Pricing

Let me begin by saying that my job involves doing my best to raise you more money (and good will) than any other realistic option that you might have. Your success is my success!

I realize that auctions come in all sizes and revenue levels. Additionally, my potential involvement level with auctions varies. I most often work only as a “bid-caller,” for hire. In this role, my main involvement is primarily on the day of the auction or event. As your bid-caller, I offer virtually unlimited phone and email consultation prior to the auction, but “making the auction magic” on auction day is my primary contribution.

Occasionally folks will hire me only as an auction consultant (by phone or on-site). I also offer auction management services that range from organizing auctions “from scratch,” to securing (as needed) auction “spotters,” clerks, runners, movers, computer specialists, and even other auctioneers. I also have a microphone and modest speaker system that can be made available if needed.

At benefit auctions, I am sometimes hired to be the event’s master of ceremonies/emcee (as well as the bid-caller if needed). Other times, I am engaged only to be involved as the bid-caller (and therefore only involved with the revenue raising aspects of the event: silent auction, live auction, revenue enhancers, pledge drives, etc.)

Most auctions (commercial and especially benefit) take place on weekends. Therefore, my standard Friday, or Saturday or Sunday bid-caller rate (for auctions booked at least 30 days in advance) is $1000.00 -- plus a 1% bonus for everything that actually sells (not passes or is not paid for) in the live auction over $50,000 (The first 50K is included in the $1000.00 fee).

For commercial auctions, the day rate includes the auctioneer being on-site for five hours per day. Time above five hours per day will be billed at an additional rate of $60 per hour (or portion thereof). Additionally, (for any type of auction) if I am required to travel to an auction site more than 75 miles from my home in San Pedro, California, then reasonable travel expenses will need to be added to the above. Finally, if I have to do travel of any kind that might take up additional travel days requiring me to forego other auction opportunities, additional costs may need to be negotiated.

For auctions Monday through Thursday (or if he is not already booked for a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday within the next 30 days), O’Shaughnessy is almost always willing to negotiate working for a reduced fee.