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OUR SERVICES: CHOOSING A PROFESSIONAL AUCTIONEER |
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How Do I Choose a Professional Auctioneer Who is Right for my Event?
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NEVER compare auctioneers just by looking at the fee they charge! This is not an area to be examining in trying to reduce your event budget! An unqualified or inexperienced auctioneer can cost your organization a lot more money in the end if they don’t earn the crucial dollars for your auction event. Caterers, musicians, and fancy decorations don’t raise money at your auction event. Choose an outstanding (and professional) auctioneer and they will!
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Professional auctioneers typically charge either 1) a flat fee 2) fixed or sliding scale percentage on some/all of the auction sales, or 3) a guaranteed minimum flat fee against a percentage of some/all auction sales (whichever is higher). Each will offer very different services for that fee. Some will charge you just to conduct the live auction, while others may also charge to conduct the silent auction, perform master of ceremonies duties, or may even limit the amount of ongoing consulting/organizational meetings they will attend.
- Find out what is included in the auctioneer’s fee and if you really need or want all the services included in the price. Many provide extra staffing like ringmen or bid “spotters”, registration/cashier personnel, etc. However you may already have volunteers to do the tasks, so decide if you really want to pay for something “built” into the fee that you can get for free or that you won’t need.
- Online bidding on items BEFORE the event even begins is another way to raise money, so check if your auctioneer has the capabilities/website to accept bids on your items online AND if you’ll have to pay extra for this service. Reaching out to online bidders in advance of your auction event is 21st century fundraising!
- Always choose a PROFESSIONAL auctioneer who is a member of, and meets the standards, ethics, and training of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) and other state auctioneers’ associations. If you are looking for an auctioneer who specializes in benefit/fundraising/charity auctions, inquire if the auctioneer has a professional designation as a Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS), as certified by the NAA. Ask how many years have been devoted to conducting JUST benefit auctions (some have other jobs and “do this on the side”). Visit their website; get references. Hearing an auctioneer do a rhythmic bidding chant on a DVD or in an interview meeting is ok, but talking to a past client will give you the best indication of the success of an event and of the performance of its auctioneer!
Partager Auction offers years of expertise preparing and conducting benefit and fine art auctions.
Our trained, licensed and bonded professional auctioneer is qualified to advise
and oversee nearly every aspect of your auction event.
Contact us today! |
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You won't pay separately for us to conduct your live and silent auctions; or to solicit Special Appeal or donor pledges at the event; or to list and accept bids on Live Auction items* on your personalized webpage with Online Bidding; or to serve as your Master of Ceremonies/Emcee; or to attend event development or committee meetings**; or to provide organizational tools; or for our continuous assistance. We are available throughout all the planning stages to monitor your progress and offer additional ideas; all at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE.**
Email us for a complete Professional Auctioneer Proposal which details our all-in-one fee and reserve your event date NOW!
*administrative setup fee will apply however we DO NOT take a percentage or any portion of your online sales like other online auction companies
** If meetings or auction are not held in the greater San Diego area, applicable travel-related costs such as mileage/flight/hotel etc., to be paid by organization. Auctioneer will estimate charges on request and, if possible, will be included in contract.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- I've planned many events, why do I need to hire a professional now?
Partager Auction has conducted hundreds of auction events throughout the United States and uses this knowledge and experience to bring in the most money for each item. As a professional auctioneer, we are trained to effectively increase bids in a lively and efficient manner so that your event runs smoothly and profitably. You can potentially LOSE badly-needed funds by NOT utilizing the skills of a professional auctioneer.
- How long in advance should I plan my auction event?
Professional auctioneers get booked up quickly, especially since most companies/organizations hold weekend auction events. Since there are thousands of auctions held per year and only 52 weekends on the calendar, your event date may already be filled. You should consider contracting a date with Partager Auction at least 6-8 months before your event to ensure availability.
- What qualifications does Partager Auction have to properly conduct my auction?
Partager Auction is a long-time member of the National Auctioneers Association and the California State Auctioneers Association. We have previously been licensed and/or bonded to conduct auctions in other states, including IL, IN, LA, MA, TX as well as the City of New York.
- How do I know whether to have a silent or live auction?
You can have both! But experience and statistics prove that Live Auctions consistently generate about 80% of an organization's fundraising goal for the event. In a silent auction, you don't have a one-on-one salesperson at each item to "close the deal", so many items do not reach full value (or more). However in the Live Auction, your auctioneer focuses the audience on each and every item works every bid to the fullest extent.
- How do I receive guidance to put on an incredible auction event?
When you retain Partager Auction, you will receive unlimited consultations with us. We'll also provide our extensive, personalized "Auction Planning Guide" full of ideas, templates, resources and tips on everything you need to make your event a success.
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