Choosing Your Auctioneer: The Secret Sauce to a Smokin' Hot Fundraiser

When it comes to fundraising auctions, the auctioneer isn’t just the guy yelling “SOLD!” at the end of the night. Oh no—this person is your money-making magician, your crowd-hype hero, your ticket to hitting that fundraising goal. So, let’s talk about how to choose the perfect auctioneer for your event—because, spoiler alert: Not just any loud guy can do this job!

Zack Kron commanding the stage as auctioneer at The Salvation Army gala!

1. The "Loud Guy" from the Board Won’t Cut It

Look, we get it. Your board member with the booming voice is great at speeches, but hosting a fundraising auction requires more than just being loud. A good auctioneer knows how to engage the crowd, work the room, and get people to bid up, not just buy things at all. Trust us, the loud guy isn’t going to create the energy that makes people say, “Yeah, I’ll bid $5,000 on a weekend getaway!”

2. Famous Doesn’t Always Mean Fabulous

You might be tempted to book that celebrity auctioneer you’ve seen on TV, but here’s the truth: Famous people are often a terrible choice for your event. Sure, they’re great at red carpet interviews, but they’re not always pros when it comes to fundraising auctions. In fact, sometimes they’re just there for the attention. Stick to someone who understands the nuances of a fundraising event, not just who can show up and sign autographs.

3. Commission-Based Pay: Pros and Cons

Some auctioneers work on commission, meaning they get a percentage of the money they raise. On paper, this sounds like a win-win—except when your “rockstar” auctioneer has a less-than-stellar night and doesn’t raise the money you were expecting. The upside? If they crush it, they’re highly motivated to get every last dollar out of your guests! But make sure you’re clear on how they’re paid and what’s included before you sign anything.

Jim Nye, auctioneer extraordinaire, making the bids fly!

4. Benefit Auctioneer, Not Just Any Auctioneer

An important distinction: You want a Benefit Auctioneer, not just some guy who works the bidding at your local flea market. A Benefit Auctioneer knows how to keep the auction moving smoothly, get people emotionally invested in your cause, and make sure your guests leave feeling good about their donations. You don’t want someone who’s just there to sell stuff—this isn’t eBay, it’s your nonprofit’s big night!

5. Vocal Speed and Cadence Matter

Sure, an auctioneer needs to talk fast—but there's more to it than that. A good auctioneer has the right speed and cadence to build excitement, but also to give your guests time to react and bid. Too fast? People get lost. Too slow? They check out. You want an auctioneer who can find that sweet spot of speed and enthusiasm to get everyone excited and bidding big.

6. Check Them Out on YouTube (or Else!)

The best way to see if an auctioneer is the right fit? YouTube. Most experienced auctioneers have demo videos that showcase their style and ability to engage a crowd. You want to see if their energy matches your event’s vibe—are they too wild for your elegant gala? Too laid-back for your casual cocktail party? YouTube will tell you everything you need to know.

7. Ring Men: Are They Included?

This is a big one. A good auctioneer often comes with a “ringman,” a sidekick who helps keep the crowd engaged, manages bids, and ensures everything runs smoothly. If your auctioneer doesn’t have a ringman (or at least doesn’t bring one with them), that’s a red flag. It’s like asking a magician to perform without their magic wand—awkward, right?

8. Consultation is Key

A good auctioneer won’t just show up on the night of the event. They’ll want to meet with you beforehand to understand your goals, your cause, and your audience. This is an important consultation—because your auctioneer needs to sell your nonprofit’s mission, not just the items on the block. If they’re not asking questions about your organization and your cause, it’s time to look elsewhere. They should care as much about your mission as they do about getting the highest bid!

9. Will They MC the Event?

Some auctioneers are also experienced MCs, which means they can help keep your event on track and make announcements, lead the crowd through the night’s events, and even close out the silent auction. If you’re looking for someone to take the reins, ask if they’ll MC the event, too. It could save you from hiring a separate MC (and save you a little extra money).

10. Does Your Auctioneer Fit in Your Budget?

Of course, you need to keep costs in mind—but this isn’t the place to cut corners. The right auctioneer is an investment in your event’s success. You’ll get what you pay for, and if you hire someone too cheap, you might end up with a lot of crickets instead of bids. Make sure your auctioneer fits within your budget—but also remember, you’ll likely make that money back in the form of higher bids.

11. Are They Creative?

A good auctioneer doesn’t just stick to the same old formula. They’ll bring fresh, creative ideas to the table that’ll engage your guests in new ways. Maybe they have a fun icebreaker to get the bidding started, or a way to incorporate your theme into the auction. You want someone who’s willing to think outside the box, not just stand up, rattle off a few bids, and call it a night.

Find the Auctioneer Who Makes Your Event Sparkle!

Choosing the right auctioneer isn’t just about finding someone with a loud voice—it’s about finding the right energy, experience, and personality to make your event shine. When you choose wisely, you’ll see your fundraising skyrocket and your guests leave feeling good about giving to your cause. So, take your time, ask the right questions, and find an auctioneer who’s the perfect fit. Your nonprofit (and your guests) will thank you!