What’s in My Auction Bag

I remember showing up to my very first charity gala. I had one rollaboard suitcase and a garment bag with three different outfits and pairs of shoes inside. 

I no longer use a suitcase, instead I use a large tote which I call my auction bag. Inside are all the items that I need, or might need, for the event I’m working that day. I just grab my auction bag and I’m ready to go. 

Are you a newer auctioneer overwhelmed by all the stuff to haul back and forth to events? If so, this list is for you. Here are the eighteen essential items in my auction bag. 

1. An extra pair of auction shoes. You will always break a heel or lose a sole at the worst possible time. Unless you carry a spare pair of shoes, in which case you will almost never need them.
2. Business cards. Everyone who sees me on stage is a potential client, and I’m always prepared.
3. Six fine-tipped black sharpies.
4. Two silver sharpies and two gold sharpies. Sometimes you need to write on dark objects.
5. Elnett hairspray. Smells horrible. Works wonders. 
6. A hair brush.
7. A hair straightener. Doubles as an improvised iron. 
8. Scissors. Useful for cutting auction notes, raffle tickets, and extra long fake eyelashes. 
9. Blister bandaids. 
10. Gum or mints. Wintergreen or peppermint only.
11. A clipboard with a compartment on top to store my notes and pens.
12. A set of makeup brushes from bh cosmetics.
13. A makeup bag with all my auction makeup.
14. Extra pairs of eyelashes because I go through them like nobody’s business. My eyelashes of choice are Bluelans.
15. Deodorant.
16. A phone charger.
17. My camera and a tripod. I often film myself so that I can show the videos to potential clients, review my skills, and ensure there is an accurate record of the live auction and Fund-A-Need. I use a Canon G7 X.
18. My hand-held, wireless microphone and receiver. I use a Sennheiser EW 100. 

That’s it. That’s everything I carry with me in my auction bag. What are your auction must-haves? Let me know what you don’t leave home without in the comments below.