When charity auctions go wrong

Joan Breckwoldt · 12-23-2008, 07:20 PM

Hi Michele,

Thank you for your suggestion. My kids go to a private school here in Houston and we don't have an auction, I guess maybe that's why it's not something that comes to mind immediately. Too bad, if I were going to donate a portrait I would want the $$ to go to my kids' school. Something to think about,

Joan

Patricia Joyce · 11-03-2009, 12:45 PM

It has been good for me to reread this thread on auctions. I am always trying to fine tune my "circuit". Historically, I have been fairly lucky with auctions. I auction off a head and shoulder drawing, valued at $$. The Certificate states that they may use it for a single subject head and shoulder drawing or they may apply the full value toward a multiple subject drawing or an oil painting, etc. I also state in the Certificate that they must contact the Artist within 30 days.

This past year I have had a fortunate rash of families winning the portrait who have more than one child so I have been busy and making money. Unfortunately, I have had a recent run of auctions where the winner only uses the certificate for the single head and shoulder, thereby leaving me with empty pockets and out a mat and frame! Ouch!

I am thinking of changing my format and offering a Certificate of a DISCOUNT towards portrait artwork of their choice (i.e. drawing, painting, multiple subjects, etc) I'm trying to find a clear way to state exactly what they are bidding on.

Anybody have any suggestions?

I still believe donating at auctions is a great way for your art to be seen in public. To date, it has been almost the only way I have gotten any business. I did get one commisison from a framer handing out my card when a customer asked if she knew a portrait artist. And I have had one commission from my website, but that is all.

Tough economy, tough times...

Debra Jones · 11-03-2009, 06:39 PM

I do a lot of animals. This weekend alone is a dog rescue and a zookeepers association. I have been doing miniature portrait specials before the holidays. 5x7" under $100 which I do whip out, but so far very little success.

So I offer a mini certificate of $25 or $50 TOWARD a painting, in the grab bag gift baskets. Some events get misc. donations and throw a pedicure, a dinner and hair products,etc. in group prizes for raffles. I do my small (8x10" watercolor or pastel) donation in the silent auction and ALWAYS be sure I get to demo at the event. And I demo a piece twice the size of my auction piece.

It is good for them to see me at work, and imagine their image in my painting. A small painting that they want is fine advertising, but I have a chance to meet so many potential clients, it is my only real advertising.
dj*

Patricia Joyce · 11-03-2009, 07:10 PM

Debra,
You are amazing because you have gotten so comfortable painting in public. I am so private with my work that it is hard just to attend the auction much less "perform". I'm really impressed with your work, too!

Chris Saper · 11-03-2009, 07:53 PM

Hi Patty,

Think about offering a ceritficate worth a certain amount toward a portrait. The least expensive option you offer.

I have found that some auctions won't be interested in anything other than a complete "product" but some are willing to go with the "x toward" concept.

Stanka Kordic · 11-04-2009, 09:57 AM

Hi Patty-

Sounds like you're doing well!

I totally echo what Chris suggested. Please be sure the verbage is clear enough... That they are bidding on the discount certificate only, and that your prices are considerably more. People start drinking and there's all kinds of confusion.

Patricia Joyce · 11-04-2009, 10:20 AM

Thanks, Chris and Stanka,
I think I am going to give it a try, work on a good clear gift certificate...

Debra Jones · 11-04-2009, 11:34 AM

There is one thing that clears up a lot of the problems I see:

When I donate they always ask the value. I always, right on the certificate (and it doesn't take much to make a pretty nice little certificate, just your promotional images with this headline on front and INSTRUCTIONS on the back) I say the certificate entitles the winner to, say, a $XXX value 8x10" oil painting of a single subject. and that the amount may be applied to a piece with more subjects or greater size. Having it right on the front helps. Also, I have expiration dates. I have literally had hundreds of dollars of purchases disappear because they were jolly enough to overbid at their auction. Another reason to care about the charity you participate in. Don't take their not redeeming it personally.

I used to try to track down the winner but have had the charity tell me they could not give out the identity of the winner! I stopped fighting and started putting expirations on. Just a week ago, the winner of a small portrait crossed right through the bids and purchased me for 10% above the value. Face to face I asked her to please call me in the morning or email me her information so I could remind her that it would expire. She said she knew EXACTLY WHAT SHE WANTED and I have heard nothing.

It is not as hard as it sounds to do a demo. Just bring something you are working on and talk to people. Silent auctions usually run only two hours, sometimes less. At my last demo, the person bought my piece so early, I had nothing to schmooze, so I passed out my mini portrait cards all evening and barely made a stroke. When you tell the charity you are donating SPECIFICALLY for cross marketing, and make it clear that this is a win-win, the organizers can hardly flinch. Even if you don't get your name in the sponsor book, you are allowed to leave out cards, but handing them out is even better.

It is great for getting your face out in the community. I have not gotten any large or serious work from most of mine. But I have set up networks and am meeting more and more potential clients. I have made an deliberate decision to work smaller and affordable because I can work fast. Just a good way to keep busy.
dj*