Quarter Auctions

APPLESPAYLEEWhat the heck is quarter auction? There are many variations, however I’ll review here the basic format of those we hold locally. Minor differences may exist from one event to another. Quarter Auction events are raffle fundraisers sponsored by a local charity or non-profit. The items for raffle are anything from jewelry, candles, skin care or cosmetics, sandals, soaps, kitchen products, food lines, gift cards and baskets. Most of the raffle items are provided by the participating vendors however, the charity can also secure in-kind donations to be part of the raffle.

For guest: When you arrive, you’ll first rent your play paddle. The paddles are generally $3 each or two for $5, When you rent your paddle(s), a poker chip matching your paddle number will go into a draw container used to draw winning raffle numbers throughout the event. Paddles are returned at the end of the event to be used in future quarter auction events. You will also have an opportunity to buy 50/50 tickets and visit the individual vendor tables to register for door prizes. The vendors will have cash and carry items for sale, so you can get a little shopping in too! There will likely be food and beverage to purchase. The paddle rental money, half the 50/50 ticket sales, quarters bid on the charity’s raffle items all go to the charity! When the auction begins, each item will be presented and raffled, one by one. You will use your quarters and paddles for a chance to win, but no fear! The number of quarters does not go up, but rather you “bid” the requested number of quarters (typically 2-3) on the item for a chance to win that item! Once you deposit the required number of quarters per paddle (quarters are dropped into bowls on the table and collected) you raise your paddle in the air. We will begin drawing numbers from the chips matching the rented paddles. If your number is called you had put your quarters in, you win! If the number called didn’t participate, numbers continue to be pulled until a number is called for someone who has bid and has their paddle in the air! Then on to the next auction item.

For Vendors: There is a fee for your space. You auction off 2 items, average retail value $20 and up. All quarters you collect are yours. You will also need 1 small door prize item with minimal costs or just a sample. Vendors can rent paddles and play 50/50 at public auctions. It is an opportunity for you to market you and your products, and sell a couple of items.