Auctions held for charity might be new to you, or perhaps you are unfamiliar with its mechanics. Here are a few valuable tips to ensure that the auction committee selection process takes place in a manner in which you are comfortable with:
1. Find some auctioneers – if you are starting from the very beginning, a good place to start would be the National Auctioneers Association website. Here you can find auctioneers, especially those with ‘BAS’ credentials and other related training and qualifications.
2. Compare and research auctioneers – today’s business environment is a competitive one, so it would augur well for you to have done a considerable amount of research before you finally choose your auctioneers. Scrutinize their websites, other auction companies and experts in order to make the best choice among them before you make a decision.
3. Informal interviews – make a standard set of questions and call up a few of the shortlisted auctioneers. Here are a few questions you might like to ask them:
a. Availability on date of auction
b. Number of auctions conducted annually
c. Number of auctions handled similar to your event
d. Method of work process with clients
e. Video of a previously conducted auction
f. Client referrals
g. Price structure and service offering
4. Speak to the clients you are referred to by the auctioneer. Talk to them and query as to what issues they encountered with the said auctioneer, what they liked about his style and method.
5. Final interview. If you like what you hear, then you should call the auctioneer in for a final interview. If satisfied with the outcome, ask them to present you with a proposal for your event.