FAQs

A benefit auctioneer specialist is a highly trained fundraising professional who holds the “BAS'' designation from the National Auctioneers Association. Individuals who hold the “BAS” specialize in consulting with organizations throughout the planning, implementation, and evaluation process of conducting a successful event. Less than 1% of auctioneers in the country hold this designation.

We don’t believe so unless an organization is willing to assume financial risk. There is a science and art to calling bids at a benefit auction, and by not utilizing an individual with a BAS designation or training; you can actually leave money in the room at an event.

A non-professional fundraiser probably doesn’t have training in reading bidder body language, intuitively knowing what bid increments to ask for and when it’s appropriate to sell an item and move on. All auctioneers call bids. However, there are specialties within the profession that differentiate the type of auctions a person is trained for. You would not hire a “Storage Wars” auctioneer to conduct your benefit auction… professional fundraising auctioneers receive specialty training for their type of auction.

That is wonderful, but did you leave money in the room? Were they trained on how to keep the event progressing, keep the crowd informed and entertained and inspire bidding? Most likely your volunteer did not have the training our BAS fundraisers have had and continue to have. We take educational classes each year to stay on top of trends and changes in the industry and markets. Your volunteer does not have this training, and it can lead to disaster. With the increase in virtual events, your event will forever live on the internet, those “oops” moments people forgot about now are forever documented.

We bring fun and excitement to each event promoting mission and organizational goals. We will create an environment for future giving. This is called “the annuity factor”. Through the consultation process, we understand what you do, what services you offer, and who the major donors are. Our mission becomes aligned with yours.

Alpenglow auctioneers have attended the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) at Indiana University and/or earned their Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) designation from the National Auctioneers Association. They each have been involved in the auction business for at least 25 years. Your event is our business, so no matter the time or place of the event, it is 9 am at the office for our team.

Experience, common sense, and continuing education are very important. This way Alpenglow can stay on top of the latest trends in the industry and bring in new and innovative ideas to your organization to help with your fundraising needs. Our staff attends seminars and conferences within the auction industry as well as with other fundraising professionals and development staff throughout the year. 2020 is a perfect example of needing to stay informed, as all NPOs needed to pivot to still have events during the pandemic.

Yes. Although the Alpenglow professionals are skilled in the auctioneer's “chant” and sell like that in other formats, we do not go at super-fast speeds for events. We want everyone to participate and understand what is going on. That is what makes the event fun for all guests. We are committed to helping you raise the most money possible, not talking fast! It usually takes 2+ minutes to auction each item at a charity event.

We have on many occasions. Each has been very successful. By playing up the talents and strengths of both the celebrity and fundraising host, the organization has a win-win situation.

Each event is unique and has its own special needs. By working with our consultants we can help you achieve the best return on your investment.

If fundraising is a primary goal, the live auction should be positioned to bring in the most money possible to maximize your financial return. This is never at the end of an evening.

They should never work without a high-quality professional sound system, and they should never badger, browbeat, or embarrass anyone attending your event.

The first question is are you having a party or a fundraiser? You can have parts of both, but you need to determine the focus of your event.

You have a goal and a plan to raise money, Alpenglow can provide the consultations and experience to help you reach and even exceed your goal. With proper planning the sky's the limit.

Alpenglow can help you establish the timeline of your event, the most important foundation you can have. Next we can work with the committee or board to help streamline responsibilities and help all progress to their respective goals. These are the two baselines that will make your event a success.

We are the line item in the budget that makes you money. It does not cost, it pays to have a professional fundraiser. We offer a variety of services to personally suit the needs of your organization; including but not limited to bid calling, consulting, supplies, emcee & announcement services, professional partnerships and auction and/or consignment items.

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