Since the 1940’s, auctioneers have been getting together periodically at annual conventions, as well as summer retreats, seminars, classes, and the like.
The most notable of these types of get-togethers is the National Auctioneers Association’s (NAA’s) annual Conference & Show.
In addition to the NAA Conference & Show, at virtually every NAA function, there is an immense helping attitude from all involved. This help is called AHA — auctioneers helping auctioneers, and is usually accompanied by more than one person exclaiming “AHA!” for all to hear.
What kind of help are we referring to here? It comes in a variety of ways.
At NAA classes and seminars, information is provided to assist every auctioneer in attendance. In the hallways before, after and during breaks from class, conversations are filled with one auctioneer helping another. Evening hours spent socializing are again brimming with information helpful to all involved.
Otherwise, auctioneers help each other every day. At state conventions and seminars, on Facebook and LinkedIn, by email, by text, by phone call … yes, every single day of the year.
In this regard, questions can range from as simple as “I’m not sure what type of pottery this is …?” to as seemingly complex as “If I said everything is selling ‘as-is’ then am I held to my descriptions which were announced …?” Or, it could be that an auctioneer needs help with his auction next Saturday …
Indeed, there is a cooperative, concerned, caring attitude amongst most auctioneers in the United States. This mindset improves the auctioneering profession overall, and serves to better the experiences of both clients and customers of almost all auctions.
Next time you hire an auctioneer, or otherwise encounter one, you can almost be assured you are receiving the benefits of many auctioneers from around the country. It’s part of the auctioneering fabric in the United States.
Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, CAI, AARE has been an auctioneer and certified appraiser for over 30 years. His company’s auctions are located at: Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, Keller Williams Auctions and Goodwill Columbus Car Auction. He serves as Adjunct Faculty at Hondros College of Business, Executive Director of The Ohio Auction School and Faculty at the Certified Auctioneers Institute held at Indiana University.
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