Question: I have a great booming voice, have been working in sales and would like to work at an auction house and eventually become an auctioneer. Do I need to specialize in one area? How can I get started?
— Jan

Response: Auctioneers rely heavily on their voice for presentation, style and performance. A good sense of timing and the ability to react quickly to audience dynamics is important. Being able to work under pressure and adapt to a change of pace is essential. Of course the job often involves speaking in front of groups, which, incidentally, is the number one fear of people in America.

Training
To become an auctioneer, you can engage in job specific training and start working as an assistant. Requirements for auctioneers vary depending on the type of merchandise to be auctioned. Dealing with some specialties requires specialized knowledge.

For example, auctioneers who work in real estate need to meet specific educational and certification requirements. Other specialties include personal property (furniture, household items and jewelry), art objects, automobiles, charity auctions, commercial and industrial auctions (business liquidations and manufacturers' inventory), commodities, other kinds of collectibles, heavy equipment, farm equipment and livestock.
World Champion College of Auctioneering
9100 Ming Ave. Suite 202
Bakersfield, CA 93311
661-665-7960
Fax: 661-665-7962
www.championbidcalling.com
The World Champion College of Auctioneering is focused on the art of bid calling. They teach you how to do a smooth, well-rounded auction chant combined with sales techniques.

The bid calling course is held once per year – usually in March – with enrollment limited to 20 students. Course tuition is $2,750. To register you need to send a $500 deposit along with your completed application.
Pennington Auctioneers
1-877-654-4628
penningtonauctioneers.com
Email: info@penningtonauctioneers.com
This resource website was founded by Jim Pennington. Pennington has been in the auction business for twenty-five years. His father and grandfather were also auctioneers.

Through the site you can purchase Get Rich, Go Auction, a DVD and CD that discusses employment opportunities in auctions as a buyer or seller, lessons on bid calling, and how to start your own live auction franchise. The cost is $59.95. With the purchase of the set you are granted membership and access to the website's bulletin board and forums, a newsletter, and special offers.

Jim Pennington also founded the Pacific Auction Exchange, Inc., a real estate auction franchise company that has 30 franchises in California. The organization offers training and support to entrepreneurs interested in a real estate franchise opportunity. Prior to his real estate venture he specialized in auctioning livestock.

Licensing
While 27 states require auctioneers to hold a professional license, it appears that California does not currently have this requirement, except for those who auction real estate. There may be additional statutory requirements that auctioneers must meet depending on what they auction and where the auction is held. Finally, city and county governments may require auctioneers to apply for a permit or local license before conducting an auction.

Job Description
Auctioneers plan and organize auctions – public sales in which goods are sold to the person in an audience, called a bidder, willing to pay the most. Auctioneers sell articles at auction to the highest bidder. They may appraise, catalog, advertise and ultimately arrange merchandise in preparation for the event. They conduct the bidding for each item, acknowledge each incoming bid, then award the item to the highest bidder.

The unique rapid dialogue (referred to as the chant) usually ensures audience attention and keeps the pace quick and productive. Voice rhythm and clarity are important. The auctioneer must maintain a sharp eye and tongue to accomplish the goal: a successful and profitable auction.

Sometimes auctioneers work in pairs. Their role is much like that of a salesperson. They describe items to be auctioned and give a history of the items to potential bidders. A thorough knowledge of the type of merchandise at hand is generally required.

Prospective auctioneers might work as assistants or begin at small local auctions or county fairs. Assistants may be involved in writing advertising copy for auction items. They may also judge the item's worth by asking questions, conducting research and preparing price lists. They may use a database to track auction items, price and the buyer information. They often interface with clients so must have good people skills.

Another auction related position is called ringmaster. Ringmasters are the link between the customer and the auctioneer, using sales techniques and teamwork to motivate bidders and increase bids.

Professional Association
California Auctioneers Association
Phone: 888-541-8084 x22
www.californiaauctioneers.org
Email: astein@auctioneers.org
The California State Auctioneers Association was established to promote professionalism, growth, and competency in the auction business. Another of their goals is to provide vision and leadership in the industry. The association provides members with learning opportunities through continuing education. It offers opportunities to network and exchange ideas with others. The organization works with the National Auctioneers Association in the promotion of auction marketing to governmental agencies and private industry. Annual active membership dues are $175.
National Auctioneers Association
8880 Ballentine
Overland Park, KS 66214
Phone: 913-541-8080
Fax: 913-894-5281
www.auctioneers.org
Employment Outlook
There is an increasing demand for auctioneers. Success depends on building a reputation. Charity auctions are one of the largest growing sectors in the auction industry, and doing charity auctions can help you become established. Another growing sector is real estate.

Pay
Auctioneers earn a wide range of pay and may be compensated on a commission basis. On a daily basis, pay ranges from $100 to $2,000. Many work part-time. Annual salaries for beginning auctioneers in the Los Angeles area range from $37,000 to $45,000.

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Susan W. Miller, M.A., is a National Certified Career Counselor, a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist and holds diplomate status on the American Board of Vocational Experts. She heads California Career Services, a private practice career counseling firm in Los Angeles.

E-mail career questions you'd like answered in this column to info@californiacareerservices.com or visit California Career Services at www.californiacareerservices.com.