Fundraising Auctioneer Tips and Best Practices When Hiring:

If you are planning a fundraising event for your nonprofit organization, school, or charity you maybe considering hiring a professional auctioneer to lead your fundraiser. A professional auctioneer can help you maximize the funds raised for your event and ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently. Here are some tips and best practices to help you find and hire the right fundraising auctioneer for your event!

When it comes to hiring a professional fundraising auctioneer, it’s important to consider the potential benefits. A professional seasoned fundraising auctioneer can bring a lot of value to your event. They can help generate more excitement and more bidding activity, which can lead to higher revenues for your organization. Plus, a professional fundraising auctioneer can help ensure that the event runs smoothly and efficiently. Saving you time and effort for event planners and volunteers.

Cheap Is Expensive In The Long Run:

However the alternative is hiring a cheaper or less experienced auctioneer. Perhaps you have even considered a local celebrity or volunteer which almost never has the same level of success. They will not be able to effectively engage with the audience, generate the level of enthusiasm and bidding needed to reach your fundraising goals. This will result in a less successful event overall and potentially even lead to a loss for the organization. A great fundraising auctioneer should pay for themselves. 

So, while it may be tempting to try to save money by using a free option like a volunteer or retired sports player its usually not as effective. Also hiring a cheaper or less experienced auctioneer can also be detrimental to your event as well. It’s important to carefully consider the potential risks and drawbacks of doing so. Weigh them against the massive benefits of hiring a professional fundraising auctioneer. Don’t risk losing lots of money for your cause to attempt to save a few dollars.

As The Old Saying Goes:

There are a few well known sayings and proverbs that relate to the idea of getting what you pay. These sayings caution against trying to save money by cutting corners. Here are a few examples I think we all have heard in the past and ring true for fundraisers as well.

• “You get what you pay for.”
• “Cheap is expensive.”
• “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”

These sayings are things that we have all experienced. In the long run it is often more cost effective to invest in higher quality goods or services. Even if they come with a higher price tag. This is because lower quality options almost never perform as well and ultimately costs more in the long run.

In the context of hiring a fundraising auctioneer, this means that while it may be tempting to try to save money by hiring a cheaper or less experienced fundraising auctioneer option. It is important to carefully consider the risks and also the major drawbacks of a poorly skilled or inexperienced auctioneer. In the long run, it may be more cost effective to invest in a higher quality, more experienced professional who can help maximize the funds raised and ensure a smooth and efficient event.

Several other things you should look for and do while searching for a fundraising auctioneer for your event:

1. Remember first and foremost, Start your search early! Don’t wait until the last minute. (the best fundraising auctioneers schedules fill up quickly) to start looking for an auctioneer. Many professional fundraising auctioneers are in high demand, so you’ll want to start your search several months in advance. This is to ensure that you have plenty of time to find and hire the right person.
2. Look for a fundraising auctioneer with experience: You’ll want to look for an auctioneer who has a proven track record of success in fundraising  
3. Look for someone who has experience working with organizations similar to yours, and who has a reputation for delivering big results.
4. Consider their style and personality. A fundraising auctioneer’s style and personality can have a huge impact on the success of your fundraising event. Look for someone who is engaging, charismatic, and who can help create a fun and energetic atmosphere.
5. Most fundraising auctioneers will charge a fee for their services. That could come in the way of a percentage of what is raised or in a flat rate fee.
6.  Get references, be sure to ask for references from the auctioneer and follow up with those references. This is to get a sense of the fundraising       auctioneer’s work style and results.
7. Plan ahead! Be sure to work closely with the fundraising auctioneer to plan and organize the fundraising event. Including the auction items and the logistics of the event. The more you plan ahead the smoother the event is likely to go.
8. By following these tips and best practices, you can find and hire a skilled and experienced fundraising auctioneer. This will help you achieve your fundraising goals and make your fundraising event a success. Below are a few more things you should look for.

