Blog entries

Why Won't My Clients Listen /OR/ Saving Frustration and Stress

Ron Harke — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 23:44:20 +0100

Why Won’t My Clients Listen to Me /OR/ Saving Yourself Frustration and Stress

Benefit Auctioneers across the county, In Benefit Auctioneer classes and seminars. Ask “why won’t my client listen to me” Surprise! It is not always the client that is not listRead More...

Filling The Banquet Room & Selling Tables Does Not Always = Increased Revenue

Ron Harke — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 06:27:44 +0100

There have been so many books and articles written on this subject by experts, auctioneers who have been doing benefit auctions for over 25 years and folks who analyze and break down the post auction figures., one would think the answer would be simple.

However the mindset of so many schools, charities and nonprofits is "volume"

Folks that is just not a simple 1,2, 3 answer. I have sat at dinner tables with folks that have quoted,"oh I am only here becausRead More...

Charity Auctions, How Many Live Auction Items is "Too Much"

Ron Harke — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 07:22:04 +0100

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 aRead More...

Do You "Hear" What I "Hear" or Can't You Hear The Bid

Ron Harke — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 05:43:26 +0100

Every Benefit Auctioneer that I know, at one time or another has written about sound at Charity and Benefit Auctions.

It usually is about the conversation with the auction committee, principle, or Hotel, telling the auctioneer how much money they have put into their sound system and why they do not need to pay more for professional sound set up, because theirs has been good enough for their last 15 auctions. OK I will agree , perhaps sometimes that is correct.

However moreRead More...

Benefit Auction, Supply Vs Demand = Competiton

Ron Harke — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 07:50:13 +0100

OK, we have a fantastic Committee, we have members who are out there asking for items and donations, they did a great job and your room is full of donated items.

BUT now you have to consider the old “supply and demand” hundreds of items look good in the catalog, but think about it!! Slow down. If you have 300 silent auction items, and 150 guests, you have “over supply” for the number of guests and you yield willRead More...

Silent Auction Items And Their Part In The Live Auction

Ron Harke — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 06:44:33 +0100

This Blog Credit goes to my good friend Mike Vendetti, I think it is important enough to pass along to many of you trying to decide how to line up your silent auction.

The Silent Auction

by MikeVendetti in Silent Auctions

The silent auction is an important revenue center for your fundraiser. The more expensive items belong in the live auction, but the number of items in the live auction is limited by time. A benefit auctioneRead More...

Professional Sound & The Consequences Of Not Having Pro Sound

Ron Harke — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 02:31:48 +0100

Conducting a Benefit Auction, trying to raise money for the organization in silence!!

Well not exactly in silence, but have you ever tried to raise the bid from $1,000 to 2,000 when no one in the room can hear you asking for the bid. We do it more often then we would like.

500 guests moving around the room , talking drinking socializing , and we are trying to raise money for the organization.

At every first committee meeting I ask the group about sound, the answers "we juRead More...

New Hi-Tech Benefit Electronics vs. The Professional Benefit Auctioneer

Ron Harke — Sun, 09 May 2010 03:31:35 +0100

As a benefit auctioneer we have access to new information , trends, models, etc. coming onto the the market , before many Development Directors, Special Event Directors and other organizations catch up to them,--- just by way of our associations , discussion forums and networking.

We know the marketing companies that would have you do away with your "in house" silent auction and run the whole thing on line before the gala. They make the one point-- less work. Now your guests coulRead More...

Real Estate Agents & Auctioneers = "A Winning Team"

Ron Harke — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 17:55:44 +0100

Real Estate Agents &" Harke Auctioneers & Appraisers" = “ A Winning Team”

Real Estate Agents and Auctioneers often work together. The advantage being, the R. E. agent can offer benefits to their prospective clients, during the contract presentation. One benefit, relief from the stressful liquidation of personal property and clean out, preparing the home to be placed on theRead More...

Recent Audio Conference

Ron Harke — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 02:21:59 +0100

We recently attended an AFP “Selling Major Sponsors” web/audio conference as part of our continuing education and dedication to our Fundraising Clients and Prospects. –

Selling your Sponsors, Committee, Volunteers, Event, and Audience!

It was a refreshing review of planning and selling techniques and Read More...

Your Once A Year Benefit Fundraiser/Make It Successful!!!

