Gala Gal, Inc

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Hillary H

May 15, 2026

Working with Jenelle was absolutely amazing! She helped guide us every step of the way and made the entire process feel manageable and exciting. Since it was all of our first times fundraising, we truly appreciated how willing she was to share ideas, answer questions, and provide support throughout the event planning process. Thanks to her expertise and guidance, we raised far more money than we ever expected. Jenelle was organized, creative, encouraging, and an absolute pleasure to work with. We highly recommend working with her for any event or fundraising needs!

Owner's reply
Hillary, wow, thank you so much for sharing your experience planning your 100th Anniversary Gala! No one could have guessed it was anyone's first time planning a black-tie event: you blew past the sponsorship goal, sold so many tickets there wasn't room for 1 more person, and had sky-high live auction bidding. A job very well done by you and the entire JLT planning team. It was an honor to be a part of the celebration. JT

Maritza R

December 1, 2025

As the Event Manager for the New Beginnings "Dancing Under the Stars" Gala on November 8th in Clermont, FL, I cannot recommend the "Gala gal" auctioneer enough. She was absolutely amazing to work with and was instrumental in making our event incredibly successful and memorable. From the start, her professionalism and communication were outstanding. I greatly appreciated her open, clear communication and the extensive knowledge and strategic insights she brought to our staff meetings. On the night of the gala, she truly transformed into an energetic, magnetic force. Her ability to connect with the audience and use positive persuasion was phenomenal, successfully encouraging generous giving to our amazing cause. I will exclusively be seeking her assistance for any future galas I manage. If you want a successful, high-energy, and professionally executed auction, look no further!

Owner's reply
Maritza, Wow, thank you so much for sharing your experience working with me. It was such a smooth planning process with so many engaged committee members. Thank you for all you did to handle the event details - there were so many and it all came out perfectly. I look forward to working with you again. JT

Adum A

November 17, 2025

Don't think twice about it, book the Gala Gal TODAY! We've partnered with Jenelle twice now for our local public school fundraising event, and not only does she get the live auction prices UP during the event (which exceeded our fundraising goal), she provides strategic advice for flow, item management, and many many tips for success! Her experience is invaluable!

Owner's reply
Thank you, Sarah! Truly, the galas ran so smoothly thanks to your fantastic attention to detail and flair for design. And your school's parents get an A+ for bidder participation - I've never seen so many bid paddles go up at one time! Thanks for having me on your team. JT

Jeremy E

November 13, 2025

We had the absolute pleasure of working with Janelle at our New Beginnings Gala this past weekend, and she completely exceeded every expectation! Going into the event, our team was fairly unfamiliar with the live auction process—but from start to finish, Janelle guided us with such professionalism, energy, and heart that it felt effortless. She added dynamic elements to the evening that not only kept our guests fully engaged but also helped us raise more funds than ever before! Her ability to read the room, inspire generosity, and bring excitement to every moment made a world of difference. If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, entertaining, and incredibly thorough, do yourself and your team a favor—book Janelle. She’s a true professional who turns fundraising into a fun, unforgettable experience.

Owner's reply
Jeremy, that's awesome, thank you! We definitely had a great night of fun and fundraising. As emcee you absolutely killed it - great voice, great presence, great energy (even dancing!) - you are all the things it's so hard to find in an emcee. And of course you're an amazing ambassador for NB. It is my pleasure to support the transformational work you do. JT

Jamila S

November 12, 2025

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Jenelle for her extraordinary role in making our Annual Dancing Under the Stars Gala the most successful event we’ve ever hosted! Jenelle was far more than an auctioneer — she was a true partner in every step of the process. She attended committee meetings, offered expert guidance on how to craft our auction asks, identified key places to solicit donations, and even informed the structure of our event presentation and PowerPoint. Her insight, professionalism, and generosity of time made a tremendous difference. From start to finish, Jenelle was a key component in the event’s success — contributing not only to its profitability, but also to the organization, energy, and seamless flow of the evening. Thanks to her leadership and enthusiasm, our live auction raised vital funds that are now helping even more families and individuals facing housing instability, food insecurity, and financial hardship. We simply can’t recommend her highly enough. Jenelle is phenomenal — a gifted professional with a heart for service — and we are so grateful for the impact she made on our mission and community.

