Benefit Auctioneer's Blog

Auction Rules Rules Rules Bah:)

benefitauctioneer — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:22:32 +0000

Even though your auction is for a good cause it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t follow rules that will protect all that are involved. Stating the terms of the auction creates a clear picture of how we conduct ourselves. It is imperative that the organization retains a properly licensed auctioneer that understands that he or she is creating a contract every time they say sold:)

Here are some sample rule or terms for your auction. Sample Auction Rules & Procedures
1. A bid number is assigned to each guest for bidding on silent and live auction items. Guests are
responsible for their bid cards and use of bid numbers during the evening.
2. To bid on a silent auction item, simply write your bid number beside the next required bid
amount on the bid sheet. Bid amounts must meet the minimum bid increase. Note the posted
or announced closing times for each silent auction section. Once a section close, all bids are
final. Note all posted limitations and guidelines for each item. Some items may have a
“guaranteed bid amount” on the bid sheet. If a guest bids this amount, the bidder immediately
becomes the winning bidder of the item.
3. The auctioneer will direct the bidding during the live auction. To bid on a live auction item, raise
your bid number high so that it can be seen by the auctioneer. The auctioneer will announce
the winning bidder on each item. The decision of the auctioneer is final as to the winning bidder,
whether an item is sold, and any disputes that may arise during the live auction.
4. Payment may be made with cash, personal check, or credit card at the conclusion of the event.
Payment in full is required. All sales are final and no refunds or exchanges are available.
5. Winning bidders will receive a paid invoice upon payment in full. This invoice will secure the
release of auction items from the designated locations. Winning bidders must take their items
at the conclusion of the event unless they have made other arrangements in advance.
6. Purchases are bound by the precise restrictions specified by the donors. Please note all posted
or announced restrictions, black‐out dates, or other limitations. Unless otherwise noted, dates
and times are to be arranged between the donor and the buyer. Please do not ask to exchange
or modify contributions.
7. Every effort has been made to describe auction items accurately. However, all items are sold
“as is” and the organization and auctioneer cannot guarantee the condition or authenticity of
items and make no warranties or representation of any kind or nature for any item sold. By
purchasing an item, the buyer waives any claims for liability against the organization, the donor,
and the auctioneer. The organization, donor, and the auctioneer are not responsible for any
personal injuries or damages to property that may result from the utilization of property or
services sold.

Not So Silent Auction Tips

benefitauctioneer — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:15:09 +0000

I love silent auctions!!! As the auctioneer for fundraising auctions, I view the silent auction as an opportunity to raise the level of competitive bidding and fun for auction attendees. The silent auction can set the tone for the entire event, so why not make it as dynamic as the live auction. Lately many of my clients have found sucess in containing the food, drinks and silent auction in one area with a short time line for bidding. This allows the focus to be on bidding and bringing awareness to the donors and the cause. They make efforts in trying not to separate the silent auction from other activities.

Silent Auction

During Silent Auction, have bar stations & appetizer stations strategically placed to move
bidders past silent auction items (however, don’t make them so close that they block items).
Position silent auction tables in center of space rather than on perimeter when possible. This will allow folks to see others biding rather than look at a wall.
If you have food stations place them around perimeter so bidders can eat and bid without having to move room to room
Close Silent Auction before the live auction starts
Stagger the closing of tables to increase bidding
Have Auctioneer highlight items & announce table closings
Keep bidders appraised of bidding on key items with announcements or on‐screen updates
Make sure attendees know when tables are closing (countdown to closings)
Carefully arrange tables for easy access and good traffic flow
Shorten the amount of time bidders have to bid
A mystery item or two to add some unexpected fun
“Gold Section: Super Silent Auction” for a few higher dollar items that did
not make the cut for the live auction
Sealed Bid Auction on a few items (where bidders don’t know what others
are bidding—they place bids in a sealed gift box)
Have “Buy Me Now” or “Guaranteed Bid” Prices on some of the items to allow a
bidder to immediately win an item if they really want it. The price can be set at
market value or above. (Warning: This may lead to a rush to the tables at the
beginning of the evening!)
Ask your Benefit Auctioneer conduct a few “Mini Live Auctions” on sought after
Silent Auction items—generates some unexpected excitement during the Silent Auction.

Going, going, gone…..For A Good Cause (Kronk Gym)

benefitauctioneer — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:59:52 +0000

Hi All,

A life as a professional benefit auctioneer can be a roller coaster ride but a fun one. My job every day is to help worthy organizations plan a wonderful auction event for their supporters, increase exposure about their cause, and help them raise much-needed funds (especially these days)!

The challenge is two-fold. First, we have to find the organizations that need our help and convince them that a professional benefit auctioneer will make a difference in the success of the event (a very true but not always understood fact). This month has been a good one so far on that front as we have booked a wonderful auction event for the world renowed Kronk Gym.

The Kronk Gym is internationally known for turning out champion boxers. Its founder, Emanuel Steward, has become a legend of the ring. But fewer people know all the good work Kronk does for the youth of Metro Detroit, helping to instill in them a sense of pride and respect for their community.

To celebrate its storied history and to raise money so it can help even more kids, The Kronk Gym Foundation is holding its first annual fundraiser on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at the Townsend Hotel, in Birmingham, MI. I am pleased to report that I have been selected to be the professional auctioneer for this event! The fund-raiser will be a fun-filled event, with plenty of celebrities, dinner, good wine and a live and silent auction.

Special awards will be given to people who have shown the caring side of the boxing and sporting worlds. Among the recipients will be Sugar Ray Leonard, Detroit’s own Thomas Hearns, Roger Penske, Don Barden, Dr. Stuart Kirschenbam, long-time Kronk supporter Sam Lafata, among others.

The live auction will feature items sure to turn the head of boxing fans: a one-of-a-kind boxing robe, autographed by boxing legends, and several pairs of autographed boxing gloves signed by Oscar De La Hoya, among other champions.

The VIP Reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. The general reception and silent auction will start at 6 p.m. Go to www.KronkGymFoundation.org for more information about this event!

The second challenge as a professional auctioneer is being successful at the benefit auctions that you already have on your calendar. I will end the week on that note in Durham, NC with two of my valued clients–the Ronald McDonald House of Durham and the Triangle Day School. Both organizations host amazing events with caring donors. I suspect we will have record breaking events..but the pressure is on! I’ll provide an update on Monday.

A reminder for nonprofit organizations and schools in SC–we are hosting two upcoming workshops on planning a successful benefit auction. The workshops will be 2/24/09 at Trident Academy in Mount Pleasant, SC and on 3/19/09 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. I hope to see you there. Please visit our website at www.HolidayBenefits.com and follow the links to register.

–Matt Holiday, Auctioneer