Whole Auction is not officially affiliated with any single professional auctioneering company and so we feel we can speak objectively about this subject. We feel it is always beneficial for your organization to hire a professional auctioneer to conduct your live auction.

Here are just some of the reasons why:

• Our internal research based on hundreds and hundreds of auctions clearly demonstrates that the fundraiser auction which has a professional auctioneer does better financially than the auctions that does not. In fact the difference is almost always significant.

• Professional auctioneers bring knowledge and experience and can consult with your organizations. Professional auctioneers become your partner. They are as passionate about the success of your event as you are. Their motivation to make your event successful rivals only your own motivation. They want your business and the more money they help your organization raise, the more likely you will invite them back.

• Professional auctioneers understand the dynamics of your audience. Auctioneers make it their job to study and audience and understand what ‘button’ to push to elicit a higher contribution. This is a huge asset to your fundraising auction. Someone who may be a good entertainer, or local celebrity, may be able to bring smiles to your audience but will rarely have the understanding of how to get the most dollars from your audience. They will be concentrating on entertaining while a professional auctioneer concentrates on getting money. An auction has its own life cycle. Momentum tends to ebb and flow through the event, and a professional auctioneer knows how to exploit these times to your advantage.

• Professional auctioneers learn and know your auction catalog. They know how to sell the items in it. More than likely they have sold similar items many times and so they know how to position and build excitement for even the most generic of items. We recall auctions where the auctioneer was not a professional and the items were ‘over-sold’ creating a significant problem after the auction, because patrons have their expectations lowered which hurts your organization and future fundraisers.

• We have found that professional auctioneers are almost always MORE entertaining than any local celebrity or other host. They may not be professional entertainers, but they understand their business and they know what works and what doesn’t. We have had to watch too many hosts, or local celebrities fumble as they try out old comedy routines that are inappropriate for the venue or fall flat as they trip over the various items up for auction.

• Trust us on this………..get a professional auctioneer……..you’ll thank us.