Fundraiser for my Daughter's School - Silent Auction Cigar Ideas

[e-dawg]

Gents,

Last year I attended a fundraiser for our daughter's preschool and noticed that there were a lot of fathers in the crowd and yet very little in the silent auction choosing that would entice the male bid. I spoke with my wife about offering up a cigar package and she ran it by the committee and heard favorable feedback on the idea. Not sure if this would actually be a success, but I am willing to part with (and procure) a nice offering to help raise money for the school's benefit. The question for me (and hence you) is what constitutes a nice offering to an unknown audience. I am assuming many of the male attendees would be somewhat acquainted with cigar smoking, but I have no idea if there are any aficionados in the mix (I have to assume there are both, right?). Here are my thoughts thus far and would welcome any feedback on this subject. Perhaps some of you have experience with this. I am also curious to know if this is even legal (who would I contact)?

Idea #1:
Travel Humidor with the following selection (2 Opus X, 2 Anejo 46, 2 Anejo Sharks, 2 LP Rats, 2 LP Pigs); minimum bid of $40?

Idea #2:
Desktop 20-40 ct humidor filled with a range of medium priced sticks. Total of twenty sticks? Minimum bid $30?

Idea #3:
Buy a box of Tats, Hemingway's or Oliva V or similar. Minimum bid starting at a 1/3 of the price for the box? Or perhaps no minimum (on any of the offerings)?

I'm curious to know what you guys think would be enticing for a silent auction bid. I might also throw in a bottle of bourbon as well.

I am wide open on this and hope many of your suggestions help inform my thinking.

Thanks for any input.
Eric

 

[Clint]

Just a thought...What about focusing on accessories (nice lighter, cutter, ash tray, etc) ? This would address the issue of not knowing what the bidder likes, and not "wasting" nice cigars on someone who won't appreciate them.

 

[stin187]

Personally I like idea #2 as it appeals to a wide range of people. It could be picked up to start the hobby be someone who is curious or picked up by someone looking to expand or even someone looking for a gift for someone who is just starting out. As far as the legal aspect goes I have no idea, sorry. Oh and you can't go wrong with bourbon ....

 

[H3rrington]

I'd be fearful of idea #1.

The common smoker won't know how awesome that is.

 

[AlohaStyle]

Definitely agree... don't waste good/HTF cigars in #1 because most guys there would probably have no clue about them. I think #2 is the best idea because it could push a guy interested in starting out with cigars over the edge, or even a woman could buy it as a gift to her husband etc. I would definitely put in some decent cigars with brand name recognition like Fuente and Padron, but don't make them super expensive or HTF. Throwing in one Opus etc would catch the eye of a more experienced guy but adding too many might not make it worth your effort/money. I also like the idea of adding a cutter, lighter and butane can.

Good luck.

 

[Jmphotog]

boxes to me sounds good, you can get some at amazing prices then depending on the feeling of the crowd whip out some extras if you see they're are some smokers in the crowd

great idea btw! i'll be something similar for when the autism walks gets closer to NYC, more like a contest raffle or some sort plus making t-shirts

 

[SmokinNukie]

Both responses are good ideas. I wouldn't go high end on the sticks as most "Joes" just don't know a good stick. Almost anyone that has heard of cigars have almost certainly heard of the brands Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo n Julietta, and Maccanudo. Those are the type of sticks that would probably move the easiest and for the best ROI. IMHO of course.

Good luck and good idea.

 

[Robertsndr68]

I'll pay you 50 for idea 1 right now lol.

20 count humidor, cheap but nice looking cutter (they exist), ronson jet flame, 10 medium priced cigars. 40 bucks starting bid.

 

[H3rrington]

I'll pay you 50 for idea 1 right now lol.

20 count humidor, cheap but nice looking cutter (they exist), ronson jet flame, 10 medium priced cigars. 40 bucks starting bid.

I'll give you 75!

Dude. Why not have a silent auction here? You'd probably end up with more. Lmao

 

[StogieNinja]

I'd really recommend #2. It's not only going to appeal to a much broader range of folks, but it also will look more substantial, and be more likely to garnder a high bid. A box of cigars is nice, but a non-smoker or casual smoker isn't going to know what to do with a full box, and the rare aficionado in attendance may not bid if it's not a box suited to his taste. The herf-a-dor is great for a place like this, but again, the non-smoker or casual smoker will have no idea how special that is. If you're going to go with #1, you'd be better to auction it here, and donate the proceeds.

 

[rdomfoto]

I have no idea but are there legal and/or tax implications for selling a "tobacco product" like cigars? If so (or if the committee is concerned) I'd definitely go with the accessories kit: A small (20-40 count) humidor, typed up instructions on how to season it (along with a mention of BOTL), a cutter, a lighter, a bottle of butane, and maybe a two- or three-finger carrying case. Kind of an "everything you need except the cigar" kit.

 

[e-dawg]

Thanks guys for the input. I really like the accessories idea in conjunction with idea #2. If there are legal restrictions on the tobacco itself (I'll check with our MA state laws), I could always gift the sticks as part of the deal (a behind the scenes offering)...

I also like the idea of mentioning BOTL and will do so.

 

[rdomfoto]

Or get a gift certificate for a local B&M (and see if they'll give you a discount on it) - the winner can get some cigars that (s)he used the GC for. Althuogh, if there are no restrictions, *I* would rather have the cigars as part of the package that I walk away with from the auction.

Either way, it's a great idea!

 

[ChefBoyRG54]

Can i bid on number one? What's the current bid? Lol

 

[Jesse]

Both responses are good ideas. I wouldn't go high end on the sticks as most "Joes" just don't know a good stick. Almost anyone that has heard of cigars have almost certainly heard of the brands Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo n Julietta, and Maccanudo. Those are the type of sticks that would probably move the easiest and for the best ROI. IMHO of course.

Good luck and good idea.

This. /\

I'm fairly new to all this and seeing something like this up for bid would get my attention. Those brands I know and have tried before so seeing them all together with a few high end sticks would get a guy like me bidding on it. If there isn't a lot of smokers there it might only go for $40 and really wouldn't be worth your efforts. JMO.

 

[Xavier Dredo]

I'll pay you 50 for idea 1 right now lol.

20 count humidor, cheap but nice looking cutter (they exist), ronson jet flame, 10 medium priced cigars. 40 bucks starting bid.

I'll give you 75!

Dude. Why not have a silent auction here? You'd probably end up with more. Lmao

Agreed! Auction off some htf sticks here and you'll make more dough.

 

[YodisMatt]

The #2 with accessories sounds like it could have a larger appeal for more people. It just maybe that push for someone to start down that slippery slope.

 

[blessednxs65]

I'd engage my local B&M and share with them what you are thinking of and enlist their support. If they are in agreement, I would go gift certificate for box or accessories of choice at a fixed price range. This may be the best of both worlds.

Just my $ .02

 

[e-dawg]

Thanks for the added input!

 

[zama80]

Is this a private school? I think it is a great idea, but if it is a public school I am shocked they allowed it. I work for a public school district, And I can't even begin to tell you what the uproar would be if someone tried it here. Good for you brother, I think it will be a hit. Good luck.