Owner's reply
Jamila, wow, thank you! It's been great to work with you now for two different nonprofits. You're an excellent leader - motivating, gracious, and determined! Last Saturday's event was pure magic, and I think we can raise even more next year after the ideas shared at today's recap. Thank you for bringing me on board, JT

Caroline M

September 24, 2025

I can’t say THANK YOU enough to Jenelle for everything she put into our event! From all the prep-work ahead of time, to her enthusiasm and guidance with our volunteers, to her outstanding efforts on stage, she truly went above and beyond. Jenelle brought incredible energy and helped us raise dollars from a tougher crowd, and we’ve already heard countless compliments from both guests and staff about how great & motivating she was. She made such a positive difference compared to past events, and I highly recommend her to any nonprofit considering! I look forward to partnering with the Gala Gal again next year.

Owner's reply
Caroline, thank you so much for your kind words! It turned out to be a great event, and you were a major part of that. I really enjoyed working with you and your team during the months of planning. Thank you for having me as your auctioneer partner, and I look forward to doing it all again next year.

Mike E

April 1, 2025

Jenelle is absolutely, amazing when it comes to benefit auctions in fundraising. She is also very knowledgeable and helpful, when it comes coaching and mentoring new benefit auctioneers. Whether you are looking for a benefit auctioneer and fundraiser in the Florida area or help with growing your auction and fundraising business. Janelle is the "go to" person to contact. You will be glad that you did!

Owner's reply
Mike, thank you! It's been great getting to know you and helping you along on your benefit auction business journey. Thank you for what you do to help others.

Denise B

March 5, 2025

Jenelle took lead straight away. She has come to our Non-profit this year and she brought great ideas on how to raise funds. She got our guests up off their seats and got them in full swing participating We look forward to continuing our relationship with her in the future.

Owner's reply
Denise, Thank you for sharing your experience. Your crowd was fun, and I can see big things in your future events! Thanks for having me, JT

Latasha K

January 23, 2025

We had the pleasure of collaborating with Jenelle for our nonprofit's annual gala (Equality Florida), and we couldn't be more impressed! From start to finish, her professionalism was exceptional. Jenelle brought a wealth of fundraising expertise to the table, offering valuable guidance on how to structure the auction and even helping us identify amazing items and unique ideas to maximize our fundraising efforts. On the night of the event, Jenelle absolutely captivated the crowd with her witty stage presence and engaging style, making the auction not only a success but also an enjoyable experience for all involved. Her energy and charisma had the room buzzing, which was key in driving up bids and creating a fun, competitive atmosphere. What truly set Jenelle apart, however, was her support throughout the entire planning process. She was always available to offer advice, answer questions, and ensure that everything ran smoothly. Thanks to her expertise, our gala was a huge success, and we were able to raise significantly more than expected (our highest grossing live auction EVER). I Highly recommend Jenelle for any nonprofit event—truly a top-notch professional!

Owner's reply
Wow, thank you so much! You are a rock star and played such a pivotal role in the event’s success. I truly enjoyed working with you and can’t thank you enough for your contributions. Meeting you was a highlight of the planning process! JT

Julie W

May 21, 2024

I love working with Jenelle! She is professional, knowledgeable, and helped us exponentially increase more revenue. I have worked with her numerous times over the years and am always impressed.

