Red Flags When Hiring
Warning signs that an auctioneer might not be the right fit for your charity event.
Quick Answer: Avoid auctioneers who can't provide nonprofit references, skip pre-event planning, focus only on the live auction while ignoring the fund-a-need, or use pressure tactics. These are the clearest warning signs an auctioneer isn't right for your charity event.
What if an auctioneer has no nonprofit references?
If an auctioneer cannot provide references from nonprofit fundraising events specifically, proceed with caution. Commercial auction experience does not translate directly to the charity fundraising context.
Is skipping pre-event planning a red flag?
Any auctioneer who wants to just show up the day of the event without pre-event consultation is a red flag. Successful fundraising requires understanding your donors, mission, and event flow in advance.
What if they focus only on the live auction?
The live auction is important, but the fund-a-need/paddle raise often raises more. An auctioneer who ignores or undervalues this segment is leaving significant money on the table.
What pressure tactics should you watch out for?
Be wary of auctioneers who pressure you into long-term contracts before proving their value, or who refuse to discuss specific strategies for your event. The best professionals are confident in their ability to earn your repeat business through results.