The first website was live in November 1992. I think it might have been 1998 or so when we found software and created our first “company” website, where we uploaded pictures and text regarding what was coming up for auction.
As of the date of this treatise, websites have been around 31 years, and we’ve had a website (and now many more) for 25 years. It would seem if you’re an auction house owner, an auctioneer hired to sell owners’ property, or otherwise want to be found on the Internet, a website would be required.
In fact, even a largely contract auctioneer would benefit from having a website detailing services offered, and contact information. However — most importantly — if you as an auctioneer are selling others’ property at auction, not having it on a website is essentially malpractice.
Not having a website can’t be due to cost — nor can it be from not being able to find someone to create and host it. Both are terribly inexpensive and academic to find. It can only be a perception that it’s not necessary but that’s likely irrational thinking.
Especially with the younger generation, but even all other generations, auctions and auctioneers are found online by searching and a website is a place for them to “land” and learn about you and/or what is coming up for auction.
Incidentally, social media sites are to supplement your own website with more exposure, and not to be used as your website alone. With few exceptions, every business needs its own platform without relying solely on social media. Even with a widespread social media presence, a website — a home of sorts — seems prudent.
If you are working as an auctioneer with no website, we would offer you would be (1) getting more business with a website, and (2) serving your clients far better. With almost 2 billion websites currently active, there does seem to be a consensus for the need and value.
Lastly, if you still feel a website seems unnecessary, we would note you’re reading this article on our website we launched in November 2009 https://mikebrandlyauctioneer.wordpress.com/ hosted by www.wordpress.com. Of course, we use social media as well to further distribute this content, and as such is shared otherwise.
Auctioneer? Don’t have a website? We would offer you to think again, as the benefits clearly outweigh the costs. Especially when working for sellers/owners directly, a website seems imperative to provide even a minimum level of “reasonable care.”
Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, CAI, CAS, AARE has been an auctioneer and certified appraiser for over 30 years. His company’s auctions are located at Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, Brandly Real Estate & Auction, and formerly at Goodwill Columbus Car Auction. He serves as Distinguished Faculty at Hondros College, Executive Director of The Ohio Auction School, and an Instructor at the National Auction Association’s Designation Academy and Western College of Auctioneering. He has served as faculty at the Certified Auctioneers Institute held at Indiana University and is approved by The Supreme Court of Ohio for attorney education.
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