Owner's reply
Julie, I love working with you, too! You're always on top of details and so easy to partner with on fundraisers. Thank you for all you did for this last event, and I look forward to doing it again! JT

Becca C

June 27, 2023

We have had the absolute pleasure of working with Jenelle Taylor from Gala Gal as the auctioneer for the Safari Under the Stars fundraiser at Brevard Zoo for over five years, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome. Jenelle's professionalism, charisma, and extraordinary talent turned our event into an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. From the moment we began planning our fundraiser, Jenelle proved to be an exceptional partner. She took the time to understand our organization's mission and goals, and she seamlessly incorporated them into the auction program. Jenelle's passion for our cause was evident in her enthusiasm and dedication, and it truly resonated with our guests. During the event, Jenelle's vibrant energy electrified the room. She captivated the audience with her engaging presence, effortlessly guiding us through the auction process. Her command of the crowd and ability to create excitement and anticipation made the bidding process enjoyable and thrilling. Jenelle's gift for storytelling and her infectious sense of humor kept everyone entertained, ensuring a lively and entertaining atmosphere throughout the evening. Jenelle's expertise in the art of auctioneering is truly exceptional, and her ability to assess the room and adapt her approach accordingly is remarkable. Whether it was an intimate conversation or an energetic bidding war, Jenelle effortlessly navigated the dynamics of the event, ensuring that every moment was enjoyable and successful. Her skills were instrumental in maximizing the fundraising potential for our Safari Under the Stars event. The impact of Jenelle's efforts was tangible and far-reaching. Thanks to her incredible talent and tireless dedication, we surpassed our fundraising goals, allowing us to make significant strides in supporting Brevard Zoo's mission. The funds raised will have a lasting and positive impact on the important conservation initiatives we undertake. If you're in need of an auctioneer who can bring excitement, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to your cause, we wholeheartedly recommend Jenelle Taylor from Gala Gal. Her ability to connect with the audience, elevate the event atmosphere, and drive remarkable results is truly unparalleled. Working with her was an absolute pleasure, and we look forward to collaborating with her again. Thank you, Jenelle, for an unforgettable evening that will continue to make a difference for Brevard Zoo.

Owner's reply
Thank you so much for taking the time to sum up our past few years working together. It’s been better each year, and I love working with you and helping the Zoo!

Angela E

May 12, 2023

I am an event coordinator but had not yet had the opportunity to coordinate a live or silent auction and needed to for my Parish's annual fundraising Gala. I found Jenelle on my search for an auctioneer and am so happy to have found her. She helped me in strategizing, finding items, pre-event fundraising, and then killed it on the night of the event. She had never attending any other parish event but knew our community inside and out. She did her research and immediately felt just like one of us! It was amazing to watch her lead a room. Parishioners are still talking about how wonderful she was at our annual Gala. I cannot recommend her enough!

Owner's reply
Angela, Thank you, your event was so much fun! The audience really played along and we had a lot of laughs. It was a pleasure to help the parish.

Lynn I

May 11, 2023

Jenelle took our annual event to the next level and really got our audience engaged. It was fun, upbeat and impactful because of her participation. Thank you Jenelle!

Owner's reply
Thank you, Lynn. You had a great crowd that surprised us all with their generosity. It was such a fun luncheon!

Barbara S

March 17, 2023

Jenelle was extremely involved with the preparations regarding the auction items for our event as well as the Giving From the Heart. She spent a considerable amount of time doing background research on our organization, our event and detail research on our auction items. With attention to detail, she used our cocktail hour to inform our guests on the details of auction items. We got very positive reaction on Jenelle’s direct but not intrusive style of auctioneering. Our guests were comfortable and treated with respect while being encouraged to donate. Hope to work with her again! Exceptional talent.

Owner's reply
Barbara, thank you so much. You brought together a wonderful and generous group of supporters. It was a beautiful night!

Humane S

November 21, 2022

Jenelle was a phenomenal auctioneer for our Ties and Tails Gala. Her dedication before, during and after our event was top notch. She jazzed up lots of excitement for our live auction items and helped us exceed our fundraising goal. We highly recommend Gala Gal, Inc to anyone looking for a passionate, entertaining, and professional auctioneer to help raise money at their next fundraising event. We will be booking her again next year!

