Can you always tell who the auctioneer is when arriving at an auction? Seems as if most indeed can.
Not that auctioneers aren’t famous in their communities, and therefore recognizable. These days, even if the auctioneer isn’t famous, he or she can still be identified.
Auctioneers have for centuries dressed in some fashion different than the typical auction attendees.
From the 1600’s to today, we’ve seen fancy bright colors, dark overcoats, military outfits, subdued fedora hats, to larger cowboy hats.
Now in the 21st century, a variety of jackets, hats, ties, boots, belt buckles, shirts and blouses — with outerwear fabrics usually displaying the company name and/or logo — are the norm.
The current trend in auctioneer apparel seems to be directed at three primary objectives:
Represent the client in a professional manner
Allow attendees easy identification of auctioneer and staff members
Promote the auction company to prospective clients
The availability of auctioneer apparel is immense; the cost of auctioneer apparel is minimal.
1000’s of companies imprint clothing items with company names and/or logos.
The costs associated with these items are typically only incrementally more than the cost of the item itself without any customization. A shirt might cost $32.95 and the embroidered logo might add only $2.00 more, for example.
Given the ease of securing auctioneer apparel, and the low cost of such, there’s little excuse for not having the auctioneer and all staff members dressed in “company clothing.”
Lastly, such company clothing can be worn outside of the auction itself, furthering the advertising value and exposure of the auctioneer’s company. Too, some auctioneers sell or give hats, shirts and other outerwear items to auction attendees for the same purpose — even further exposure.
Auctioneers and their apparel are an integral part of the auction industry.
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 serves as Adjunct Faculty at Columbus State Community College and is Executive Director of The Ohio Auction School.
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