FAQS
IS IT WORTH HIRING A PROFESSIONAL FUNDRAISING BENEFIT AUCTIONEER?
A trained professional who specializes in fundraising for benefit auctions will know how to maximize your bidding and overall fundraising as well as generate exceptional returns. The Singing Auctioneer LLC's professionals typically "pay for themselves" very quickly as we have an over 99% success rate of not only achieving but exceeding clients' fundraising goals. Furthermore, we insist on consulting with each of our clients so that we can use our professional knowledge and expertise to help you with fundraising strategies and event planning to ensure your event is as successful as possible.
WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING EVENT?
In our professional opinion, it is the following trifecta:
1. Having the right people, donors and supporters in the room.
2. Having an excellent professional auctioneer who understands your event, mission, and fundraising components.
3. Having a reliable and professional sound system!
DO WE NEED A PROFESSIONAL AUCTIONEER IF WE ARE ONLY DOING A FUND-A-NEED?
Again, hiring a trained professional who specializes in fundraising for benefit auctions will know how to maximize your donor involvement, overall fundraising and generate exceptional returns. Fund-A-Needs are our specialty and therefore many of our events are Fund-A-Need only events! There are very important strategies and techniques involved in executing a successful Fund-A-Need which a professional will know how to navigate. Plus, you can rest easy knowing that your event is in excellent, capable hands with an auctioneer who leads with the energy and momentum needed to keep donors inspired to give - often even more than they intended!
HOW INVOLVED ARE YOU IN THE PLANNING PROCESS?
We believe in becoming part of your team and therefore, having a deep understanding of your mission, event, fundraising components and fundraising goals. We insist on being involved in the planning process in whatever aspects are needed so that we can provide each client with personalized guidance based on our many years of seasoned expertise in the fundraising industry.
WHAT IS YOUR FEE?
Our fee varies based upon a number of specific components, your event's needs, and which of our auctioneers are utilized for your event. All of the events we book include consulting, researching and script writing along with being your event-day auctioneer (and optional MC). Please contact us for more information.
HOW MANY EVENTS DO YOU DO EACH YEAR?
Beginning in 2023, The Singing Auctioneer LLC has averaged more than 40 events each calendar year.
ARE YOU TAKING NEW CLIENTS?
Yes. However, we often get multiple inquiries for the same dates during high fundraising seasons so we typically book on a first come, first serve basis.
WHEN SHOULD WE BOOK YOU?
We often begin booking 12-18 months in advance, so the sooner the better - especially if your event lands on a Saturday during high fundraising season. High seasons are March through early June and September through November. As soon as you have a date for your event secured, we recommend you book your auctioneer.
WHAT IS YOUR BOOKING AND CONSULTING PROCESS?
Once we book an event, we will send our contract along with our W9, COI and first invoice. The deposit is due after both parties have executed the agreement and the remaining payment is due two weeks before the event date. No matter how far in advance you book us, we typically like to schedule an initial consulting call to further discuss the details of your event and advise on best practices at that point during your planning process. Typically, we schedule weekly standing meetings with each of our clients beginning 30 days before their event date and any meetings prior to that are scheduled on an as-needed basis.