Hiring an Auctioneer FAQ: Everything You Need to Know | Strickland Auctioneers
Looking to hire a professional auctioneer in North Texas? Get clear answers about costs, services, and value from Strickland Auctioneers, licensed professionals (Texas #18533) serving Burleson, Fort Worth, Dallas and surrounding counties. We help charities, churches, and nonprofits exceed fundraising goals by 40% or more. This guide answers your essential questions about hiring an auctioneer for your next event.​
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Understanding Auctioneer Costs and Pricing in North Texas
North Texas organizations deserve transparency when budgeting for fundraising events in Dallas-Fort Worth. The cost of hiring an auctioneer depends on multiple factors including event type, expected attendance, item values, and additional services required. Below, we break down everything you need to know about auctioneer pricing, commission structures, and the value professional auctioneers bring to your event. Understanding these costs upfront helps you make informed decisions that maximize your net proceeds while ensuring a memorable, successful auction experience.
How much does an auctioneer usually charge?
Rates can vary based on auction type, location, and services provided. For charity and benefit auctions in North Texas, expect flat-fee pricing, in addition to commission rates for experienced professionals like Strickland Auctioneers. At Strickland Auctioneers, we structure our fees transparently to maximize your profits while providing comprehensive professional support that consistently delivers exceptional results for North Texas organizations.
What do auctioneers charge for commission?
Professional auctioneers typically charge between 10-15% commission on gross auction sales, though rates can vary based on auction type, and specific services provided. For charity and benefit auctions in North Texas, expect flat-fee pricing anywhere from $2,000-$12,000 depending on the services provided, in addition to commission rates between 8-15% for professionals like Strickland Auctioneers. Buyer's premiums, Seller's commissions, and Fund-a-need commissions should also be expected when considering an auctioneer in Dallas-Fort Worth. Professionals typically generate 50% more revenue than volunteers, meaning you net significantly more despite the fee.
Do You Really Need a Professional Auctioneer?
Many organizations debate whether professional auctioneers justify the investment. The data is clear: professional auctioneers consistently generate 50-100% more revenue than volunteer-led auctions. Understanding when professionals are essential versus optional helps you make the best decision for your event.
Should We Hire a Professional Auctioneer or Use a Volunteer?
If your goal is maximizing revenue, professionals are essential. They bring licensed individuals by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), proven sales techniques, trained voices, and energy management skills that maintain excitement across multi-hour events to the table. A volunteer could leave you open to legal complications and litigation from buyers. Texas state law requires any person(s) or organization(s) to use a licensed auctioneer when conducting any live auction. A volunteer isn't trained, licensed, or aware of all the laws and regulations regarding auctions in Texas. Major donors expect professional execution. Unlicensed amateur auctioneers can damage your reputation, your organization, your future fundraising potential, as well as leave you in violation of the laws of the State of Texas.
Does My Auctioneer Need a Texas License?
Yes, Texas requires professional auctioneers to hold TDLR-issued licenses. Licensed auctioneers must pass exams, maintain bonds, carry insurance, and complete continuing education. This protects your organization and donors. Unlicensed auctioneers can't provide legal documentation or protection. Always verify current licensure. Strickland Auctioneers maintains TX LIC #18533.
Finding and Selecting the Right Auctioneer in Dallas-Fort Worth
Choosing the right auctioneer significantly impacts your fundraising success. The best auctioneer for your event combines relevant experience, proven results, and authentic connection to your mission. These questions help you evaluate options and make the best choice.
What Should I Ask When Interviewing Auctioneers in DFW?
Essential questions include: experience with your type of event, recent references, and specific services included. Ask: "How many similar events have you done?" "What were the results?" "Can you provide video examples?" Verify credentials like current license number, and professional association memberships. Request references from similar organizations and actually call them. Discuss their approach: How do they prepare? What's their fund-a-need strategy? How do they handle slow bidding? Do they provide bid spotters? What technology do they use?
How Do I Find a Quality Auctioneer?
Start with professional associations. The Texas Auctioneers Association (TAA) and National Auctioneers Association (NAA) maintain member directories.​ Check local references. Ask successful nonprofits who they use. Attend other charity auctions to see auctioneers in action. Google reviews and ratings provide insights, but verify they're from relevant events.
For North Texas auctions, Strickland Auctioneers brings local knowledge, established relationships, and proven success helping organizations throughout Burleson, Fort Worth, Dallas, as well as surrounding cities and counties.
How do I hire an auctioneer?
Book your auctioneer 3-6 months before your event. Popular dates (spring gala season, fall fundraising months) fill quickly. Early booking ensures you get your preferred professional and allows adequate planning time. Starting early provides consultation opportunities that improve item procurement and event structure. Your auctioneer can guide committee decisions, suggest proven strategies, and help avoid common mistakes. For annual events, many organizations book next year's auctioneer immediately after their current event while enthusiasm runs high.
Ready to maximize your fundraising auction success in Dallas-Fort Worth?
Strickland Auctioneers transforms ordinary events into extraordinary fundraising experiences. As licensed Texas professionals (#18533), we've helped North Texas organizations exceed goals by 40% or more.
Call or Text (817) 381-5543 today for a free consultation. Let's discuss how professional auctioneering can elevate your next charity auction, church fundraiser, or nonprofit gala in Burleson, Fort Worth, Dallas and beyond!
