[dagdon]

I'm considering a career change into Auctioneering.
Want to know: how difficult? Big hurdles? Hours/week? Avg Annual income?
Thanks

[Clough]

The quote below is from the following site: How to Become an Auctioneer | eHow.com You might also want to click on the following search as there seems to be quite a few sites devoted to the subject. Become an Auctioneer - Google Search

How to Become an Auctioneer

Introduction

Auctioneers run auctions - public sales where items are sold to the highest bidder. These professionals appraise the valuables of potential clients, convince them to sell the goods, oversee advertising and other auction preparations, and still have the strength to bid-call for about 4 to 6 hours. Auctions may take place in famous houses such as Sotheby's or in barns and parking lots across the country.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Steps

1 Step One Peruse the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) Web site for an overview of the auction world (see auctioneers.org).

2 Step Two Attend auctions for insight into the pace of the work. Also view the increasing numbers of auctions on TV and contact the sources they provide to gain information about the field.

3 Step Three Look into attending one of the auction schools listed on the NAA site to develop your bid-calling skills.

4 Step Four Understand that many auctioneers today also receive college degrees, with coursework in public speaking, marketing, acting and business. Find out if your state is one that requires licensure and a college degree to attain it.

5 Step Five Realize that you might begin working for an auction service as a ring person, who is an assistant responsible for confirming bids and attending to the small details of an auction. This work is a good way to get hands-on experience, since different types of auctions involve different procedures.

6 Step Six Become an expert in a few areas ' for example, real estate, art and livestock ' so that you will gain a solid reputation in those specialties.

7 Step Seven Expect to eventually have to run your own auction business if you want to become very successful.

Tips & Warnings

You need a strong voice to be able to bid-call for about 4 to 6 hours during an auction.

Become proficient with the computer software used at auctions.

Consider expanding the size of your audience by using online auction services.

Expect to work for a daily fee or a percentage of the sales. If you need a steady salary early on, you will probably need an additional job.

Travel is a part of this career and does not always involve luxurious surroundings.