How to Become an Auctioneer

If you're ever attended a live auction, you've probably been awed by the skills and wit of the auctioneer. Want to learn how to become an auctioneer? This article is designed to provide you with the details on what an auctioneer does and how to get your career started. Specifics may vary; however, the following information includes helpful guidelines from which everyone can benefit.

Becoming a successful auctioneer in the auction industry isn't a guarantee. Despite the common perception that an auctioneer's job is to stand behind a podium and call bids in a rapid chant, auctioneers are actually tasked with filling several roles. Like anyone that goes into business and starts a new career, they must become an expert on several levels, gaining the skills and training required for success.

An auctioneer is everything from office manager to accountant to public relations manager to janitor. They must be able to market, sell and entertain. Auctioneers must have an intimate knowledge of their property and goods, its value, the demand for such merchandise, and the target market. Being able to juggle all of these duties is no small task! The hours are long and the auctioneer's income depends on the effort and time devoted to the business.

If this sounds like your kind of career and you're interested in becoming an auctioneer, one of the first things you should do is attend an auction. It will give you a lot of insight into how auctions work, who is involved in the auction, what an auctioneer's responsibilities are and the pace at which they work.

Once you've done this and solidified your commitment to becoming an auctioneer, there are two ways to get your career started. The first track you can take is attending an auction school to develop your bid-calling skills. Many auctioneers today also go for college degrees that include coursework in business administration, marketing, public speaking - even acting! The second track you can take is working as an apprentice under an experienced auctioneer. You maybe start out working auction service as a ring person, or an assistant responsible for confirming bids and attending to the small details of an auction. This is actually a great way to get hands-on experience, since different types of auctions involve different procedures.

Some things to keep in mind as your start to build your auctioneer career:

- It is probably in your best interest to become an expert in a few select areas. For example, real estate, art and livestock auctioneers are highly sought out for their expertise and reputation in those specialties.

- You need to have a very strong voice to be able to call bids. Some auctions last for 4 to 6 hours, maybe even longer.

- You will also need to get acquainted with and eventually proficient at the computer software used at auctions.

- Expect to work for a daily fee or a percentage of the sales. If you need a steady salary as you start your career, you will probably need an additional job.

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Deb Weidenhamer is President of Auction Systems, the Southwest's most active auction and appraisal company. Learn more about auctions and what an auctioneer does. To see an auctioneer live and on the job, check out our auction schedule. Visit us online or call 800-801-8880 for more information.