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4Our auction is different than other fundraising auctions because - WE'RE ON LIVE TV! Bidding is done real-time by television viewers, right from the comfort of their homes. Items are displayed and described on-air, then viewers phone in their bids. Once a "board" closes, the high bid amounts are announced on air. Did it sound like your bid? Wait for your confirmation phone call (always that same evening) telling you when and where to pick up your item. Phone doesn't ring? Someone else got that item so keep watching and keep bidding.
Here are some easy suggestions:
- Pull up your favorite easy chair.
- Have the popcorn and soda close at hand.
- Don't forget to have your phone close, its battery charged, and your dialing finger in shape!
- Tune in to the WTVP Auction!
- Watch the items presented on each board. See something you like? Write down the item number, item name, and your highest bid.
- Call the bid numbers on the screen and place your bid. (All bids must be at least 50% of donor value)
- Bid early - as soon as you see an item you want to bid on, CALL!
- Bid your highest bid - don't count on being able to get back through to increase your bid - it may be too late!
- If you're the highest bidder, a volunteer will call you that same evening to confirm your bid and give you Pick Up 'N' Pay instructions.
Here are the basics:
- Lightning Boards - Lightning never strikes twice, so you have to move fast to bid on these items! You only get one look at these items - no second chances! Make your bid count! Get your bid in high and fast because these items come and go like lightning.
- Feature Boards - You'll find some fine quality merchandise on our feature boards. These boards are designated by the color red. You get to see them twice-- once when they're introduced and later so you can see the current high bids. The merchandise is valued from $150-$499. Be sure to bid high on the feature board!!!
- Multiple Boards - For a mix of great merchandise, look no further than the multiple board. Two to five identical items from a single donor are presented together .... But sold separately to the high bidders. Grouped items must have a combined value of at least $50. Like lightening boards ... The multiple boards and their items are only shown once with no re-caps. So bid high and fast on the multiple board!
- Tonight Boards - Throughout the evening we'll be recapping items on our tonight board. Tonight board items have been selected for special auction attention because they're valued between $500-$999. You can place your bids during the course of the evening. Final bids will be taken by 10pm and the the high bids will be announced on air.
- Big Boards - Some of our most exciting items are on the Big Board! These items have a donor value over $1,000 and will be auctioned off this evening between 9:30 and 10:00.
Bidding on Big Board items is a two-step process: phone in your bid anytime during the evening. Then watch and listen between 9:15 and 10 pm for instructions to call back. You'll then be part of a live auction with other bidders interested in the Big Board items. So be listening between 9:15 and 10 pm for your opportunity to be a Big Board buyer! - Gavel Breakers -
Be on the look out for a unique opportunity here at the WTVP Auction... it's our gavel breakers featuring 'The Gavel Breaker Girls.' when you see our emcee talking with 'the girls', listen carefully to see what have to offer. That lucky caller could be you!
Gavel Breakers are, 10-20 identical items with a combined valued of $100+, are for a fixed price right on the spot to the lucky callers who get through first!! It's fast, it's fun, it's a break from the regular auction bidding. So when you see the 'Gavel Breaker Girls'...be ready for some great bargains!!!
Here is a quick reference:
| Board Type | Value | Shown |
|---|---|---|
| Lightning Boards | $50-$149 | Once |
| Feature Boards | $150-$499 | Twice |
| Mulitple Boards | Various | Once |
| Tonight Boards | $500-$999 | Multiple times during the evening |
| Big Boards | $1,000 & up | Multiple times during the auction |
| Gavel Breakers | Various | Once |
Buy! Buy!! BUY!!!"
Bob Harris, Volunteer
Bidding is simple but it can be intimidating, especially when you're excited about an item or worried about a board closing soon. The phone banks are loud and the volunteers sometime have a hard time hearing, but they are required to get your personal information (every time you call in a bid, even on the same item) before they can get your bid posted. A few things you can do to help your chances are:
- Talk loudly and clearly
- Have the NAME OF THE BOARD your item is on (for example "Lighting Board A")
- Have the ITEM NUMBER (phone volunteers do not go by item description)
- Remember to bid in whole dollar amounts and start at 50% of the stated item value
- Get yourself an Express Bid Number so you don't have to go through all your personal information EVERY TIME YOU CALL
The Landmark Café & Creperie in Galesburg wants you to overbid the retail price of each auction item! As an incentive, they are going to match every dollar you overbid--up to fifty dollars--with gift certificates towards your next dine-in meal... that's one delicious deal! Certificates will be issued in amounts no greater than twenty-five dollars, can only be redeemed one at a time, and expire in December of this year. The Landmark Café on Seminary Street in Galesburg -- delicious food, great atmosphere and proud to support WTVP.
If you have question about the WTVP Auction, to make a donation, or to volunteer please contact the WTVP Development office.
WTVP Development
ATTN: Luann Caludin, Auction Director
101 State Street
Peoria, Illinois 61602
Voice: (309) 495-0547
Fax: (309) 677-4730
auction@wtvp.org