Monday, August 14th, 2007 - Silent vs Live Auction

I was thinking the other day about what is the most important aspect of a benefit auction.  First, let me say that statistics have shown that a "live" auction held in conjunction with a silent auction will definitely raise MORE money for your organization.  Generally, a silent auction is where people are more apt to get a "bargain."  It's the "live" auction where people are more likely to spend over the value for an item to support the cause of the charitable organization.  So, assuming that a successful fund raising auction includes BOTH a silent and a live auction, what is the most important aspect?

 I have come to the conclusion that it is a "Professional Auctioneer!"  Now, I'm not just saying that because I am a professional auctioneer, I'm saying that because I truly believe it.  I don't know about you, but I have experienced benefit auctions where the organization has decided to use a local radio announcer, television personality or celebrity athlete.  I have one word to describe these types of auctions...embarrassing!

 Let's face it, if you want to have an auction you should hire a professional auctioneer...that's just common sense.  AND, I will tell you this, a professional auctioneer will raise a LOT more money for your organization.  Now, if you really want to have a successful benefit auction, you should actually find an auctioneer that specializes in charity and fund raising auctions.  There are a number of us around, and doing benefit auctions is what we love to do.

 Plus, we have all kinds of ideas on how an organization can raise the most funds possible...from games to raffles to several streams of revenue.  Another bit of advice; always try to hire an professional auctioneer that is a member of their state association and the National Auctioneers Association.

I hope this information might help in some way, and as I always say....I absolutely love conducting benefit auctions!  Our next benefit auction is actually an M.I. Hummel Auction that will benefit "Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota!"  We've got a great variety of some very special Hummel figurines, and we're looking forward to raising a lot of money for a very great cause.