Ron Harke — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:16:38 +0100

It is time for your annual Gala Fundraiser!! Your organization has been holding this event for years and years , you are preparing to have another beautiful and successful evening

However you have a new committee chair this year. Other parents and committee members have moved on. But you have all the records from previous years. So everything is OK.

Is it? I once read this. "If you are doing the same thing the same way, that you haRead More...

Class Projects- Live Auction, Silent or Raffle

Ron Harke — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:19:26 +0100

During a recent school auction committee meeting, I was asked if it was a good idea to put class room projects in the Live auction. Be it room baskets, or a project made by the students.

My comment was one that most Benefit Auctioneers make. Live Auction=Quality --Silent Auction= Quantity. That's not to say that class room baskets, or student projects are not Quality, far from it, I have seen beautiful items put together by class rooms.

Here is where the Read More...

Why Pre-Print Dollar Increments On Silent Auction Bid Sheets??

Ron Harke — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:55:08 +0100

As promised my Blog will share with you, ideas from Benefit Auctioneers across the country. Professional Benefit Auctioneers want your next Benefit to raise more money then the last. We all believe working with a B. Auctioneer increases those opportunities

Many non profits are still using the old model of sitting up silent auction bidding. One reason I can think of , it is easier to print a "open" bid sheet and have bidders do the maRead More...

Volunteer Bid Spotters or Professional Ringman ??

Ron Harke — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:04:42 +0100

Just about every Professional Benefit Auctioneer across the country has written a blog or article about this subject. Volunteer bid spotters, or Trained Professional Bid Assistants, i.e. Professional Ringman.
I understand reasons why a school or non profit would not use their help. At the schools (large & small) all the moms, dads and grandmas and grandpas love to see their kids working the auction. Waving that flaRead More...

What/Who Is a Professional Benefit /Planner Auctioneer

Ron Harke — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:41:09 +0100

A short answer would be: A professional auctioneer who has taken the time to study, learn and understand the non profit benefit auction business. One who has the time to spend, attending committee meetings (even on weekends) researching to provide committees with helpful information and being on call to answer questions 24-7

But it continues. Auctioneers who make their living doing Consignment, Estate and Real Estate auctions must focus their time and energy on handling that partRead More...

What Advice Do You Give When Asked "What sells best in the live auction"

Ron Harke — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:37:52 +0100

The holidays are just about over and planning for Spring Benefit Auctions is in full swing. One of the questions I am asked at every organizational committee meeting I attend is ‘What sells best in the live auction.” Most want me to spin off a list right then and there. The answer is far more complicated that. So I am cautious about the information I give, even if I know many of (Benefit Auctioneers) agree on some of the same items.&Read More...

Does Your Benefit Auctioneer????

Ron Harke — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:26:13 +0100

Your Benefit Auctioneer?

DOE'S YOUR BENEFIT AUCTIONEER:

Meet with your committee continually from early in the planning process?
Make himself available to take phone calls and answer questions?
Bring new ideas, both his and from his network of Benefit Auctioneers?
Have a list of vendors that may offer assistance to your Gala?
Offer auction supplies?
Know how and wRead More...

Why Don,t Bidders Use Bid Cards??

Ron Harke — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:51:44 +0100

OK, its auction time, 225 registered bidders, all with bid cards in hand, fill up the seats or start gathering 2 deep at the tables. Then the games begin.

It's time for the "eye blinkers", "head nodders", "folded hands- finger mover", "the blank stare " and winning bidders who think the auctioneer should have all the bidders numbers memorized, to start the auction.

Three auctioneers will work 4 hours writting 1200 tichets, but don't miss a bidder and don'Read More...

Hiring A Professional Benefit Auctioneer

Ron Harke — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:02:17 +0100

Engaging a professional benefit auctioneer for your benefit can maximize your resources and help your organizaton and event -to shine. The Benefit Aucitoneer will:

Participate in your planning process
Consult on procurement and auction item best practice
Work to understand your audience
Act as a team player
Focus on your groups fundraising

Professional benefit auctioneers participate in your planning process and can offer you expertise Read More...

How To Bid and Buy At Auctions

Ron Harke — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:03:54 +0100

NOTE, information does not apply to Benefit Auctions, where I tell each group tonight is “Competitive Giving” and not Competitive Bidding. A different type of Auction raising many for a cause.

These few tips are from the newer Consignment and Estate Auction attendees. These areas are growing, as more people are lookingRead More...