Thoughts on what courtesy and "retail price" mean to a charity auction...

Posted by Bill Leebens (M) on February 5, 2005 at 10:09:21

Hi, All.
We've been pleased with the response to the offerings of the Audio Asylum Asian Tsunami Victim Support Auction (hereinafter referred to as "the auction", thanks!). Some issues have arisen regarding payments and bidding levels, which I'd like to address. Please understand this is not a lecture, but a discussion.

First, settlements on some auctions have been REALLY prolonged. Please: if you bid, be prepared to pay as SOON as the auction closes. Remember that not only are the donors of the items volunteering their goods, they are volunteering their time and trouble to collect payments, and to make the donations to the recipient charities. If things drag out, you're wasting the irreplaceable time of folks who have given their best--so please be responsible and considerate. It helps THIS volunteer track things, as well, if settlements occur in a timely manner.

Second, what does "retail price" mean to a charity auction? The truth is, not much. It can be a temptation to try and bargain-hunt, as at a flea-market. But, think about it: the point of the auction is to raise funds. The more collected, the better. So if you're buying something you want or need--and all the money goes to charity--why not pony up the dough to win the auction, even if it goes over retail list?

As the auction continues, more donors will be offering incentives for auction-participants to bid over retail. Right now, Terry Cain will offer a finish-upgrade at no additional charge if bidding exceeds list price. The Cain & Cain Abbys are at $1345, with a list price of $1500--so, why not bid the extra, get what you want, and get the bonus finish-upgrade? Again: it ALL goes to charity.

Similarly, Peter Noerbaek offers progressive-bidding on his Montana speakers: starting with the $5500 Montana SPX, if bidding exceeds list price, Peter will up his donation to the next model in the range--valued at $8000. You could go all the way up the range, and capture the monster (small "m"!) Montanas, a $55,000 value, for just over the $27,500 of the #2 model.

More incentives will be appearing in days to come. Please remember the humanitarian purpose of this auction, and bid freely. Please realize that high bids also serve to encourage OTHER manufacturers to donate--nobody wants to risk embarrassment. Surely, we all understand that.

Thank you all so much for your help, support and encouragement. I feel privileged to be involved in this effort. Thanks for all the kind comments.

Now: BID!! Bid HIGH!!!!

;->cheers, Bill.

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Topic - Thoughts on what courtesy and "retail price" mean to a charity auction... - Bill Leebens 10:09:21 02/05/05 (0)

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