Live auction
A few high-value lots sold by an auctioneer from the stage during an event.
Typically raises
$10,000
$2,000–50,000 per eventest.
About $333 per organiser hour
Is it right for us?
- Money
- $10,000–50,000
- Work
- Weeks, part-time
- Helpers
- 3–6 people
- Lead time
- 1–2 months
- Red tape
- None
Fairly common: a familiar highlight at bigger events
- People
- Auctioneer, 2+ bid spotters, item holders, winner liaison (AANZ)
- Organiser time
- 20-40 (estimate)
- Lead time
- 6-12 weeks
- Up-front cost
- $0–$1,000. Auctioneer fee if not donated.
- Risk
- Low with donated items; higher with consigned travel packages that carry a reserve you must pay.
How it works
The money, as an example sum
Take about $10,300, pay about $300 of costs, and you keep about $10,000 per event: the typical result.
From the typical figure on this page. Your result will differ.
Where the money figure comes from
Estimate. The Rural Industry Leaders dinner had 36 live and online auction contributors toward a $400,000 night, but the auction share was not published.
Last checked October 2026. Ran this? Tell us what you raised and we’ll use real results to improve the figures.
Step by step
- Choose three to eight lots with wide appeal.
- Publicise lots beforehand to attract at least two keen bidders each (AANZ).
- Book a charity auctioneer.
- Brief bid spotters and item holders.
- Schedule the auction after dinner.
- Sell in groups of up to three lots (AANZ).
- Take payment details on the spot.
- Deliver items and thank donors.
Getting the word out
Even a well-run plan fails if nobody hears about it. There are two asks, and the first one goes out first.
- Ask for help
- Businesses and families to give items to auction.
- Ask people to buy
- People to come and bid.
- When to start
- Ask for helpers first, as soon as the date is set. Start the public ask about 3–4 weeks out, and book newsletter and paper notices before that: small newsletters close early.
Where to put it
- Community newsletters and magazinesResidents’ newsletters, village magazines and other churches’ bulletins often run community notices free. Small ones close early.
- Other groups sharing itAsk the school, kindy, church, sports club or marae down the road to share it in their newsletter or page. Offer to share theirs back.
- Free notices in local papersMany local papers print some community notices free: ask what they offer. Not every town still has one, so check what comes to your letterbox, and book early.
- Writing a press releaseA one-page story the paper can use: what’s happening, why, a quote and a photo. Coverage is up to them, not you.
The full guide to getting the word out: every channel from flyers to the evening news, with lead times and costs.
What you’ll need
- Place
- Not neededNone needed
- Landowner’s permission
- Not needed
- Council permit
- Not needed
- Food rules
- Not neededNo food sold
- Alcohol
- Not neededNo alcohol sold
- Gambling rules
- Not neededNot gambling
Not gambling. A volunteer calling one charity auction is not carrying on business as an auctioneer; a paid professional must be registered. Purchases can't be receipted as donations.
Make more from it
Paddle-raise or pledge appeal for one costed need
often $1,000-10,000 (estimate)
a specific ask in the room after a moving speaker; gifts are receiptable for donee groups
Silent auction of donated items
often $1,000-5,000 at a 100-person event (estimate)
guests browse between courses or acts
Stack it: on its own, about $10,000. With the 2 priced add-ons above, roughly
$18,500est.
What you can get donated
Unique experiences (signed jerseys, holiday homes, chef dinners), auctioneer time.
Tips
- Contact likely bidders for themed items, e.g. rugby clubs for a signed jersey (AANZ).
Watch out for
- Phone and written bids without clear rules.
Live auction: checklist
0 of 12 done
Before
On the day
After
Not gambling. A volunteer calling one charity auction is not carrying on business as an auctioneer; a paid professional must be registered. Purchases can't be receipted as donations.
Also pairs with: Gala dinner, Restaurant dinner
* General fundraising information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Money figures are examples and estimates, not promises. Check current official requirements before you commit. About this guide