February 4th, 2010
Many events, especially those that target families such as school fundraisers will consider selling a puppy at auction. Selling a pup at auction is exciting for the auction guests, as well as those bidding for the animal. We’ve sold many dogs and even a horse at a benefit auction. Here are some tips that Lawrence Auctioneering suggests:
- Make sure that auction guests know well ahead of time that you will offer a puppy. List the dog in the booklet mailed to guests, and consider an e-mail blast. Both are good promotion tools. You might interest someone in attending the event who is looking for a pet.
- Select a breed that is popular and make sure the pup had a thorough examination from a veterinarian.
- Consider having the breeder on hand to introduce the pup at auction, and describe the breed’s characteristics.
- The pup should be housebroken. Determine ahead of time where the pup will be taken to relieve itself. On the carpet while at the event is not acceptable.
- Make sure the pup is sold with accessories, such as food, bowls, toys and a crate. A local pet store or veterinarian might donate these items.
- Be prepared that some might have a problem with your organization selling an animal. By all means, the puppy should not go home with its new owners the evening of the auction. The puppy should unite with its new owners either the next day, or after the home can be readied for the arrival of a new pet. Make sure that bidders know that the pup does not go home with them that evening.
Tags: Lawrence Auctioneering, Live animal, Minnesota Benefit Auctioneer, Specialist in Benefit Auctions, Twin Cities Benefit Auctioneer
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January 14th, 2010
With spring Gala planning in full swing, the topic of table centerpieces comes up. Usually it is the decorations chair or committee who is responsible for the overall look of the event.
From a live auction perspective, centerpieces need to be low, probably nor more than a foot high. There are two reasons:
- Auction guests need to be able to see over and around the centerpieces to have a view of the stage and the AV screen.
- Your auctioneer and spotters need to be able to see over and around the centerpieces to identify bidders.
Tags: Lawrence Auctioneering, Minnesota Benefit Auctioneer, Specialist in Benefit Auctions, Twin Cities Benefit Auctioneer
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December 31st, 2009
Many auction committees start to work on auction item acquisitions this time of year. One suggestion I always make is to contact the organization’s vendors and ask for a donation. Most often, the business manager will identify the 20 largest vendors that do business with the organization. Many may want to donate a service, a cash contribution, professional sports tickets/suite, a vacation condo, or something that makes sense for your event.
If possible, see if the business manager will make the calls, as he or she probably has a relationship with the vendor. Your live acquisition person might want to look at each prospect in advance to identify some possible contributions that business manager could request. Consider services such as the donation of a dumpster for spring cleaning from your waste management vendor or a comprehensive home energy audit from your utility.
Most vendors will gladly make a tax deductible contribution in the spirit of maintaining a client relationship. But you’ll never know unless you ask!
Tags: Lawrence Auctioneering, Minnesota Benefit Auctioneer, Twin Cities Benefit Auctioneer
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December 2nd, 2009
Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to handle a Twin Cities benefit auction for a client that I have served for many years. In one of the final planning sessions, the event coordinator mentioned that they were considering having the live auction before dinner was served and my thoughts on that.
I asked operational questions such as could the kitchen have flexibility with serving? Would there be something to eat on the tables before the main course? Could the program be tightened up. The answers were all “yes.”
We collectively decided to go for it. The guests were seated, a short presentation, the live auction, dinner and heads and tails as desert was finishing up. And the results?
It was a very successful event. The guests seemed to be enjoying themselves, and my client was satisfied. The live auction total increased substantially from the past year. I commend the event coordinator for taking the initiative to try something new.
Tags: Lawrence Auctioneering, Minnesota Benefit Auctioneer, Twin Cities Benefit Auctioneer
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November 16th, 2009
Last weekend I worked an event that had a Latin theme. One of the performers listed in the program was Guillermo “William” the Alpaca.
He was on display during the silent auction accompanied by his Shepherd. I was amazed how many attendees had cameras with them in addition to the camera in their cellphones. The booth was packed the entire night. My guess is nearly everyone left with a photo of themselves and Guillermo.
