Auctioneer

The job of an auctioneer is extremely exciting, fast paced and interesting. You find auctioneers working in huge auction houses, public spaces, private auctions and other locations. For either valuable consideration or compensation, they offer for sale or sell, antiques, livestock, real estate, cars and other property at auction, as a vocation. They require a license to auction goods off. For a person interested in becoming an auctioneer, there are workshops and auction schools designed to train people in the basic principals of auctioneering.

To become a successful auctioneer requires learning the basic skills necessary, such as contract writing, keeping records, advertising, developing your own special chant, cashier and clerk practices and experience with live auctions. For an individual that is thinking of pursuing auctioneering as a career, it is best to attend several auctions. This gives you a chance to watch an auctioneer in action and if you are lucky, talk to him or her, once the auction is over. Although you learn a lot from observing and listening, most auctioneers are happy and willing to share their expertise and knowledge.

An auctioneer sells practically anything a person can think of but most auctioneers choose one or two specific areas in which to specialize. Most have an appraiser's license also, which reassures the sellers and buyers that the person auctioning the merchandise knows its worth and sets the appropriate bidding price. Auctioneers require a clear, strong voice, good judgment and communication skills, and work under pressure well, make decisions quickly and are good in math.

Common work activities include:

• Meeting with customers or individuals that are interested in hosting an auction or consigning items to be auctioned off.
• Booking facilities and supplies including microphones and other required equipment.
• Marking and recording all items and the seller that commissioned the items, numbering all items and entering information in databases, spreadsheets, inventory programs or in manual logs.
• Hiring staff to work at the auction as monitors, clerks and item handlers.
• Completing the auction, ensuring that the best possible price is obtained for each item while still keeping the process going.
• Calculating the percentage of the total sale that becomes the auctioneers commission or collecting a flat rate as determined prior to the sale.