Legitimate Auctioneer, What Are the Requirements
Legitimate auctioneer, what are the requirements again? First of all let’s look at what is required by law. In many states an auctioneer is legitimate by licensure. However, in some states licensure is not a requirement. Indeed the rules to obtain an auctioneers license in many states require that individuals must have a minimum of 80 hours of education. As well as passing a test. Truly about half of the states in the United States require a license in order to operate as an auctioneer. Where as the rest have no such requirement.
For instance, states such as Colorado, Iowa, New York and California do not require an auction licenses. Although New York and California are some of the highest regulated states in the country. Similarly, states like Florida face the possibilities of deregulation each time a new year rolls around. However, organizations such as the Florida Auctioneers Association march on the Capital in Tallahassee. Doing so in efforts to inform the legislature of the legitimacy of the auction profession. While at the same time letting them know Auctioneers are vital to the community.
Does Licensure Equal Legitimacy?
Furthermore, Auctioneers handle millions of dollars of money each year. Likewise, Auctioneers are trusted with some of the most valuable assets. Indeed those that an individual, family, the courts, banks or a company may own. None the less, does licensure make an auctioneer legitimate? In fact, what are the requirements where the auctioneer practices his or her craft?
As stated above, the law may require licensure in many states. Then again, in those sates not requiring a license the legitimacy of an auctioneer is based on one’s own ability to perform. As we look at the word Legitimate, let’s focus on the one thing a person wants in an auctioneer. Interestingly, it sometimes may not be a license. Rather it is the performance, attitude and an individual’s capabilities for moving product in the fast-paced world of selling.
Do Legitimate Auctioneers belong to Associations
Actually the Legitimate Auctioneers say…. NO, NO, NO. As a matter of fact there is absolutely no requirement to be a member of any organization in order to claim legitimacy within the auction industry. Well, hold on there, this is certainly the matter of opinion in some groups. Indeed I will say again, this is a matter of opinion. The fact of the matter, no Auctioneer has to be part of any group, association, state organization or national movement in order to become legitimate. In fact there is no law that requires or establishes the legitimacy of an auctioneer by holding membership. Nor being a part of any structured organization. Of course, debate may vibrantly take place. And many will surely voice their concerns about the topic. Granted, if you ask a non-organization member the opinion will almost certainly differ. Similarly, the members of organized associations will market the viability of licensure; the credibility of its members; that only legitimate auctioneers are a part of such associations. All the while, the fact remains that belonging to any type of private, public or civil organization is not required to be legitimate.
Does a Legitimate Auctioneer have to use a logo
Next, legitimate auctioneers use logos. But is this a question or a statement of fact? Naturally, the answer is no. So be it, a logo may be a recognizable marketing tool. However the fact remains there is no requirement to use logos to prove one’s legitimate existence or right to practice. Now then, it may be a non-legitimate act to use a copyrighted logo without permission. And consequences could result. However, many auctioneers may not have a logo. To illustrate, some auctioneers are known and recognized by their ethical and moral behavior. No pixelated imprint needed.
Legitimate Auction Schools
Do you have to go to Auction school to be a legitimate auctioneer? No is the answer. However, auction school is a wise choice for sharpening one’s skills. Although I know at least one world champion auctioneer, and many others, who picked up the traits to become an auctioneer long before advanced training. Yet, be warned – some states may require an auctioneer pass some type of test prior to becoming licensed. Additionally many states require a certain number of hours of structured training.
As aforementioned, in many states licensure is not a requirement. However an auctioneer may open an auction business without the 80 hours of instruction by taking a test. In many cases an auctioneer is deemed legitimate if they have been to school. Now that might not be a fact. Although it does indeed benefit the auctioneer in gaining prominence within their perspective community. What are legitimate auction schools to attend? Actually there are auction schools in 14 U.S. states. Some include:
- Mendenhall School of Auctioneering in North Carolina
- Missouri Auction School
- World Wide College of Auctioneering in Colorado and Iowa
- Western College of Auctioneering in Montana
- Nashville Auction School in Tennessee
- Southeastern School of Auctioneering in South Carolina
- These are just a few schools
Legitimate Experts in the Business
Through advanced training, many auctioneers become world champions in bid calling championship sectors. Equally, many auctioneers have become world renowned experts in selected fields. Or the go to experts in their local communities. Therefore leaving some to question if you have to be a World Champion Auctioneer to be legitimate. By all means the short answer is no. Moreover, some auctioneers do not even vocally call bids. More defined, some auctioneers do not participate in live outcry auctions. Still many legitimate auctioneers sell only online via internet bidding platforms. All of these auctioneers are legitimate.
Reviews Can Legitimize an Auctioneer
As a matter of fact, individuals and businesses hire auctioneers to sell certain types of assets. Or to raise money. All the while creating a flow of commerce with excitement. A legitimate auctioneer can make these things happen. Truly hard work and showing up to do the job legitimizes most auctioneers. Certainly due to a willing spirit to make things happen.
Of course there are reviews. Identically in today’s world of social media people can make a review with the touch of their finger. Such as through Google reviews or Facebook posts. Important to realize this is one way an auctioneer is legitimized. Being that the public has trust and belief in them. Now, do your peers believe that you are a legitimate auctioneer? Thus the public has the power to persuade others of the legitimacy of an auctioneer. Definitely there are rules, statutes, regulations and organizations emphasizing ethical behaviors. Emphasizing the fact that auctioneers are legitimized in many different ways.
Therefore, the bottom line is that you do not have to become licensed. Nor do you have to belong to a club. You do not have to talk fast. And you do not have to be an online wizard in order to become a legitimate auctioneer.