Owner's reply
Thank you for sharing our story! It was a pleasure to work together, and those wine offerings were such a big hit that your auction soared. Looking forward to our next gala, JT

Gena V

June 6, 2022

We are so thankful for the help and guidance Jenelle from Gala Gal provide to our school throughout our auction! Jenelle was a wealth of information and provide much needed support through the entire process. Jenelle was a key component in executing a wonderful and successful live auction!

Owner's reply
Gena, thank you! It's been great to work with you over the years, and I'm so happy that our strategy with this year's Heart Call was a grand slam. Looking forward to partnering with you again! JT

Barbara S

June 3, 2022

A wonderful experience from start to finish! A superior auctioneer and, in addition, she is a terrific resource for ideas and suggestions. Extremely detailed, great follow-up, and provides personalized and tailored services. Our organization has engaged the Gala Gal for our major fundraising events for several years now and we will continue to do so for many years to come. A super talented and experienced professional all the way! A++++++

Owner's reply
Barbara, this is so kind, thank you. It has been a great pleasure to help you and Milagro Center to celebrate successes to date and build for the future. Here's to more years! JT

Hardy S

March 18, 2022

Jenelle has an amazing wealth of knowledge on how to create a successful fundraising event. If your nonprofit is considering a charitable auction or wants to increase the results of the auction you have-The Gala Gal is THE go-to expert you should be working with!

Owner's reply
Thank you, Hardy! I had a great time fielding questions on your AFP webinar this week. Happy to help anytime.

Laura M

March 18, 2022

Animal Rescue Coalition (ARC) has retained Jenelle as the auctioneer for our annual fundraiser for the past four years. Jenelle does not just show up the evening of the event. She works with our organization for months prior, providing expert guidance around the decisions which maximize donor engagement. This year was the most successful fundraiser in the history of our nonprofit. We attribute a large part of this achievement to Jenelle's involvement, her experience as an auctioneer, preparation, familiarity with our donor base and of course, the energy she generates in the room. We highly recommend her.

Owner's reply
Laura, thank you. ARC does such amazing things not just for Sarasota but for multiple surrounding counties as well. Countless animals (and owners!) have better lives because of ARC services. Thanks for all you do! JT

Brittny F

January 3, 2022

Jenelle provided exceptional support to our organization as we prepared for our live auction. Her on-site involvement the day of our event was wonderful. Her professionalism and expertise is unmatched. She instantly connected with our guests, and as a result we had a very successful event. Thank you!

Owner's reply
Brittny, thank you! It was such a pleasure to work with you, and the event was beautiful! Looking forward to next December :)

Laurie H

December 22, 2021

Jenelle is a 5-star plus! It's all the little details and preparation that make the organization's fundraising event soar. Her commitment to excellence can be observed in the final event experience. The sooner you bring Jenelle in to an event the better, this allows her share & implement experiences and best practices.

Owner's reply
Thank you, Laurie! I appreciate how very easy it is to work with you, and of course the great support from you and your team. Anyone would be lucky to work with you!

Robin S

December 14, 2020

Our annual in person fundraising event was canceled in the spring. We thought that was it until next year, until Janelle suggested we hold a virtual event. Being technology novices, we weren't sure. Janelle said she would help us. And, she followed through and guided us all the way from step 1 to our successful result. Janelle is knowledgeable, professional, detail oriented, creative and fun to work with. Our event exceeded expectations! We look forward to working with Janelle in the future. Robin Sathan

Owner's reply
Robin, your attention to detail REALLY helped! Congrats on such a fun event :) JT

Trisha B

June 17, 2020

Gala Gal's knowledge, professionalism, and passion is next level. If you are looking for a partner to grow your in-person event or virtual event, look no further. Her strategies and execution will take your event to the next level.

Owner's reply
Same, Trisha, same! You’re a blessing to everyone in Greater KC!

Eve O

June 11, 2020

Jenelle was professional and amazing to work with. She provided A++++ service from start to finish and made me feel as if I was the only event she was working on. Her passion really shows and I can't wait to work with her again!

