What was your experience working with IML? Did the set up and use of this technology run smoothly?

We have always had good experience with IML. We used for three years already.

Did anything unexpected occur while using this technology and how did the IML staff handle this?

Nothing unexpected happened with the technology. The devices synched with the IML computers just fine.

What was your guests’ response to the technology?

Our guests loved using the technology and pressing the buttons. For most people, it was easy to use. There was some confusion about entering lot numbers vs. bid amount, but it was easy to undo. The IML staff was friendly in dealing with individual bidders’ changes. 

What is the average age of your guests?

High school parents, mostly mid 40s

Has your organization hosted a traditional silent auction before? If so, on average, how much revenue did you earn? What was the difference with IML’s technology?

We did an auction about four years ago traditionally. I don’t remember exactly how much we generated, but it was approximately $60k.  Using IML, we raised $95k net.

How many IML technicians did you have on staff at your event? Did you feel this amount was sufficient to address your guests’ needs? How many guests were at the event?

We had two IML technicians onsite, and we felt that was sufficient for the amount of people – 230 guests.

How did your guests learn how to use the technology? Was the method you used to teach them how to use it effective?

When they check in, we had a demonstration station. We set it up near our grab bags. Didn’t do a presentation to whole group. Just at the station. Took 37 secs to learn.

How did the auction closing process work? Did it run smoothly? Was IML able to provide you with invoices on site?

Everything ran smoothly. IML provided invoices on site.

Was IML timely in providing additional materials after the event (bid sheets, other statistics, etc)?

Yes. Sometimes, we would get those materials at the event, and other times, the very next day.

What was the rate of return on getting full payment for items?  Was it higher using IML?

100% We had no problems with people backing out on bids. At the end of the auction, we gave each table a list of winning bids to verify payments.

Did they use the pledge function?  Were guests pleased to have that as an option?

Yes, we used the pledge function and it worked. We also had a live auction this year as well. Pledging was a part of the live auction, and I think most people appreciated silent bids.

Would they recommend using IML?  If so, is there anything about the process or relationship that they would change?

Yes. No.

How were their screens set up – was it invasive? Did it detract from the décor of the event?  Did guests still visit the auction tables?

We just had one screen this year in the main room toward the left. We used a 10 x 12 foot screen and scrolled through items that can be bid on. 10 items at a time went really well. Cycled through. We displayed the live auction items as well.

We distributed one keypad per couple. The first year, we distributed cards to each person, but found that the second person did not use the card. So we started giving one card per couple and it worked well that way.  Guests received a keypad and card at check in. We did not have additional keypads at the auction tables or dinner tables. It helped to have that many keypads because there was a lot of last-minute bidding. Some of our guests commented that they liked having individual keypads because it made it easy for them to monitor their items. Some had complained that other events did not have as many keypads, and preferred this system. Some people didn’t bid on anything, but we had a few that were avid bidders.

Did they have trouble getting back all of the cards?  (Did guests walk off with them?)

No, people were very good at giving them back. We made announcement and also wrote it in the program. We also had someone collecting cards at the exit. A few cards did leave with the guests, but we always got all the keypads back.