Finding the Right Fit For Your Fundraiser:

Additionally when it comes to hiring a fundraising auctioneer it’s important to find someone who is the right fit for your organization and your event. Here are some things to consider when searching for the perfect fundraising auctioneer candidate:

Does the fundraising auctioneer have a good understanding of your mission and goals? A strong alignment between the auctioneer’s values and your organization’s values is important. This will allow the donors to feel that the auctioneer is more genuine. 

Does the auctioneer have a good understanding of your audience and the type of event you’re planning? A fundraising auctioneer who has experience with similar events and audiences will be better equipped to tailor their approach and maximize results.

Is the fundraising auctioneer responsive and easy to work with? You will be spending a lot of time communicating with the auctioneer as you plan and execute the event. So it’s important to find someone who is responsive and communicative.

Does the auctioneer have a strong network of contacts and relationships in the community? A well connected auctioneer can help bring in additional donations and support for your event.

By keeping these additional factors in mind, you can narrow down your options and find the fundraising auctioneer who is the best fit for your organization and your event.

Check Your Fundraising Auctioneers Online Social Media Pages:

In addition to these considerations, it’s also important to take the time to thoroughly research and vet potential auctioneer candidates. This can include reviewing their websites, social media profiles, and any other online resources that are available. You should also be sure to ask for references and follow up with those references to get a sense of the auctioneer’s work style and track record.

By taking a proactive and thorough approach to finding the right fundraising auctioneer, you can set your event up for success. In the end this will ensure that you maximize the funds raised for your cause.

A few more things to consider on your quest for the best fundraising auctioneer:

• Consider the type of fundraising event you’re planning: Different types of events may require different types of fundraising auctioneers. For example, a gala event may call for a more formal and traditional approach. While a casual backyard barbecue may call for a more laid-back and energetic style.
• Research and compare multiple candidates: Don’t just settle for the first fundraising auctioneer you come across. Take the time to research and compare multiple candidates to find the best fit for your organization and event.
• Take advantage of resources and networking opportunities: There are many resources available to help you find and hire a fundraising auctioneer. You can also network with other nonprofits, schools and organizations in your community. These networks can help you to get recommendations and referrals.
• Be clear about your expectations: Before you hire a fundraising auctioneer, be sure to clearly communicate your expectations and goals for the event. This will help ensure that the auctioneer is on the same page and can deliver the results you’re looking for.
• Don’t forget about the logistics: In addition to the fundraising auction itself, you’ll also need to consider logistics. These include sound, lighting, stage setup and other technical details. Be sure to work closely with the auctioneer to plan and coordinate all of these elements.
• Consider the type of items you’ll be auctioning: Different types of items may require different approaches from the auctioneer. For example, high-value or unique items may require a more formal and structured approach. While smaller or more common items may lend themselves to a more relaxed and informal style.

 Some Tips for Attracting a Crowd & Marketing Your Auction after Hiring Your Fundraising Auctioneer

• Don’t forget about pre-event promotion: A successful fundraising auction requires a strong turnout. So be sure to plan and execute a comprehensive pre event promotion campaign to attract attendees and build excitement. This can include email, social media outreach, print, online advertising and outreach to local media outlets.
• Use social media to your advantage: Social media can be a powerful tool for promoting your event and engaging with potential donors and those in attendance. Be sure to create and use event pages on platforms like Facebook. Also, consider live-streaming the auction on platforms like YouTube or Facebook Live.
• Make use of online auction platforms: In addition to a live auction, you may also want to consider incorporating an online auction component. This can help reach a wider audience and allow attendees to bid remotely. There are many online auction platforms available. A great fundraising auctioneer should have a list of alternatives depending on your budget. Your Auctioneer should suggest including several free mobile bidding options as well (that cost you nothing.) 
• Seek out sponsorships and partnerships: Another way to boost attendance and raise more funds is to seek out sponsorships and partnerships. Many of these can be with local businesses and national organizations. These partnerships can provide valuable exposure and help offset some of the costs of the event.

By incorporating these additional tips and practices into your fundraising auctioneer hiring process and fundraising event planning, you can increase your chances of success. This will help you raise even more funds for your fundraising cause.