Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I hire a professional auctioneer?
Having a professional auctioneer at your event or fundraiser is the most effective way to engage your audience, raise more money and create lasting partnerships. This single decision is one of the most important aspects of planning your event.

What items sell best at auction?
One important thing to keep in mind is that experiences and custom items are typically the best selling items at auction. If you can buy it at Costco, it’s probably not the best item for a live auction. A dinner hosted by a local celebrity or custom made projects are far better options.

How do I choose an auctioneer?
Your auctioneer should be a team player and an integral part of your event’s success. Ask a lot of questions and find out how much access you’ll have to them prior to your event. Your prospective auctioneer should be asking a lot of questions too. If they aren’t trying to find out details about your auction, maybe they don’t offer much in the way of service.

Why should I hire a professional benefit auctioneer?
Many auctioneers can stand on stage and sound smooth and exciting, but a professional benefit auctioneer will work with you before your event to ensure a more profitable auction. Professional benefit auctioneers recognize the event begins long before the doors open. Pre-event planning and strategy is critical to the overall success of your event.

Rose and Cassie running the YWCA auction

Should this item be silent or live?
Often times we allow value alone to decide if an item belongs in the live auction. An item with less taxable value may take precedence over a more expensive one if it has greater allure. For example, a chiropractic package worth $1000 will probably return a fairly small percentage of value, whereas lunch with the principal has a low taxable value but will generate much more interest and enthusiastic bidding.

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