I am a professional, fundraising auctioneer, and have been since 2004. I’m proud of it and admire many great colleagues in this business.
However,  I get feedback nearly every day from non-profit representatives about THEIR issues and problems in working with auctioneers so we decided to do a survey this year on it.
The first question and the results:
143 charity auction and fundraising auction event organizers told us over the last six months in a poll done by Score More Fundraising (May’10- to Oct. ’10) when asked, “What did you (do you) like least about your last (or current) fundraising auctioneer?”
1. He was rude (or indifferent) to my volunteers
2. He/she did not help us as much as promised / Lots of talk, not enough value / not as good as promised on stage
3. He seemed argumentative during the auction  / put people on the spot to bid more and made them uncomfortable.
4. He didn’t seem to care about our cause.
5. He talked too fast  / people could not understand what he was saying.
6. He was arrogant / showed up late / talked down to some people
7. He / she didn’t return my phone calls in a timely manner / didn’t reply to emails timely / lack of enthusiasm
8. He raised his rates without talking to us first
9. He was argumentative with / blamed other staff or other professionals (sound, lighting, venue, food)
10.  He was drinking / drunk / dishonest or otherwise unprofessional /
There you have it! It reinforced to me why I chose this great profession and I do want to point out again – the fabulous, amazing professionals that are out there. If you are a professional auctioneer, you know what I am talking about since you have run into these stories as well. Funny you never read articles about it, though. Let’s get the dialog going.
If you are an auction chair or on an auction team, you need to use due diligence in hiring a good auctioneer.
We will also be posting information about great professionals  - so this is not about putting anyone down Рin fact, it is about raising the profession. Post your thoughts!
