Auctioneers’ schools teach the fundamentals of auctioning in classes that last a few weeks and cover a wide range of topics. Students are encouraged to participate in public auctions and specialize in specific areas. Optional certifications, such as appraiser licenses, are recommended. It’s a good idea to attend auctions and observe auctioneers before attending school.
Auctioneers’ schools are training workshops designed to teach students the fundamentals of auctioning. School lengths vary, but most last a few weeks and cover a wide range of topics. Classes are usually small so that each student has personal attention if needed. All of the basic skills needed to become an auctioneer are explored in depth and often include one or all of the following:
Contract writing
Developing your own corner
advertising
keeping records
Employee and cashier practices
Experience with a live auction
Most auctioneer schools encourage students to participate in public auctions near the school and learn from local auctioneers. This usually involves the student actually putting their newly learned skills to use when auctioning real items.
For auctioneers who want to specialize, most auctioneer schools offer classes that teach specific areas of expertise such as real estate, art, livestock, antiques and automobiles. If a student plans to auction fine art or antiques, many schools encourage students to major in fine art or art history in order to better understand the items they will be selling.
While virtually anything can be sold at auction, most auctioneers choose to specialize in one or two areas and even earn optional certifications such as appraiser licenses. An appraiser’s license is a good idea for any auctioneer, as it helps reassure buyers and sellers that the auctioneer knows what the merchandise is worth and that they are setting the bid price appropriately.
For anyone considering attending auctioneer school, it’s a good idea to go to several auctions and observe the auctioneer, and even talk to him afterwards if possible. Most auctioneers will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you and may even invite you to help out during one of their auctions. It never hurts to ask, and even if you never get close enough to the auctioneer to talk, you’ll learn a lot just by listening and watching.
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