Is a Benefit Auction hard to do?

Yes it can be quit a challenge. There are many details that must be attended to. But, let’s look at it in a little different light. Have you ever taken a cruise? Of course, you do your initial planning as to the date, ports, itinerary, and activities. The rest you entrust to the ship's captain to sail through the open waters and to arrive successfully at your destination. The captain has all of the expertise, education, and abilities to stay on course.

It’s somewhat the same with Professional Benefit Auctions. All of the necessary instruction and leadership are provided to take you from the decision to have a gala event to even the final check out of the last guest. We will keep you on course.

Why would your organization consider a benefit auction?

It’s the greatest most rewarding tool available to generate funding! Statistics have proven that any successful fundraising event that incorporates a live benefit auction can realize literally two-thirds of the fundraising event’s income from just the charity auction alone! The balance comes from the combined revenue totals generated from the event's ticket sales, silent auctions, or raffles.

What is a Benefit Auction?

A benefit auction is a method of fundraising that sells procured merchandise to the highest bidder. The most entertaining method to raise funds is through the oral auction. Most auctions are conducted during the course of a single evening. A large number of non-profit organizations have adopted the annual auction as a highly successful tool for their fundraising needs.

How much preplanning does it take?

A benefit auction can take anywhere from 3-12 months to plan. It's easy to understand why organization and commitment are key elements in the planning process. It requires the active involvement of dedicated volunteers and committees to achieve optimal results.
From the very start, the very smallest details must be attended to in order to maximize the opportunity to meet your goals.

If you've never hosted an auction before or would like to increase the productivity of your current auction efforts, using a certified benefit auction consultant will greatly improve your results. The expertise pays for itself, not only in bottom-line results but in the positive public relations that are generated when your event is successfully executed.

Where Do You Begin?

Begin the process by setting a financial goal, organizing your strategy, recruiting quality volunteers, and hiring a Certified benefit auctioneer to facilitate the process. A Certified benefit auctioneer will help you get started with planning and organization, and can assist in custom designing the auction event to meet your group’s unique needs.

Can we afford a professional Auctioneer?

There are three types of auctioneers.

1. The volunteer or hobbyist is most often unskilled and a self taught community member or even an eager radio or TV personality. Although they may make a good Master of Ceremonies for your event, they don't often make adequate charity auctioneers!
2. The traditional auctioneer is professionally trained in the craft, but, more often than not, they have little if any experience in fundraising auctions, and unfortunately this can and does impact your fundraising event.
3. The professional charity auctioneer, benefit auctioneer, or fundraising auctioneer typically comes from an accredited auction school, or he has apprenticed with a fundraising auctioneer. They possess the fundraising knowledge required to insure your event’s profitability. Knowing these facts now, which auctioneer would you choose?