Frequently Asked Questions

• Why should my organization hire a professional Fundraising Auctioneer?
  • A professional fundraising auctioneer will have the training and skill set to engage in your audience on a relational level. 
• What is the difference between a fundraising auctioneer and other types of auctioneers?
  • The primary difference is the area of focus. Fundraising auctioneers study trends of the fundraising industry, attend and receive education that focuses on how to engage your guests, and develop and understand the skills to become an ambassador for your organization.
• Auctioneers are known for talking fast, will my crowd be able to understand you?
  • The fundraising auction chant is based on clarity more than speed. Unlike other sectors of the auction industry, many times the bidders that attend our auction events are more novice than professional. In order to achieve the highest value and the level of entertainment, we have modified our chants to be fun and exciting with some speed built in but also very clear. In a fundraising environment more than any others, if your buyers can't hear and understand, they will not bid and support the cause.
• ​​We have a celebrity (local or national) attending our event, Should we still hire a professional fundraising auctioneer?
  • The simple answer is YES! The best way to utilize a celebrity is to let them help attract the guests to attend. They can play multiple roles at your event. However, it is ideal to allow the professional fundraising auctioneer to conduct the live auction and the Special Appeal or Fund the Future based on the training they have and the skills of building relationships from the stage.
• Why do you bring a team with you to the events?
  • There are several reasons to bring the team. Such as helping to build relationships and provide a more intimate experience for the guests. The team helps greet guests, learn more of why they are involved, help buyers understand the auction process and items. Anything to help enhance the guest experience. 
    
  • During the live auction and Fund the Future, the team helps to act as a liaison between your guests and auctioneer. They help to create and maintain the excitement in the room.
  • Also, should something happen to the auctioneer on the stage that would render them unable to continue, the team is comprised of individuals that can step in and take over. While we hope this never happens, it is a good way to provide insurance that the show must go on!
• What does BAS stand for? Why would this matter to our organization?
  • BENEFIT AUCTIONEER SPECIALIST. This is the designation that is earned by attending education provided by the National Auctioneers Association. In order to attain this designation, an auctioneer has attended and been trained by leaders in fundraising auctions. BAS designees must complete the classroom training and then complete annual continuing education. This helps to ensure that they stay current in the trends, techniques and skills, in the fast-paced ever-changing world of using the auction method for fundraising.