How Do Our Live Auctioneers Help You Plan?

Published:
March 13, 2020
Updated:
September 16, 2026
Key Takeaways
  • An Experienced Auctioneer Adds Value Long Before Event Day
  • Early Planning Leads to Better Fundraising Results
  • Your Auctioneer Is a Strategic Partner, Not Just a Presenter

Recruit an auctioneer.

The auctioneer  needs to be a professional, licensed auctioneer

You'll need someone who is charismatic, comfortable in front of crowds, and who will create interest in the individual items and the overall auction.

Develop an auction catalogue.

Allow the audience to review the auction items before the bidding begins. This helps build excitement you can do this by creating a catalogue of items, showcasing them online or having them revealed via video production at the event.

Provide descriptions, opening bids, fair market values, and other pertinent details for each item.

Acknowledge each auction prize donor as a way to thank him or her.

List items in chronological order based on the order in which they will be presented.

Assign and train live auction volunteers.

Appoint an experienced person to coordinate auction logistics.

Make sure volunteers are clear on their roles

Volunteers can serve as bid spotters, payment collectors, and prize distributors.

Train volunteers on auction prior to the start of the event; you most likely won't have time to do a run-through right before the auction starts.

Communicate all necessary information to the auctioneer.

Review the auction catalogue and discuss any last minute changes.

Make sure auctioneer knows the minimum bid for each item.

Develop strategies to encourage bidding.

Have your committee meet regularly and have weekly conference calls with the Live Auctioneer to discuss each live auction item and details that will help the auctioneer write an appropriate script for each item to entice bidding based on descriptive interpretation

We will help you with all of these items and walk you through step by step.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When should I involve my auctioneer in the event planning process?
As early as possible. Bringing your auctioneer into the planning process early allows them to help shape your event timeline, fundraising strategy, auction structure, and overall guest experience, leading to stronger fundraising results.
How does a fundraising auctioneer help before the event?
An experienced auctioneer can advise on live auction item selection, run-of-show planning, fundraising strategy, donor engagement, event pacing, and ways to maximize revenue. Their experience helps identify opportunities and avoid common planning mistakes.
Why should my auctioneer work closely with my planning committee?
Collaboration ensures everyone is aligned on the event's goals, timeline, messaging, and fundraising strategy. When the auctioneer works alongside your committee and production team, transitions are smoother, guests remain engaged, and fundraising moments have greater impact.

RELATED ARTICLES