How to Find an Auctioneer
Auctioneers are no longer merely western cattle callers or high brow Brits seeking bids in London galleries. Today, people are using auctioneer services in a host of areas previously held to the domain of other professionals. Business owners are thinning their inventories or dissolving their businesses altogether; homeowners are choosing quick and easy instead of signing with the local Realtor and non-profits are turning to the auction block for fun and fast fundraisers. But finding the right auctioneer is what will determine the success of your event and your bottom-line.
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Instructions
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On to the auction block
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Determine the requirements of your auction. Are you having a fundraiser for the local PTO? Are you making a move and want to sell your house quick? Has Uncle George passed on, leaving you with a house full of antiques on which no one has laid claim? Or is it finally time to retire and you're ready to sell the business--lock, stock and barrel--in one fell swoop?
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Look in your local newspaper. Sundays usually have an auction section filled with area auctioneers. While this is only the first option and should not be solely relied upon, it can give you an idea of who sells what in your area.
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Check out your state auctioneer association. While they have different monikers, depending on the state, the organizations usually offer lists of members in good standing. This is a good place to be certain you are getting a professional and not someone who merely paid a fee for his license, without benefit of knowledge and training.
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Contact the National Auctioneers Association (through their website). This group is the overseer for the whole country. Not only can you check out their list of auctioneers and narrow your search by location and specialty, they also list additional credentials. Keep an eye out for the CAI certification. This means that the auctioneer underwent additional training through the Certified Auctioneers Institute and must adhere to standards of professionalism and integrity that are not insisted upon in state licensing.
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Attend an auction. Before you commit to any one individual, go to his or her auction. There isn't any better way to find out if this is the auctioneer for you. If you're selling your home, go to his house auction; a car, his auto auction; antiques, his antique auction.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not rely solely on Internet sites listing random auctioneers--you can't be certain what you are getting and whether or not they are only committed to their advertisers.
Watch out for auction firms that are not from your area. If they are not locally licensed with a track record of success, move on. You do not want to sign a contract with someone who has a base office across the country.
