In part two of this episode, we continue our conversation with Sherry Truhlar, benefit auctioneer at Red Apple Auctions. Sherry details methods for improving small auction events (simplify, simplify), teaches us bidder psychology, and drives home the importance of M.E.S.S.   Links: Red Apple Auctions website: www.redappleauctions.com Free auction item guide (published each January, available year-round): https://www.redappleauctions.com/free-resources/benefit-auction-item-ideas-guide/ Free newsletter: https://www.redappleauctions.com/free-resources/benefit-auction-ideas/ Sherry’s book: The Essential Fundraising Handbook for Small Nonprofits Link to Part One: https://www.successfulnonprofits.com/archive/event-180-flipping-small-fundraising-events-on-their-heads-for-better-revenue-with-sherry-truhlar   *****Timestamped Highlights***** (2:00) Dolph coins a term: “The Three Cs of Auctions” (3:29) Playing off the lull to increase bids (5:10) Live auctions, silent auctions, games/raffles, and asking for pledges (6:15) Tips for small auctions: simplify the bidding opportunities (8:15) Bidder psychology (12:15) Clean up the M.E.S.S.: M is for Mission (17:08) E is for Experience: The story of a gala chair (20:10) Dolph’s guest experience pet peeve (25:11) S is for Simplify, S is for Sponsorship (26:55) Sherry’s most challenging item to auction(!)