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AuctioneersYour knowledge of an auctioneer is probably limited to the information that he is the one who bangs the gavel and announces, Going, Going, Gone! To add a little more to it, read the pages of this article.
Who Is An Auctioneer
* He is the one who is the key figure during an auction.
* He is the one who takes bids for the item to be auctioned from the participants.
* He is the one who has every pair of eyes focused on him.
* He is the one who efficiently conducts the entire process of auctioning - taking bids, encouraging higher bids, and the final sale.
* He is the one who often adds a touch of humor to bring down the tension in a highly charged atmosphere.
* He is the one who has a very expansive knowledge of the item put up for auction its history, its characteristic features, its worth, etc.
* He is the one who attempts to get for the seller the maximum possible value for the item that has been put up for auction. (Of course, there is no guarantee that the ultimate bid is the best value!)
Interesting Tidbit: Some auctioneers who have completed auctioneer school use the title Colonel and are given this honorary title because in the U.S. Civil War, Colonels of the armies were called upon to auction off the spoils of war.
Requirements To Becoming An Auctioneer
Like any other career, stepping up to the podium to become an auctioneer is not easy!
* First and foremost, you should have a high school diploma or a GED.
* Find out if your State has an official requisite that you should be having educational credits from a particular school or program.
* Also confirm what licenses you need to have in
your State to become an auctioneer. Some States require a license in the specific type of goods that you wish to auction vehicles, real estate, oil equipment, wine, etc.
* A majority of States will also make a check of your background to ensure you did not commit any criminal acts.
* You will be required to follow up on your education in the course of the licensing period.
Avenues To Becoming An Auctioneer
* You need to attend an auction school or an auction program that is conducted in affiliation to a reputed educational institute. Through this route, you get complete knowledge about the terminology of auctions, the chants, how to attract business and conduct sales, and how to launch your own independent venture.
* You could also understand what exactly an auctioneer does by working as a trainee with someone who is already a pro in the field. Contact a reputed auction house and make a request to work as an apprentice. This way, you will get a feel for the real thing.
What Next
On completing your formal education / apprenticeship to be an auctioneer and obtaining the requisite licenses, do not stay away from learning more! Attend seminars, participate in workshops, and register for certificate programs from reputed institutes.
For Example: The National Auctioneers Association (NAA) conducts 4 Designation Programs
(1) The Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI)
(2) Accredited Auctioneer, Real Estate (AARE)
(3) Graduate, Personal Property Appraiser (GPPA)
(4) Certified Estate Specialist (CES).
It also conducts 2 Certificate Programs:
(1) Auction Manager Certificate program
(2) Auction Administrator Certificate program.
Imp. Note: The above is just one of the many educational options this article is not endorsing the Association or its programs in any way.
Well-known Auctioneers:
* Sothebys: 1334 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
For US Customers: Ph- +1-541-312-5682 (service line) / Fax: 541-312-5684
* Christies: London- Ph: +44 (0) 20 7839 9060 / New York- Ph: +1 212 492 5485
* Bonhams: U.S.A. - (i) Main Gallery & Corporate Offices: Bonhams & Butterfields
220 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103.
Ph: (415) 861-7500 / Fax: (415) 861-8951
(ii) Main Gallery: Bonhams & Butterfields - 7601 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90046. Ph: (323) 850-7500 / Fax: (323) 850-5843.
(iii) Main Gallery: Bonhams - 595 Madison Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10022
Ph: (212) 644 9001 / Fax: (212) 644 9009
UK - (i) Bonhams: 101 New Bond Street, London W1S 1SR, United Kingdom
Ph: +44 (0) 207 447 7447
(ii) Bonhams, Knightsbridge: Montpelier Street, London SW7 1HH, United Kingdom
Ph: +44 (0) 207 393 3900
* Swann Galleries, Inc.: 104 East 25th Street, New York, New York 10010. Ph: 212-254-4710 / Fax: 212-979-1017 / Auctioneers for rare books, manuscripts, photographs, prints, and the like
* Kruse International: 11611 County Road 128 West, Odessa, Texas 79765. Ph: 432-563-2005 / Fax: 432-563-7929 /
- Auctioneers of energy and equipment, as well as of classic cars and real estate.
Tips for the Seller
If you are a seller and wish to put up an item for auction, you need to search for a reputed one! Before you enter into a formal agreement with the auctioneer, here are some brief aspects to consider:
* What is the item you wish to put up for bidding For example, if you wish to put on the block a set of rare coins, you should approach an auctioneer who is a specialist in that field he will have an in-depth knowledge of coins, their era, their true worth, etc.
* Get in touch with people who have utilized the services of the auctioneer youll get a buzz about his or her reputation in the field.
* Ask, Ask, And Ask! Dont feel shy to make enquiries on the slightest doubt in your mind.
Go on take those steps towards the podium and become an auctioneer!
Who Knows One day you will be the Winner of the International Auctioneers Championship!
Note to the Reader: This article is not endorsing any of the auctioneers / auction houses mentioned. It is merely giving information to the reader. It is up to the reader to check out the creditworthiness of the auctioneer / auction school selected. Also, confirm what are the requisite laws / licenses for becoming an auctioneer from your State Government office.
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