One of the
negative issues that Charities have when hosting a fundraising event is Ticket
Sales. The issue comes from several
issues but in order to sell the maximum amount of tickets or even selling a
venue out, I am going to share the secret with you.
“How do you eat
an elephant? One bite at a time.” If I came to you and said “You need to sell
500 tickets”, most people would be crushed with stress and would not even try
because of such a massive task. In fact, it would probably be over even before it started. However,
it’s much easier then you know to sell it out.
Charities
should use this same thought process when tackling their ticket sales. Prior to starting this plan, you first have
to find the venue (place where you are hosting your fundraising event). The important questions you have to determine
are the following:
#1 – Venue
Price Per Person
#2 – How many
people can sit at a table? - Most are
either 8 to a table (referred to as “8 tops”) or 10 to a table (“10 Tops”).
Later, we
will discuss facts you should know about how you can negotiate with a Venue in
reference to price per person and the Sales Tactics they use (yet another
Blog).
Once the
above two questions are answered, you should establish your Ticket Costs. A successful method of pricing your tickets
is to give a “Price Break” for Couples and Tables sold. Understand that no one will want to come
alone, charities can use that to their benefit and your guests. After establishing the “Price per Head” from
the venue, the first ticket cost should be the “Table of?” (Of either 8 or 10
people to a table). This ticket charge
is the #1 key to your success. The next
price, which should be a bit higher is, Couples (2) ticket and then a Single
Ticket – with the Single Ticket being the highest price.
After you
have these answers and your have your tickets printed, this is when you put
your plan into action and begin “Eating the Elephant.” This is the “Secret to Selling out your
event.” Here is how it works:
#1 – Board
of Directors: Most likely, you are
already planning a meeting surrounding your event. At your event, you should task each of your
board members to sell or purchase one (1) to two (2) tables. Understand that the role of a Board member is
to support the Charity financially and by assisting with tasks such as
this. Several of your board members will
be able to sell more than one (1) table.
Give each one of your board members a book of tickets (either 8 to a
book – or – 10 to a book depending on the size of the tables) and ask them to
sell them.
#2 – Sub Contractors
/ Vendors: As a business, there are
companies and professionals that you rely on such as Lawyers, Accountants,
Suppliers, Marketing Companies etc. When
speaking about suppliers, I am referring to the companies which you purchase
office supplies and other items from. A
good method is go through your “Charity Checkbook” and see who profits from you
– you will be amazed how many companies there are. Think about all the companies you buy from
and speak to them about purchasing a table.
A good business will immediately purchase a table in order to both show
their support and keep the relationship going.
#3 –
Committee: These great people are your “Soldiers.” First you should gather everyone to a meeting
and include all of the charity employees and all your volunteers. These great people are the heart and soul of
your charity and will work overtime to help.
Task each of them to sell a table.
NOTE: The first issue you should understand is, not
every one of these people will be able to sell a table and you should ask up
front who can and cannot sell them.
In summary,
if your venue can host 500 people, then all you will need to do is sell 50
tables – that means only 50 people are needed to “Sell out” your event. Just as a matter of note, a “Sold Out” event
alone will help your charity grow year after year.
If you would
like to learn more “Secrets to Fundraising Success” – contact BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising today at www.BWUnlimited.com.
BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a Leader in Charity Fundraising in North America in a “One
Stop Shop” setting. BW Unlimited Charity
Fundraising is family owned and operated while offering Charities everything they
need to successfully host their charity fundraisers year after year. BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is known for
our incredible array of “No Risk Auction Items” such as Charity Travel
Packages, 100% Autographed Collectibles authenticated by JSA & PSA/DNA,
Beautiful Decorative items and Jewelry.
BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising also offers a wide array of services to
charities such as the best Charity/Benefit Auctioneers in the business, Live
& Silent Auction services and much more.
Learn more at www.BWUnlimited.com.
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