The Basics of a Quarter Auction - for Guests

Now, each group or organizations putting on a quarter auction may have slight differences, but here are the basics:

You arrive and pay for your paddle, which has a number on it (typically one of your choice), out of several hundred. Let’s say your paddle number is 47.

There is also a corresponding ping pong ball or poker chip with the same number on it, typically given to you to drop in the drum / mixer / etc.

You find a seat, check out the lots, get some great food, and wait for the beginning.

So let’s say the first item is a bag of hammers, with a value of $60. The number of quarters is typically equal to 1/100 the price, so the $60 bag of hammers is 60¢, or 3 quarters (0-$25 : 1 quarter, $26 – $50 : 2 quarters, etc.).

Let’s say you like hammers. You put 3 quarters in the container in the middle of your table, and a table runner picks up your quarters and everyone else’s at your table.

The Master of Ceremonies (MC) says something like “quarters in and paddles up”, and you raise your numbered paddle (47) in the air.

The MC pulls out a ball or chip, and lo-and-behold, it’s 47!!!

You yell and scream and jump for joy. They deliver the bag of hammers to you! You just won $60 in hammers for only 75¢!!!

Now, let’s say you don’t like hammers and you didn’t put 3 quarters in, but they still pulled your number. You’d be disappointed, but you’d call out “No Bid” , and the MC would pull another ball or chip, until someone who did want the bag of hammers actually wins it. Now, realize, the table runner has already come and picked up your quarters. They’re gone – you don’t get them back after each lot. That’s how the organization makes a profit!

The MC does this for all of the lots.

There are variants that have special things like multiple paddles, golden paddles, All-In paddles, but those will vary from auction to auction, and will be explained by the MC before the event begins! And, I will attempt to explain most of the common variants here.

Please make sure to visit any vendors present. They often present at these events free of charge, just for the opportunity to have you stop by their table.

And also, try the food. Food, drink, and especially desserts are often brought in by the event organizers or the fire hall ladies auxiliary, and they put a lot of time and love into the food that is typically not sold at much of a profit!!!