Owner's reply
Ahh, that's awesome, thanks, Eve! You are that rare mix of big picture visionary and attention to detail. Let's do it again in October!

Mary D

March 14, 2020

Jenelle has given our annual fundraising event new life! Our numbers are up since we started working with her, but even more than that, the guests at the event pull me aside to tell me how great she is! Jenelle brings her experience and calming presence to us during the planning process and then she brings the audience to life at the event. We couldn't ask for more!

Owner's reply
Ahh, thanks Mary, that’s so great! We’ve had great results and you have terrific supporters. Plus, you’re awesome :;

Ashley W

March 13, 2020

I'm a HUGE FAN! Jenelle has been a great resource - joining our largest gala of the year 3 years ago. She is helpful in the event planning process beyond the actual live production - although she is a vibrant personality who brings a great deal of energy to our event. We identify her as part of our events team - attending committee meetings, being available to strategize and guide our team and committee along the way. I would and do recommend Jenelle at every opportunity. She does her homework. She knows our organization well. She makes it personal and isn't just an auctioneer. If there is any hesitation - stop! Pick up the phone and book her now!

Owner's reply
Oh, that’s awesome, Ashley, thanks for all of that! The work you do is essential and compassionate. Let’s do more of it!

Marci G

March 13, 2020

Jenelle is a hard worker, very conscientious and a caring person. She knows her job and gets the work done. Marci

Owner's reply
Ahhh, thank you, Marci! It’s been great to work with you over the years :)

Nancy L

March 12, 2020

We have been using Jenelle's auciton services for more than five years and gotten terrific results. She is very warm, intelligent, and extremely knowledgeable. Jenelle knows how to get along well with all sorts of personality types, so she works exceptionally well with our gala committee. We could not and would not run our gala auction without her expertise.

Owner's reply
Thanks, Nancy! I love JP, and especially our committee work days :)

Karen D

March 12, 2020

I am privileged and honored to be able to recommend the greatest auctioneer imaginable! For years she has conducted Brevard Zoo's live auction for its annual major fundraiser, with "beyond imagination" results. Gala Gal is talented, brilliant, knowledgeable, always available and a sheer joy to work with. My recommendation is unequivocal!. She is a master!

Owner's reply
Karen, I love your event and love working with you! Baby kangaroos for the win!

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Archive for: Auctioneers

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►VIDEO – Selling an Inside Joke!

June 21, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

photo of auctioneer GALA GAL Jenelle Taylor

Sell More Memories, Less Stuff!

This might be my favorite video clip ev-er!

It starts at $100 and you’ll never guess where we end up 🙂

Watch the short VIDEO on my You Tube channel.

There’s a lot I love about this clip – this small crowd of 160 solid supporters, the clear joy of giving in the room, and the fact that I’ve done this event for years so we’ve built this great rapport!

(Sidenote: we really do have the best job in the world.)

Anyway, the winning bidder doesn’t even keep the hat! It’s all in fun, a vehicle for donations, and a few minutes we will all remember as a highlight. Can your event do that?

Sell more memories to make your event a signature celebration of your cause.

Not sure how? Just call me: 407-791-1360 in Tampa.

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Charity, Consulting, Live Auctions

►VIDEO – Only 2 Live Auction Items

June 7, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

photo of charity auctioneer GALA GAL Jenelle Taylor

On the catwalk selling just 2 auction items!

Here’s a quick video on my You Tube channel from May 2017, when I sold just 2 live auction items (and raised double what we’d expected!)

Watch the VIDEO on You Tube, click here

There’s no one perfect answer to how many live auction items you should have.

I always ask my clients, “How long will your crowd pay attention?”

That’s a good place to start!

But it depends on if your event is a weeknight (ends earlier) or a weekend, what else you’re trying to accomplish that night, what your items are, if you have deep pockets and big spenders in the room, and several other factors.

Believe it or not, selling just 2 or 3 items is just as challenging as selling 18!

