Greater Giving published an article titled: Raise more by hiring an auctioneer. That can be read in full here: https://blog.greatergiving.com/raise-more-by-hiring-an-auctioneer/.
We wholeheartedly concur with this statement — anyone wanting to sell anything for the most money in the shortest amount of time is certainly advised to seek out an auctioneer. Often times — including the benefit auction arena — auctioneers often earn enough more money to pay for themselves.
A person impersonating (portraying oneself as) an auctioneer might be able to raise $100,000 for your event; a trained, experienced auctioneer who charges you 10% commission might be able to raise $150,000 netting you $135,000.
Often times, those desiring to hire an auctioneer focus on saving money, rather than making money. There is that phrase which often turns out true: “You get what you pay for …” It’s just as true in the auction industry as any other.
We discussed in detail how the commission (or cost of the auctioneer otherwise) is only half the picture, with the other half the gross proceeds: https://mikebrandlyauctioneer.wordpress.com/2011/04/24/auctioneer-commission-is-only-half-the-picture/.
Charities and the like often pay for the band (rather than get someone free) and pay for food (rather than secure free food) and pay for the facility (rather than find a free location) but all too often think “paying for” an auctioneer is an unnecessary expense.
Additionally, not just any auctioneer is a good choice. Many auctioneers tend to specialize — such as in livestock, cars, benefits, etc. Finding the right auctioneer is just as important as finding any auctioneer.
Further, auctioneers are almost always honest about their abilities; if the auctioneer you call doesn’t have the expertise for your need, he or she can likely refer you to another auctioneer who can properly assist you.
As well we wrote about hiring an auctioneer who is a member of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA.) here: https://mikebrandlyauctioneer.wordpress.com/2020/02/21/why-hire-a-national-auctioneers-association-member-auctioneer/. While some (non-members) would likely disagree, NAA members are unquestionably exposed to the foremost education and training opportunities available anywhere.
Some auctioneers are not NAA members but are members of their state auctioneer association. These organizations also provide education and training and their members are undoubtedly better trained than non-members.
You hire a doctor rather than an impersonator for your surgery. You hire a dentist instead of an impersonator to resolve your tooth pain. You hire a lawyer rather than an impersonator for your important legal needs. Hire an auctioneer next time rather than an impersonator if you want your auction to succeed.
Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, CAI, CAS, AARE has been an auctioneer and certified appraiser for over 30 years. His company’s auctions are located at: Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, RES Auction Services and Goodwill Columbus Car Auction. He serves as Distinguished Faculty at Hondros College, Executive Director of The Ohio Auction School, an Instructor at the National Auctioneers Association’s Designation Academy and America’s Auction Academy. He is faculty at the Certified Auctioneers Institute held at Indiana University and is approved by the The Supreme Court of Ohio for attorney education.
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