Question 1

What does a benefit auctioneer do?

Accepted Answer

A benefit auctioneer leads the fundraising portions of your nonprofit gala or event, including the live auction, the fund-a-need appeal, and often emcee duties. Unlike traditional auctioneering, the goal is to build an emotional connection between guests and your mission, then translate that into donations. Emily Preble is a Certified Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) based in Austin, TX, working with nonprofits across Texas and nationwide.

Question 2

How much does a benefit auctioneer cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on event size, location, date, and scope of support, ranging from a flat fee to a commission structure tied to results. Emily offers a free strategy call to give an honest, specific quote for each event.

Question 3

What's the difference between a benefit auctioneer and a regular auctioneer?

Accepted Answer

A traditional auctioneer sells items quickly to buyers who already know what they want. A benefit auctioneer instead builds a story and emotional connection that turns guests into donors, with the fund-a-need appeal often outperforming the live auction itself.

Question 4

What is a Certified Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS)?

Accepted Answer

BAS is a professional credential from the National Auctioneers Association earned through specialized training in nonprofit and charity fundraising events, covering donor psychology, fund-a-need structuring, and event strategy. Emily Preble holds this certification.

Question 5

What is a fund-a-need (or paddle raise), and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A fund-a-need, also called a paddle raise or mission moment, is when the auctioneer asks guests to give directly to the cause at a series of dollar levels without receiving an item in return. It is often the single largest revenue driver of a fundraising event.

Question 6

How far in advance should we book a benefit auctioneer?

Accepted Answer

Most nonprofits book their auctioneer six to twelve months ahead of their event, especially for weekend dates during peak gala season in fall and spring.

Question 7

What's the difference between a live auction and a silent auction?

Accepted Answer

A live auction is run on stage by the auctioneer with typically 5-8 standout items. A silent auction runs alongside the event with a larger number of items, often 20-50 or more, that guests bid on at their own pace.

Question 8

Does Emily travel outside of Austin, Texas?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Emily is based in Austin but works with nonprofits across Texas and nationwide.

Question 9

What other services does Emily offer besides live auctioneering?

Accepted Answer

Emily also offers fund-a-need coaching, pre-event strategy and donor consulting, scriptwriting and messaging, emceeing, branded event materials, and reusable planning guides as a fundraising consultant beyond just the night of the event.

Question 10

Do we need a license to hold a charity auction?

Accepted Answer

Requirements vary by state. In Texas, a paid professional auctioneer conducting a benefit auction must hold a state auctioneer's license; Emily is licensed in Texas, License #18523.

Question 11

How many items should we feature in the live auction?

Accepted Answer

Most successful benefit auctions feature just 5-8 live items to build excitement without losing the audience; additional items typically belong in a silent auction instead.

Question 12

What should we prepare before our first call with Emily?

Accepted Answer

Nothing formal is required. Come ready to discuss your mission, event date and venue, past fundraising results if available, and what success looks like for the event.

Question 13

How do I book Emily for my event?

Accepted Answer

The fastest way is to send a message through the contact page on emilyprebleauctions.com; Emily typically responds within one business day.