At the 2018 National Auctioneers Association (NAA) International Auctioneer Championship (IAC) held Friday, July 20 in Jacksonville, Florida, three questions were asked of the contestants. Here, we note those three questions and our answers to them:
What is your greatest challenge as an auction professional or auction company and how do you plan to address that challenge?
There has been a lot of promotion and discussion concerning NAA member benefits. In your opinion, what are some of the best benefits and why?
A prevalent attitude in our society is that the auction method is a last resort for many people as they perceive it to be less profitable than other methods of sale. What do you say in response to that argument?
What is your greatest challenge as an auction professional or auction company and how do you plan to address that challenge?
When was the last time we engaged a travel agent to book a flight, hotel or vacation? When was the last time we rented a movie from Blockbuster? Change is constant — and change can be devastating for an industry — but only if we allow it. Keeping a close eye on technology changes, competitors and customer trends will allow the auction industry to prosper for many years. Further, it is my sincere belief that the best way to keep abreast of these challenges is to stay involved with my state auctioneer association and the National Auctioneers Association as these aren’t challenges any of us can manage alone.
There has been a lot of promotion and discussion concerning NAA member benefits. In your opinion, what are some of the best benefits and why?
Over one-half of active auctioneers work for other auctioneers. Where would someone go if they were looking to be hired in this industry? Where would a hiring auctioneer go to find other auctioneers? There’s no better place to hire or be hired than this Conference & Show, and there’s no place better to be educated and promoted than these special five days in July each year. Being around, engaged and involved with others in your same industry has always been a proven method for self improvement; the auctioneering industry is no different.
A prevalent attitude in our society is that the auction method is a last resort for many people as they perceive it to be less profitable than other methods of sale. What do you say in response to that argument?
How do the most valuable collector cars sell in the United States? How does the most coveted artwork sell? How do people secure the highest prices for coins, jewelry, livestock, yellow iron, luxury estates and countless other property? Auctions are used to maximize price every day in this country and around the world. Auctions are indeed still used as a last resort but for the most part, those people didn’t know about the auction method of marketing until it was the final step. Auctions work well to maximize price and reduce holding costs — something more and more people are realizing.
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, RES Auction Services and Goodwill Columbus Car Auction. He serves as Distinguished Faculty at Hondros College, Executive Director of The Ohio Auction School, an Instructor at the National Auctioneers Association’s Designation Academy and America’s Auction Academy. He is faculty at the Certified Auctioneers Institute held at Indiana University and is approved by the The Supreme Court of Ohio for attorney education.
Comments