Call me (407-791-1360) and I’ll help you figure out how many items are best for your event.

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Live Auctions

►Auctioneer Style ~ Choose the One You Want to Watch!

March 22, 2016 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Is your auctioneer entertaining?

I’ve been working in the auction industry since 2001, and specifically with fundraising auctions since 2002. I’ve been to auction school (Go Nashville Auction School – whoot whoot!) and I’ve been onstage all across Florida conducting benefit auctions since 2007. However, I don’t “chant”. You probably think all auctioneers sound the same, and maybe you can’t even pick out what they’re saying when it all goes by so fast.

My onstage style is quite different. I joke with folks that “I flirt with the audience for money,” and – as you’ll see in this YouTube clip GALA GAL Jenelle sells a South Africa Trip – I talk directly with the bidders, invite the audience to encourage higher bidding, and basically just charm them into staying in the game. At all times, the bidders know how much they’re bidding and aren’t confused, scared, or intimidated, even when we get up above $20,000!

Your guests should leave saying, “That was the best auctioneer I’ve ever seen!”

If they don’t, give me a call 🙂

Comments are closed - Categories: Auctioneers, Consulting, Live Auctions

►Another reason you need a female auctioneer!

April 17, 2015 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Study says men give more when the person fundraising is attractive

This morning I read a piece entitled “Men Strive To Give More To Charity When The Fundraiser Is Cute.”

Believe it or not, researchers found that both men and women donated more to online campaigns after they saw how much others had given. The men, however, gave an even larger increase to attractive females.

If that happened just by looking at a photo of the female asking for donations, could it be that the effect is magnified in person? When you put a charismatic, attractive female auctioneer on stage and give her a microphone to engage people about your cause, might that increase the competitive bidding in your audience? Think about it, every single time he or she bids again, that’s more dollars raised for you!

Combining the “all eyes on me” aspect of live auctions with a smiling, friendly female face is your recipe for awesome auction results.

Just ask my clients!

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Better Buyers, Charity, Consulting, Live Auctions

►Dates Still Open!

August 21, 2014 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Summer’s already over! It’s auction time once again

August is wrapping up, winding down, and the Fall Fundraising Season is full of fantastic events! I’m currently working with nonprofits in Tampa, Naples and Orlando, catching up with returning clients and happy to add 3 new events so far this fall.

Just this week I’ve helped committee members select auction items, design bid cards, a choose mobile bidding provider, figure out how many volunteers they’ll need, edit the event timeline, and energize the Board! I’ve still got some dates open, so just shoot me an e-mail if you think I might be the one for you.

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers

►WOW! Does your auction team look like this?

May 1, 2014 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Your Auctioneer and Bid Spotters can look like this!

I am so thankful to these four lovely ladies for joining me a few weeks ago for a fantastic live auction and scholarship Fund-a-Need for the 18th annual Starry Starry Night!

All 5 of us are Florida-licensed auctioneers with specialized training in fundraising, and they did an awesome job working the crowd as Bid Spotters for me.

Would your big event benefit from an all-female team?

Your auction doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. It can look like this 🙂

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Live Auctions, Other Money Makers

►Live Auctions and Opening Bids

November 21, 2013 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Flummoxed about where to start live auction bidding?

Today one of the fabulous auctioneers who has attended my “BOOTCAMP for Benefit Auctioneers” course e-mailed me with this question:

There is much debate on “starting” bids at B&C (benefit & charity) auctions. In commercial auctions we start where we think the FMV (fair market value) is….come down till we get a bid….and go till they stop. I have used this technique in B&C’s but some people start way low and get more people involved. I am really curious to get your perspective. And….do you do it different if there is a minimum….consigned item?

If you’ve attended even one live auction, I bet you’ve wondered as each item is being described, “I wonder where the bidding is going to open?”

At your charity fundraising gala, many people in your audience have that question too! Attendees often come up to me at the Live Auction Preview Table and ask, “What’s the opening bid for this package?” My typical response is, “Well, it’s my job to help you win this item. Where would you like it to start?”

