We currently have the event module and have been using it for the last 4 years for our golf classic.  Our Development Director has been looking into Auction Pay.  We would still use RE for at least the money side of the event for the sponsorships due to balancing and reporting issues, that I don't want to have to add things from each program.  So I guess I would be running the event in both systems, if that makes sense.  One of the reasons he was looking at it was to have on-line registrations but I believe we can get that with the pruchase of RE: NetEvent (we have NetSolutions)  The other reason was to assist in the Auction area (we currently have a silent/live auction at our event during their dinner).  I was wondering how others use RE and Auction Pay together and if they think Auction Pay is worth the money since we already have the event module. 

 All comments and ideas are greatly appreciated.  You may contact me directly if you would like.

Thanks,

Staci

 Hi Staci,

 Blackbaud purchased AuctionMaestro Pro (AMP) some time ago (year+) and I would bet at some point there will be an internal module so third party softwares (and the lovely plug-ins that come with them) aren't needed.  A client of mine in the midwest had used AMP this past year for the first time on their auction/gala and it seemed to work well.  Because of the integration with RE, it simplified the work that was needed on both products - so as to minimize double entry by staff.

 You register the individuals/orgs in RE on the event (so NetEvent would work at this point) to register everyone attending.  You upload via a new module that appears in RE once you have bought AMP into the AMP software where you would have the years event also set up.  All GIK and auction items/baskets would then be entered in AMP.  AMP actually has many nice reports, many of which I didn't get into - but bid sheets and catalog are the basic ones that are easily generated.  All night-of auction activities were managed in AMP and checkout handled as well.  It was also nice because with AMP there isn't a restricted number of licenses, so we had six checkout laptops networked to 3 printers.  Following the event we then uploaded all transactions back to RE.  

The amount of detail on the gift in RE following the event is somewhat limited, but should donors have questions specific to items bought, etc. they refer back to AMP.  

 I have not worked with Auction Pay before, but imagine your DD has used it previously.  I found AMP to be pretty easy to use, learn, and Blackbaud has dedicated support people to help with specific integration issues and clarification we needed on the AMP end of things.  Another thing to consider is that at some point there likely will be an integrated auction piece within RE - to many organizations I've worked with have requested it - so I'd hate to see your organization invest $ in something that may be replaced at some point.  (unfortunately the same can be said for AMP).  Good luck and let me know if I can be of further assistance.

 Sincerely,

Matt Haynes

Haynes Consulting Group, LLC

matt@haynesconsultinggroup.com

Thank you, Matt, for your reply.

Staci