrylic stand, but the organization sought to have an oversized look. They achieved it through this process.

Because the description was in large font and the entire white paper was secured to an oversized "frame," guests found descriptions easy to read as they walked by the tables.

OPTION 2: STANDARD-SIZED VERTICAL DISPLAYS

One auction team used heavier-stock paper to create each vertical display, but opted to keep the size a standard 8.5" x 11".

The paper came with an attached stand-up prop (made by a sign company) on its backside which folded out, similar to what one might see on a photo frame.

The team printed out the item description on standard 8.5" x 11" paper and secured it to the paper frame. It was ready to be displayed on the silent auction tables.

OPTION 3: HALF-SIZED VERTICAL DISPLAYS

Fold a standard 8.5″ X 11″ sheet in half, and you now have a display that will easily stand by itself (just as a place sitting tent card stands on its own). If the paper is too flimsy, glue it to some construction paper and then fold it.

A descriptive title in large font should be on the paper (such as "Two Nights at Hotel ABC") with the full description of the item (including any restrictions) written on the bid sheet.

About the Author

Award-winning fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, CMP, BAS runs Red Apple Auctions, a firm specializing in charity auction services. She offers a number of
**FREE**
auction resources on her website, including the popular Auction Item Guide, a meaty compilation of auction items selling BEST in today's fundraisers . Sign-up for the Guide at Red Apple Auctions - remember, it's **FREE!**

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