Where each live auction package opens for bidding sets the tone for fundraising. One school of thought says to open the bidding at a low level (10-35% of retail value) in hopes of getting more bidders to jump in and get caught up in the auction excitement. If the bidding starts low and doesn’t quickly get a bunch of bids, however, what does that say to the crowd?? It might be sending the message, no-one-wants-this-item, no-one-is-bidding, this-is-a-fire-sale-not-a-fundraiser. Not the tone you want to set. On the other hand, if the audience perceives the opening bid to be so high that no one raises a bid card, you risk losing the auction participation and momentum.

Where to start the bidding on your charity gala’s live auction packages is a top concern faced by every similar event, and it’s why you want to trust your auction to a licensed, professional auctioneer who’s got both experience and specific fundraising training. A volunteer board member, DJ, or TV personality trying to be your auctioneer probably didn’t devote 90 minutes prior strategically gathering info at the Live Auction table, and he or she has much less experience with auction psychology, reading the crowd on the fly and knowing by instinct when to keep asking for a dollar amount and when to change things up.

I personally don’t like the technique used in commercial auctions of stating the retail price (fair market value) and quickly coming down (“Let’s start the bid at $5000, $5000 where, gimme $1000 and go…”). I’m not a fan of it when I attend an auction, and I think it’s confusing to a novice, non-auction savvy audience. Benefit audiences are on the whole unsure about the live auction bidding process, so I am always careful to be clear, easily understood, easy to follow and inviting to all.

I replied to my colleague that I honestly decide where to open each live auction package after I chat with all the attendees during the preview time. By then I know how much interest there is in each package and how much folks are expecting to pay. I auction by gut and by perceived value. For things $1000 and below, I often open at retail, but the values aren’t published, so I’m opening where I expect the crowd to join me. If it’s a private chef dinner for 6, then that certainly sounds more prestigious and inviting than $300 (the retail value) so I’d start at $300 and expect to go up. For items more in the $2K-$10K range, most of the time I open at 35-50%.

I rarely have to deal with consignment (items that aren’t donated but are a cost to the charity) because I don’t encourage it, but for that headliner consignment cost trip I follow the same as above typically: start at cost if the payback amount is $1000 or below, and for higher cost consignment items (some packages can require a payback cost of $5000-$10K or more!) I start below the minimum and take my chances. Auctioning items with high minimum required payback costs is nerve-wracking and not for the inexperienced DJ or Board member to try!!

Because auctioning items with a consignment payback cost always has the risk the bidding falling off and not reaching the minimum amount needed to sell it, I work with my clients to get a commitment in writing for how they want me to handle it if a consignment item doesn’t hit the minimum. As the auctioneer, I can either pass the item (awkward!), keep asking (and asking and asking and asking..UGH!) or disclose there’s a price below which I can’t sell it. Since none of those are very good options, I encourage the groups I work with to strive for 100% donated auction items. You keep all the money with none of the potential headaches and hassles. But, to do or not to do consignment is a whole ‘nother discussion, so let’s wrap this up by sharing how my colleague responded to the reply I sent him:

I think I will change my practice here. That makes so much sense….and I do like to work off the cuff so to speak and change as I determine what the crowd is doing. You may absolutely use the question and my name if you like.

Thanks Jenelle.

No, thank you, David Runte of Worstell Auction Company in Texas, for spurring a valuable discussion and helping so many groups raise more money!

Comments are closed - Categories: Auctioneers, Consulting, Live Auctions

►Live Auction for the Black and White Gala in Orlando Oct. 19th

October 21, 2013 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Jenelle Taylor Auctioneer for the Gala October 19

Awesome live auction event in Orlando last weekend!

I was honored to be the auctioneer for a great event last Saturday.

This just appeared in my Inbox, and I can’t stop smiling! Thank you to DJ Ronny!

