Auctioneers are, on the whole, very social beings. They enjoy being around other auctioneers and discussing the industry they so enjoy. How do auctioneers go about finding auctioneer-related fellowship?
One way an auctioneer finds fellowship is to join an auctioneer association, which can provide such an opportunity. Additionally, such associations can take membership funds and provide additional benefits to all members such as education, conferences, legal updates, and discounts on services.
Where are these auctioneer associations? Besides almost every state in the United States having an auctioneer association, there are four (4) major auctioneer associations:
The National Auctioneers Association (NAA) based in Overland Park, Kansas
The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) based in Kansas City, Missouri
The National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) based in Frederick, Maryland
The Industrial Auctioneers Association (IAA) based in Dresher, Pennsylvania
An important role for any of these associations is to inform the public of the value in hiring a member; for example, “By hiring an NAA member, you are assured your auctioneer possesses a higher level of professionalism, and adheres to a strict code of conduct.” The theory is that if the public places an additional value on an auctioneer being a member, all members benefit, and other auctioneers are encouraged to join, thus further enhancing the association and member benefits.
We would suggest to anyone wishing to hire an auctioneer that hiring one who is a member of some type of auctioneer association dramatically increases the chances the auctioneer will possess the experience and skills to properly service his or her client.
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. His Facebook page is: www.facebook.com/mbauctioneer. He is Executive Director of The Ohio Auction School.
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