It’s a truism for every business: Your profits increase if you can sell the same thing more than once.
Earlier this week, VocalEssence auctioned a signed poster by choral superstar Eric Whitacre on eBay. The poster was from the March 22 concert that attracted choral-music fans from around the country. After selling out Orchestra Hall, the group turned to selling tickets to the final rehearsal at $20 a pop.
Well, the bidding closed Wednesday and the poster sold for $152.50, with the proceeds destined for the VocalEssence education program.
“When we contacted the winner, he was kind enough to give us an additional donation of $17.50 to round the total to $175,” said Jennifer Bauer, the PR director for VocalEssence.
More important, the unnamed benefactor donated the poster back to the music group. It will be auctioned again during a fund-raising gala next year.
In the meantime, the folks at VocalEssence probably would be happy if Whitacre won the Nobel Prize within the next year or made a smash music video with Britney. When it comes to entertainment memorabilia, fame only increases value.