I have been a DJ and event producer in Orlando for over 15 years now and I have to say your auctioneer abilities at the Black and White Gala last Saturday was absolutely the best I’ve observed. Starting off with a giveaway contest to juice up the crowd and then working the room like the charming and consummate professional that you are, was brilliant. I have sat through so many agonizing charity auctions over the years where the idea of a root canal seemed like a pleasant alternative to the teeth pulling witnessed by “celebrity” or downright incapable auctioneers simply chosen because they were free or run the organization. You are proof positive that spending money for a professional is absolutely the best route to financial success in a live auction. I will be coming to you anytime I need such an amazingly talented auctioneer.

Sincerely,

Ron

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Charity, Live Auctions

►Selected as a Presenter, Summit 2013

June 13, 2013 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Selected as a presenter for the Benefit Auction Summit, National Auctioneers Association (NAA)

We’re celebrating!!

Just got word that the committee for the Benefit Auction Summit chose my session “62 Ways to Create More Prepared, Engaged Bidders”!

This is the only national conference specifically for fundraising auctioneers, and it is a BIG honor to present to such an accomplished group of professionals from across the country.

I’m excited to share the “62 Ways” 90-minute session because it’s all about helping my peers help YOU raise more money. We understand that you only have this 1 night, once a year to host your attendees, so we want to work with you to maximize every way to make it easy for people to spend money!

I’ll be covering

20 ways to create the best Live Auction display tables
22 things your auctioneer can do to help people get excited by the auctions and also
20 things you can do as the non-profit to help your audience come prepared to both attend AND spend.

The best part for you?

All of my GALA GAL clients – the organizations I help with their events – you get all 62 Ways to Create Prepared Bidders included, everyday, as part of our consulting relationship. (If you want this for your event, shoot me an e-mail to check if your date is available here.) You’re the reason I do what I do, and why I’m excited to share these ideas with other high-profile auctioneers across America.

To learn more about what Benefit Auctioneers do when they get together each year, you can find content from the Summit in 2010 (my presentation here), and I’ve shared some takeaways from the other presenters that year here and 2011 Summit here. Apparently I still have to post notes from last year!

Comments are closed - Categories: Auctioneers, Better Buyers, Board members, Charity, Consulting, Event Logistics, Live Auctions

GALA GAL, Inc. Future-Focused Fundraising

Orgs We've Helped!

TEXT or CALL me!

Find me on LinkedIn!

VIDEO: Auction Style!

NAA Credentials

VIDEO: 1000 Guests!

The GALA 411 Blog

Editor of this How-to Charity Auction book

“70-Point Venue Checklist” FREE DOWNLOAD

Find It Now

>

Archive for: Auctioneers

►VIDEO – Selling an Inside Joke!

►VIDEO – Only 2 Live Auction Items

►Auctioneer Style ~ Choose the One You Want to Watch!

►Another reason you need a female auctioneer!

►Dates Still Open!

►WOW! Does your auction team look like this?

►Live Auctions and Opening Bids

►Live Auction for the Black and White Gala in Orlando Oct. 19th

►Selected as a Presenter, Summit 2013

GALA GAL, Inc. Future-Focused Fundraising

Orgs We've Helped!

TEXT or CALL me!

Find me on LinkedIn!

VIDEO: Auction Style!

NAA Credentials

VIDEO: 1000 Guests!

The GALA 411 Blog

Editor of this How-to Charity Auction book

“70-Point Venue Checklist” FREE DOWNLOAD

Find It Now

>

Archive for: Auctioneers

►VIDEO – Selling an Inside Joke!

Share this:

►VIDEO – Only 2 Live Auction Items

Share this:

►Auctioneer Style ~ Choose the One You Want to Watch!

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►Another reason you need a female auctioneer!

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►GALA GAL, Featured Presenter for Colorado Auctioneers

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►Dates Still Open!

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►WOW! Does your auction team look like this?

Share this:

►Live Auctions and Opening Bids

Share this:

►Live Auction for the Black and White Gala in Orlando Oct. 19th

Share this:

►Selected as a Presenter, Summit 2013

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