Red Flags When Hiring
Warning signs that an auctioneer might not be the right fit for your charity event.
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.
Skips Pre-Event Planning
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.
Focuses Only on 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.
Pressure Tactics
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.