| If you are new to benefit auctions or unfamiliar working | | | | guest count? |
| with auctioneers, you might be uncomfortable with the | | | | - Could you describe the way you work with clients? |
| selection process. Here are six tips I suggest auction | | | | - Do you have a video? (If they don't, ask when you |
| committees use to not only survive the selection | | | | can watch them next perform.) |
| process, but actually enjoy the conversations. | | | | - Can I speak with some of your clients who hold |
| #1: Locate a few auctioneers | | | | events similar to ours? |
| If you're starting from a blank slate, visit the National | | | | - Could you explain your service offerings and pricing |
| Auctioneers Association website and use their "Find an | | | | structure |
| Auctioneer" search tool. Auctioneers with a "BAS" | | | | - ... and whatever else is relevant for your event |
| credential indicates that he or she has had specific | | | | (emceeing, for instance) |
| training and testing in benefit auctions. In leiu of any | | | | HINT: Don't begin by asking, "How much do you cost." |
| other metric, that designation alone is a good way to | | | | In most cases, a charity auctioneer will need to know a |
| start weeding people out. | | | | bit about your event before quoting a price. |
| Similarly, if you research your state auctioneers | | | | #4: If the auctioneer has given you referrals, call those |
| association, many state groups also have a similar | | | | referrals |
| search tool useful for finding area auctioneers. | | | | Find out what other organizations liked (or didn't like) |
| Another great option is to call other organizations | | | | about the auctioneer's substance and style. |
| conducting auctions. Ask them who they use, and why. | | | | #5: If you want a proposal or need a final interview, |
| #2: Research and compare auctioneers by studying | | | | set it up. |
| their Websites | | | | Request a proposal only if you're serious about the |
| In today's business environment, if a company doesn't | | | | auctioneer. |
| have a website, they aren't doing much business. You | | | | If you need the auctioneer to meet key |
| can glean quite a bit about a company or a person | | | | decision-makers face-to-face, set up the meeting. |
| simply by reading what they post online. Is the content | | | | Meeting face-to-face isn't always an option due to |
| fresh? Do they showcase videos? Are they active in | | | | distance, but it's not entirely uncommon. |
| their communities? | | | | #6: It's OK Say No. You Won't Burn Bridges or Hurt |
| HINT: If an auction firm's Website seems less focused | | | | Feelings, Unless You Drop the Ball |
| on charity auctions than it is on real estate, | | | | If you're not into an auctioneer's style, or you know |
| automobiles, consignments, or another specialty, the | | | | that you definitely don't need their services, don't ask |
| auction firm probably is more knowledgeable about | | | | for a proposal. Know that it's completely fine to say |
| those other areas. Look for someone who has | | | | "no thank you." |
| mastered what you need: fundraisers. | | | | But if you've moved along in the process and you've |
| #3: Create a form with standard questions, and call | | | | received a proposal, it's only polite to let the auctioneer |
| some auctioneers | | | | know that you opt for someone else. Give them a call |
| It's best if you can talk with all of your candidates | | | | and thank them for their proposal. Let them know |
| within the same time period so you can compare them | | | | you've opted for another candidate but will keep them |
| in one swoop. Key questions you might want to ask | | | | in mind for next year. |
| include: | | | | It's good to be polite! You never know... you might want |
| - Are you available on our gala date? | | | | to work with that auctioneer down the road. Your |
| - How many events do you conduct per year? | | | | courtesy will be appreciated and remembered. |
| - How many events have you overseen with our | | | | |