The Auctioneer Tricks of the Trade
Getting Started
Getting started as an auctioneer can be difficult. Large auction houses do have low level entry positions, but they are very difficult to get especially if you don’t know someone who already works there. To become a successful auctioneer takes time, effort, skill and persistence, but developing a good reputation is the first step to auctioneering success. Getting a good reputation takes time to get established and will probably require you to hold down several jobs to support yourself while you are in training. It’s a long journey to the prize of success in the auctioneering industry. But like in life, it’s all about the journey, not the destination.
Many auctioneer trainees start out as clerks or bid callers at smaller, local live auctions. This is a great way to get experience and learn about the auction business from the inside. This kind of introduction to the industry is a great way to gain experience and learn about the auction business from the inside. It can be the fast track to developing a reputation from the onset of training.
It unfortunately does not pay very well, if at all. Apprentices typically help the auctioneer with organizing and running the auctions.
There are several reputable auctioneering schools throughout North America. Some of these schools are independent and others are affiliated with four-year universities or community colleges. Classes can last as little as a few weeks or as long as a full semester of college, and generally teach the auctioneer chant, marketing skills, sales and ways to get started. The National Auctioneers Association maintains a list of North American auctioneer schools.
Most states require that the auctioneer must be licensed to conduct auctions in that particular state. In general, to acquire a license, one must either provide the required proof of schooling, or proof that the applicant has successfully served as an apprentice under an experienced auctioneer. Check with your area’s State government for further information regarding that states auctioneer licensing requirements.
What an auctioneer does
An auctioneer’s job is to oversee all aspects of the auction and keep it moving at a pace which will keep the bidders focused and engaged.
What is an auctioneer’s main focus?
Simply said, marketing. A major portion of the auctioneers job is executing the methods to reach those specific audiences interested in bidding and knowing how to market the item to them. Sometimes the auctioneer knows his audience and their bidding practices, but not always. Quick thinking, understanding and following the audience’s cues are imperative to a successful auctioneer. Taking a marketing course along with auctioneer training may forward your career on the fast track. Potential auction houses are very impressed with extra education and training relating to the field.
Knowledgeable
Auctioneers must be very knowledgeable about the items they are auctioning. A successful auctioneer takes as much time as needed to know all of the details about the merchandise, its value and who would be interested. Educate yourself, the more you know, the further you will go.
Personable
Auctioneers need to be able to work well with many different types of people. The auctioneer will deal with the seller and all potential buyers throughout the auction, so being particularly personable while retaining a strong sense of character is necessary to keeping everyone happy and bidding.
It is a very long journey from training to being a sought after, successful auctioneer. Every auction item, every bidder and every winning bid has its own unique lessons to be learned. Approaching everything to do with auctioning with this attitude may be what keeps you in the industry or what pushes you away from it. Enjoy.
Author Bio: Visit http://www.madisonsauction.com for collectible auctions, appraisals and liquidation and bankruptcy.
Category: Education
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