PTO Today

Hi, I am new to this and have the large task of organizing a live/silent auction. Am looking for a very animated auctioneer in Massachusetts. (central, north not far from Nashua NH) Obviously one who would do it for charity.. ANy ideas.. I'm overwhelmed with where to begin. Thank you

The first two methods that I think of for finding an auctioneer are (1) your area telephone yellow pages under auctioneer, and (2) internet search on auctioneer association Massachusetts (or whateer state.

That will give you a list to start with. You mentioned two other factors (1) "Animated" and (2) "Charity", which I take that you want the auctioneer to do your auction for free. You should add a thrid factor, (3) "Is the auctioneer experienced in conducting fund raising auctions for organizations like schools, churches, etc?"

Your list of auctioneers will probably be narrowed down considerably with factor #2, and then narrowed even more by #3, so then you can evaluate #1.

A few words about #3 "Experience" in more detail - Many auctioneers will specialize in certain type auctions, i.e., construction equipment, real estate, agriculture/livestock, antiques/estates, etc. These auctioneers have a keen sense of knowledge of the values of these specialized items to be sold at auction, as well as knowing what speed or pace to sell the items.One might take 15-30 minutes to sell a piece of real estate, while other types of auctions they will sell up to 150-180 items per hour. You would want your school auction to fall in the middle of this pace range.

Most importantly, you should seek an auctioneer who has the experience to know the values of the things that are commonly sold at school/benefit auctions.

Now a word about #2 Charity or getting the auctioneer to do your auction for free. If you needed a doctor, lawyer or accountant, would you look for one for "frre" I wonder what level of service you would get if they did provide you with their seervices for free?

Yes, I charge a small fee, but for that fee, I go to the auction planning meetings with the auction committee to help them with the planning and organizing, such as providing guidance about auction catalogs, how many people will be needed as cashiers, check out, etc., I help them determine what items to go in the live or silent auctions, on auction day, I help promote the silent auction items and even manage the closing of the silent auction categories, and of course conduct the live auction. I have yet to see any auction where that small fee is not gained by multifold by higher prices and more income.

Plus I have fun doing it.

Norman O'Neal
President, Auctioneers of Maryland

I live in Amherst, MA and we have just given up on doing an auction because we are short on time and help, however - some things we have learned....

- many auctioneers do one "pro-bono" auction per year. We are in a part of the country where there are many auction houses so look in your area and see if anyone might choose you as their "one".

- pick your date carefully - no conflicts with big town events, big sporting events (Any pro sporting play-offs or championships/local big games), do other organizations in your town have auctions to fundraise? Spread yours out from others so people are not tired of them.

Get lots of help - it is a big job, but can bring in a lot of money!!

-as a note: The hospital in Brattleboro, VT has a large auction each summer and raises ~50K. They do a clam bake using a company from Maine. People pay $30 for the dinner (outside under a big tent), and then there is a chinese auction (like a raffle where people buy tickets for $1 or an arms lentgh for $5 and put them in baskets by the prizes they want), a silent auction, and a live auction with a limited number of big items. They don't make any money on the food - only from the auction and alcohol (cash bar). The guy who "performs" is terrific entertainment, and does the live auction as well. He is not free, but does a terrific job. He sings, pulls people out of the audience (dinner tables)to sing and dance with him, sells 50/50 raffle tickets before dinner, as well as chinese auction tickets - walking around with a microphone and encouraging people to spend their money. People come for the lobster and the fun, and spend a lot of money while they are at it. I think the guy is from NH but you could call the hospital to find out.

Good luck and have fun!!

I forgot to say on that last part - for the Brattleboro auction, you didn't have to buy the dinner.
You could just attend the auction, although most folks did opt for the lobster!

Thank you for your input.. Norman care to move to Massachusetts your services sound wonderful.. curious as to the fee.. what would we be looking at for a charge.??? Will attempt to find the person from Brattleboro. I do have some "lay" people willing to do the auction but as Norman pointed out I certainly wouldn't want to have a "lay" person operate on me. I am nervous to choose someone out of the phone book fear they aren't animated... etc.. thank you all for your input

I'm in Colorado and want to do an auction for next year but learning we need a license. Does that sound right?
As far as an auctioneer-my brother is great but he's in Iowa! Sorry! (and he doesn't fly well!)