Silent Auction and Pledge technology
Maximize fundraising at your next charity event using IML's innovative audience response Silent Auction and Pledge Software.
Proven to raise more money than paper-based bidding, IML's audience response Silent Auction and Pledge system enables guests to place instant bids on items without having to leave their seats.
Using the award winning Communicator audience response keypads guests can simply enter their bids into their keypad and the screen instantly informs them if their bid has been successful.
The Communicator screen constantly updates guests with the highest current bids, generating competitive bidding that increases the value of the lots.
Picture courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery © MPP Image Creation 2006.
Silent Auction Product Details
Download Silent Auction fact sheet 
How does it work?
IML's audience response Silent Auction bidding system is extremely easy-to-use. Guests simply scroll through the lots on their Communicator audience response keypad and then select the items they want to bid on.
The Communicator displays the name of the lot alongside the highest current bid.
Guests enter their bids into the keypad and instantly receive a message confirming whether they hold the highest bid or whether they have been outbid. Other guests are then automatically updated with the new leading bid on their audience response keypads.
The immediacy of IML's audience response Silent Auction system has been proven to create a competitive atmosphere amongst guests who are able to re-bid on items immediately.
Bid updates can be anonymous or identified. During an identified bidding process, the Communicator informs guests of the highest current bid and the name of the bidder who placed it.
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Step one: Enter the lot number you want to bid on. |
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Step two: The Communicator will inform you of the current highest bid for the lot and whether it is held by you or another bidder. |
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Step three: Enter the amount you want to bid. |
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Step four: The Communicator keypad confirms that you hold the highest bid and will update you if you are outbid. |
Display screen
In addition to keypad display screens, IML can design screens to be projected onto main/plasma screens to keep guests updated with the highest current bids for each lot and promote more bidding activity.
Display screens can be branded with company logos and will also feature the name and a description of each lot, alongside the overall total raised.
How are guests identified by the system?
In order to track the guest's bidding activity we provide you with Smartcards that store guests' name/identification details. These can be given out at registration or placed on the table prior to their arrival.
In order to place a bid guests must insert their Smartcard into their Communicator audience response keypad. This automatically identifies guests and links them to their bids.
Smartcards can be labeled with guest's names and branded with logos and designs, enabling you to highlight sponsors and match the theme of your event.
Tracking Bids and Reporting
IML's software tracks all bidding activity. At the end of the auction, reports can be printed immediately, detailing the names of the winning bidders and the final value of the bid. Alternatively IML can print a report with all bids if requested.
IML's Pledge Function
Some of your guests may be unsuccessful in their bid to win auction lots but may still wish to donate money to the charity.
This can be done quickly and easily using IML’s Pledge function.
Guests wanting to pledge money simply enter the 'Pledge’ lot number and then key-in the amount they would like to donate.
The total amount pledged can also be displayed on the main screen.
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Pledge: The Communicator screen displays a message confirming the amount you have pledged. |
Reserve Values
Reserve prices on auction lots can easily be programmed into the software before the event.
How will your charity benefit from using the IML Silent Auction and Pledge System?
- Convenient and discreet - guests do not have to leave their seats.
- The competitive bidding amongst guests increases the value of the lots.
- Creates a lively and fun environment for guests.
- The bidding process is simple and fast.
- Guests receive immediate feedback on current highest bids.
- Proven return on investment.
- Detailed bidding reports are available immediately.
Client testimonial
“IML’s system was seamlessly incorporated into our auctions, the devices were used for both the silent and live auctions at both events. The IML team members were wonderful while preparing for the event, during the evening of the event and for final reporting.
It didn’t mean any extra work for us and it made all of our lives a lot easier.
It guaranteed us a successful evening and the amounts raised exceeded all of our expectations.
The success of this event means that it would be unthinkable for us to go back to a paper based system. The guests all go nuts for the keypads!”
Paul VI Catholic School
Click here to read full case study