Tags: Lawrence Auctioneering, Live animal, Minnesota Benefit Auctioneer, Twin Cities Benefit Auctioneer
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November 9th, 2009
I had the opportunity to assist with the annual CCRF gala last Saturday night at The Depot in Downtown Minneapolis. The Depot is a great venue, and what I am always impressed with is the quality of the sound system. They have a professional AV firm set up and operate the sound system and the MC, speakers, entertainers and auctioneer can be heard clearly throughout the hall. Auctioneers will tell you that the quality of the sound system is their lifeline. Assuming that 20% of the guests are bidding in the live auction, the other 80% are conversing with those at their table. If the guests can’t hear the auctioneer, they probably will not bid. Most benefit auctioneers will agree that the better the sound, the more dollars that can be raised.
Tags: Lawrence Auctioneering, Minnesota Benefit Auctioneer, Twin Cities Benefit Auctioneer
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October 30th, 2009
Being an auctioneer, I love to go to auctions, including ones where I am not conducting a sale.
Recently, I attended an auction where the auctioneer actually sold an item, then re-opened the bidding and sold it to a higher bidder. The bidder that thought he had first purchased the item did not contest during the sale (maybe he did so afterwards), but the auctioneer was in violation of section 2-328 of the Uniform Commercial Code.
The UCC says “A sale by auction is complete when the auctioneer so announces by the fall of the hammer or in other customary manner. Where a bid is made while the hammer is falling in acceptance of a prior bid, the auctioneer may in his discretion reopen the bidding or declare the goods sold under the bid on which the hammer was falling.”
The key in the first sentence is “complete.” The auctioneer doesn’t have to bang a gavel to make the sale, he may signal a sale has been made in any manner that he customarily uses and bidders understand (I usually say SOLD). Immediately upon an auctioneer declaring a lot sold, a contract for sale is formed between the seller and buyer.
The second sentence addresses a situation where the auctioneer has not yet sold out, no contract for sale has been formed, and the bidding not yet ended. It allows if a bidder bids “while the hammer is falling in acceptance of a prior bid,” the auctioneer has the discretion to either continue the bidding or “declare the goods sold” to the previous bidder. This is the situation where the auctioneer is in the process of selling out, but hasn’t spoken the word “sold.” Personally, if I haven’t actually said the word “sold” when closing out an item, I do like to take the next bid, as it means a greater dollar amount for my client.
It’s not uncommon for auctioneers, especially, those who are not professional auctioneers to reopen the bidding after a sale has been made. This violates both section 2-328 (2) of the UCC and the contract for sale that the auctioneer has already formed between the seller and buyer. An auctioneer who does this sets himself and the organization he is representing up for potential liability.
Tags: Auction Law, Lawrence Auctioneering, Minnesota Benefit Auctioneer
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October 23rd, 2009
As a member of AFP, Association of Fundraising Professionals, I strive to keep abreast of the latest trends and strategies facing Philanthropy.
Last month, nonprofit consulting firm CCS brought together 24 CEOs and nonprofit fundraising professionals from 17 institutions in a forum called Philanthropy in the New Economy. The discussion focused on how organizations’ views and practices in regards to philanthropy have changed over the past 12-18 months.
Here are a few of several points mentioned in the discussion summary released by CCS that your organization may want to consider:
Your case is a terrific cultivation and fundraising tool. Communicate with your donors regarding what your organization is doing, its future plans, and the impact on the community. Increase awareness of your organization even if you are not in a position to ask for a gift.
Make more personal contacts. Keep making telephone calls and setting-up meetings to let donors know what you are doing and how they can be involved. When in a challenging financial climate, organizations must increase the frequency of contact with donors and prospects.
Donors want to see ROI. A gift’s direct, measurable impact is becoming more important to donors. Organizations must be able to articulate results and return on investment (”Here’s what your gift has done…”).
Tags: Lawrence Auctioneering | Minnesota Benefit Auctioneer, New practices in Philanthropy
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October 10th, 2009
The Blog starts today from Lawrence Auctioneering. I plan to share information and insights on benefit auctions.
Check back often, I am now getting ready for a benefit auction to raise some dollars for a very special Minnesota cause.
Tags: Minnesota Benefit Auctioneer / Lawrence Auctioneering
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