The Hidden Cost of Consignment Travel Packages at Charity Auctions

In recent years, many fundraising events have turned to third-party consignment companies to supply experience and vacation packages for their auctions. While these offerings can appear enticing—promising “bucket list” trips and “once-in-a-lifetime” adventures—what many organizations don’t realize is that these packages often come at a significant cost to your bottom line and, more importantly, your donors.

At AFGI, we’ve worked with thousands of charities and nonprofits across North America, and we’ve seen firsthand how overpriced, underperforming consignment items can reduce the effectiveness of your auction and divert funds away from your mission.

The Problem: Overpriced Packages That Don’t Sell

Consignment companies often promote luxury travel or VIP experiences with glossy photos and dramatic descriptions—but behind the scenes, these packages usually come with inflated reserve prices that must be met before your organization earns a dollar.

This creates several issues:

Fewer bidders: Savvy donors recognize inflated values and are less likely to bid.
No profit: If the minimum bid is too high, the item may go unsold, earning your charity nothing.
Donor frustration: High opening bids can deter participation and leave guests feeling like they’re not really contributing to your cause.

Who Really Benefits?

With most consignment arrangements, the third-party provider gets paid first—only after their set cost is covered does any money go to your organization. In many cases, even if a package sells, the charity receives only a small percentage of the final bid, often far less than the donor realizes.

This not only diminishes the effectiveness of your auction but also erodes trust. Donors attend charity events expecting their contributions to directly support your mission—not subsidize a travel wholesaler.

A Better Approach: Value-Driven, Donor-Focused Auctions

At AFGI, we take a different approach. We believe every item in your auction—whether it’s a travel experience, exclusive dinner, or luxury item—should be:

Fairly priced
Strategically selected
Aligned with your audience and goals

We never push overpriced “wow factor” items just for appearance. Instead, we focus on customized packages and trusted suppliers that allow your charity to retain a meaningful percentage of every winning bid.

If we do offer a consigned item, we clearly explain the structure and guarantee a return to your charity—so you’re not left relying on multiple bidders to cover inflated reserve prices.

Why Smart Auction Planning Matters

A successful auction isn’t about how flashy your items look—it’s about how well they perform. High-reserve, low-return packages from third-party providers often look good on a table but underperform financially. They can also:

Crowd out donated items with 100% return value
Confuse donors about where their money is going
Undermine the authenticity of your fundraising message

Work With a Partner Who Puts Your Charity First

With over 40 years of experience and hundreds of events annually, AFGI understands what truly drives donor engagement and bidding success. We’re in the business of helping you raise more—not just impress your guests.

When you work with us, you can expect:

Transparent pricing and guaranteed returns
Curated, realistic auction packages
Ethical fundraising practices that prioritize your donors and your mission
A partner who treats your event like it’s our own

Ready to Plan a Smarter, More Profitable Auction?

Contact AFGI today to learn more about how we help organizations like yours avoid costly consignment traps and build high-performing live and silent auctions—the right way.