Auctioneers Are Not All The Same

One very basic premise that many people fail to understand is that "Auctioneers are not all the same". I can't tell you how many people locate an Auctioneer by opening up the Yellow Pages and calling the first Auctioneer they find. That makes about as much sense as opening up the Yellow Pages and calling the first doctor that you see, without first determining what that doctor's area of specialty is.

Another mistake people often make when selecting an Auctioneer is making their first question "What is your commission?", thereby selecting an Auctioneer strictly upon the commission they charge. Would you rather entrust your personal property assets to a highly experienced Auctioneer who has a stellar reputation and an excellent following of Auction attendees? Or a rookie, fresh out of Auction School who is willing to cut his commission (probably because he has no other business)?

Some states (e.g. Pennsylvania) have strict licensing laws for their Auctioneers. For example, Pennsylvania Auctioneers are required to:

• Serve a 2-year apprenticeship under a licensed Auctioneer.
• Pass a State-administered Auctioneer Exam.
• Become licensed by the state.
• Carry a minimum legal Bond.
• Adhere to State Auctioneer Laws.
• Utilize an Escrow Account to help protect your money.
• Be accountable to a State Board of Auctioneers.

Other states (e.g., New Jersey), have no Auctioneer licensing law. Auctioneers in those states are allowed to call an Auction without any training, they have no licensure or bonding requirements, they can legally commingle your money with their own, and there is no State Auctioneers Board you can turn to if problems arise.

In which state would you feel more comfortable hiring an Auctioneer to sell your personal property and handle your money?

We Help Clients Locate the Right Auction House
For What They Are Selling

A little understood fact is that different Auctioneers and Auction Houses specialize in selling different types of merchandise. Some specialize in Dolls, while others specialize in Art, Prints, Tools, Antiques, Hummel Figurines, etc. Consigning your Tools to a Doll Auctioneer makes as little sense as consigning your Dolls to a Tool Auctioneer. And many Auctioneers are general-line Auctioneers, meaning that they sell nearly everything, but don't really specialize in anything. Either way, sending your merchandise to the wrong Auction House could cost you big money.

We can help. As Auctioneers and Appraisers, we understand the Auction process and who many of the key players are. We have been in the Auction business for 20+ years, and we can help to guide you through the entire Auction process.

Whether you are looking for a national, regional, or local Auction company, call us first to see if we can point you in the right direction.

Live Auction vs. eBay or the Internet?

Is eBay or the Internet the Best Auction Venue For You? Certain items sell best on eBay or the Internet, where a national and international bidding audience can sometimes take your items to price levels that you never imagined. Other items will simply generate little or no interest on the internet.

Should You Send Your Items to an Auctioneer or Auction House? Certain items will sell better in front of a live auction audience in a competitive bidding situation. Other items will generate little interest and yield disappointing results.

How About a Live Internet Auction? And other items will perform best if sold in front of a Live Auction Audience, while at the same time Live Internet Bidding enables bidders from around the world to compete with Live Floor Bidders for your merchandise.

Not Sure Which Way To Go? As Auction Consultants, we can usually steer you in the right direction.

Call for further details.