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Let's talk about a key member of your fundraising team, The Auctioneer.
Hire the right auctioneer, and you’ll see your numbers go up, but hire the wrong one, and you could be leaving a lot of money on the table.
I’m sharing my favorite tips for how to hire the right Benefit Auctioneer.
Now, you may be thinking, “I don’t need a professional auctioneer. Local Celebrity Joe Commissioner said he’d be happy to lead the auction.”
Well, local celebrities and volunteers may have the best intentions, but the investment you make in a professional benefit auctioneer will let you maximize your efforts and generate much more profit through their expertise.
Yes, during the event benefit auctioneers will lead the auction. They should have a strong understanding of the nonprofit audience.
But benefit auctioneers do so much more.
They should be an integral part of your fundraising team. Most benefit auctioneers will participate in your planning and provide consultation to help you reach your fundraising goals.
Here are 6 tips for hiring the right Benefit Auctioneer:
#1 Ask For Referrals From Other Non-Profits.
After all, your friendly, neighborhood development directors will be able to give you some GREAT insight on how an auctioneer worked for them. Or didn’t...
#2 Interview your top 3 Benefit Auctioneers and choose the one who will be the best ambassador for your organization.
Be sure to get references from non-profits they’ve worked for and follow up with several of those auction committees for valuable insight.
#3 Personality Is Everything!
Select a Personable and Energetic Auctioneer who will get the crowd excited to give money but won’t come across pushy and bossy.
You want to be sure to choose someone with a personality that will shine on the stage, not just in a meeting. So any video clips they can provide will go a long way to show you how they handle a crowd.
#4 Get Details On How They Charge & What That Includes.
Some auctioneers charge a flat rate while others charge a percentage for total sales and others still may choose a combination of the two.
Make sure you are 100% comfortable with how they plan to charge and get all the details up front. Plan anywhere from $3K to $10K or higher depending on the services they offer and their level of expertise.