Well it depends on which model you follow. I could point to dozens of books that have been written by "Masters" of Charity Auctions" and I could site dozens of conversations with  committees at  private schools, and other groups. There is a wide difference of opinion on the subject and one Blog is not going to answer all of the questions. But I hope it does raise some questions for thought.

I recently had a discussion with several couples who attended a large private school auction, in town. They both where "experienced Benefit Auction attendees. They complained out "how long the live auction went on, how bored  the crowd had become, much visiting and drinking and many people where leaving before the live was finished. (Money left on the table)

When I hear an organization is going to have 60 or more items in the Live, and they have been doing it that way for 15 years.  First I think, if that's the way you have been schooled, don't argue.  I will "run" through your 60 items and we will raise money and  take my fee and flee.  But then I remind my self that I love this business and I am a professional.

The paradiam here is have a large amount of live auction items and we will make more money. More is better!!!  I call it Consignment Auction thinking.  You must understand that at a Consignment, ie Estate Auction, we sell around 125 lots an hour, some can sell more. But they are selling to professional dealers and folks for the most part that want bargains, folks that don't need "extra selling" folks that came to the auction for a specific reason. "Deals"

Charity & Benefit Auctions on the other hand, deal with folks that have come to have a good time, dinner, drinks dressed in beautiful gowns,  usually have a band or DJ. They attend because it is a party and "Oh by the way we are having a live auction"   This is a totally different type of "Sale"

This type of "Live" auction needs special attention, needs to be worked, needs to be "sold" to a crowd not paying attention, folks visiting and networking, a crowd that wants to move on to dancing, they have babysitters they are paying . It needs an auctioneer that can relate to the crowd and "work with it"

There is a small window of attention here, and it is not 2 or 3 hours of listening to a fellow in a tux, shouting numbers.  The masters that write the books will tell you the average is 2 - 3 minutes an item, with 10-15 minutes for a fund a need, throw in announcements, presentations, etc, and you have that auctioneer up there a long time.

OK, about now you are asking, what are you suggesting as the correct number of live auctions. There is not enough time or space to "copy" all the printed material in the books that have been written on "how to conduct a successful Benefit Auction" and what is the correct number of live auction items.

The answer to the "correct number is not easy". Because your Charity/Benefit Auction is made up of more then the "Live Auction Items" or certainly should be.

The focus of your evening should be "making money before, during and after the night of the auction".  Yes, before , during and after.  "The Total"  (This is getting to be a book more then a blog) Lets wind this up.

Planning and development of your fund raiser needs to focus on the "Total" not just what the auctioneer can bring in on 60 items. I have worked with groups having fewer "live auction items" but totaled more $$$ for the"evening" these  organizations focus on more then "how many items can we have in the live".

This is where the Professional Benefit Auctioneer adds value to your planning and conducting you next Charity/Benefit Auction.  He has read all the books, has taken classes on Benefit Auctions, does perhaps 15 to 25 Benefit Auctions a year, of all sizes and styles.

I am not going to tell you that your are wrong using 40, 50, 60 items in the live, but I will probably point out how long your are going to be able to hold your audience, the money being left on the table as guests line up to beat the check out crowd, or lose attention, Guests that want the "dancing" to  start.

I will probably remind of  ways to  increase your "total" for your Benefit Auction, beyond the number of live auction items.  The final decision is always in your hands, "it is your auction".   However I want to be a part of our auction.  I do not just want to show up to call your live auction and go home, I want to be a part of you building a successful " evening" with the "total" $$$ of all of your efforts, reaching new records.

Ron

Ron