1.

Do you specialize in charity auctions?

Auctioneers that specialize in charity, benefit and fundraising auctions are going to be best equipped to handle all aspects of your event from the silent auction, to live auction, to “the appeal”.  There are many proven “tricks of the trade” that a professional charity auctioneer will know vs. a volunteer or non-charity auctioneer.

2.

Are you bonded as an auctioneer in the State of California?

Auctioneers that conduct business in the State of California are required by law to be bonded by the state.  If the company you are interviewing is not bonded by the State of California be very cautious to proceed with them.

3.

Are you a member of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) and your State Auctioneers Association?

It is not mandatory that real estate auctioneers be members of the NAA or their state associations, but all auctioneers that are members of both associations are required to follow a code of ethics while practicing as a legitimate auction company. Do not do business with auctioneers that aren’t members of both associations because they may not be looking out for your best interests.

4.

How many successful auctions have you completed and how many years have you been in the business?

Choosing an auctioneer that has not conducted more than 50 successful auctions and been in the auction business for at least 5 years may not be in your best interests. In order for auctions to have a positive outcome, they must be handled by an auctioneer that has the proper knowledge and experience, which can only be gained by conducting a multitude of successful auctions over a legitimate time period.  

5.

Do you have any auction videos that I can view?

An auctioneer should be able to show you videos of him in action.  If he does not have videos request to attend one of his upcoming auctions so that you can see how he works with the crowd to entertain, raise money and how his overall personality will mesh with your organization.

6.

Do you charge for your services?

Auctioneers that don’t charge for their services are not going to take your event seriously.  Many times, they are not charging because they don’t value their ability to maximize your profit.  Ask the auctioneer what their fees are and use your judgment in determining if their cost is fair.  Remember, good charity auctioneers will pay for themselves with one extra bid that a volunteer would not be able to achieve.  “Having a volunteer or unqualified auctioneer handle your event is like having your accountant work on your car.”

*Remember, a good charity auctioneer has a lot of tips that can maximize your event’s profits using a multitude of different techniques.  Auctioneers that have conducted a lot of auctions have seen many different money-making ideas and know what works and what doesn’t work (i.e. timeline, types of auctions, what order to put your items in, appeal, etc.).  DON’T FORGET TO TAKE YOUR AUCTIONEER’S ADVICE WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING MONEY AT YOUR EVENT.