Whether you’re selling prized property or looking to buy one-of-a-kind treasures, an auction is just the place to make things happen!
While some might view it as complicated and time consuming, a fast-paced auction is one of the most efficient ways of converting your property or assets into immediate cash. In fact, over a quarter-trillion dollars in goods and services are sold at auction every year in the U.S. With the combination of pre-sale marketing and the auctioneer’s chant and/or an attention-grabbing online bidding platform, you could have enthusiastic, attentive buyers aggressively competing to purchase your property.
There’s an excitement about an auction that makes it a special event that draws people again and again. People participate in auctions out of curiosity about what unique or interesting items are for sale. There’s even more curiosity among bidders when it comes to the prices obtained at auction. By talking to auction professionals, sellers and other buyers, auctions can be a great way to learn about real estate, art, autos, furniture and more, sellers and auction professionals. You learn about values, construction of items, collection practices and much more when you participate in an auction.
An auctioneer’s role goes far beyond the speed of the chant. NAA Auction Professionals are entrepreneurs who excel in marketing and advertising. The primary role of an auction professional is to develop a marketing campaign to promote the sale of their client’s assets and attract bidders to their auction. Many auctioneers are also appraisers and experts in their field of sales (i.e. art, antiques, machinery, etc.).
While some might view it as complicated and time consuming, a fast-paced auction is one of the most efficient ways of converting your property or assets into immediate cash. In fact, over a quarter-trillion dollars in goods and services are sold at auction every year in the U.S. With the combination of pre-sale marketing and the auctioneer’s chant and/or an attention-grabbing online bidding platform, you could have enthusiastic, attentive buyers aggressively competing to purchase your property.
There’s an excitement about an auction that makes it a special event that draws people again and again. People participate in auctions out of curiosity about what unique or interesting items are for sale. There’s even more curiosity among bidders when it comes to the prices obtained at auction. By talking to auction professionals, sellers and other buyers, auctions can be a great way to learn about real estate, art, autos, furniture and more, sellers and auction professionals. You learn about values, construction of items, collection practices and much more when you participate in an auction.
An auctioneer’s role goes far beyond the speed of the chant. NAA Auction Professionals are entrepreneurs who excel in marketing and advertising. The primary role of an auction professional is to develop a marketing campaign to promote the sale of their client’s assets and attract bidders to their auction. Many auctioneers are also appraisers and experts in their field of sales (i.e. art, antiques, machinery, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions
1What are the differences between an absolute and reserve auction?
Absolute Auction: An "absolute auction" is an auction where the property is sold to the highest bidder. There is not a minimum or reserve price that must be met to complete the auction sale.
Reserve Auction: A “reserve” auction means that a price has been set between the seller and the auctioneer that must be met to complete the sale. Reserves are often used to provide the seller with security that they receive at certain amount of money to meet their sale goal.
Reserve Auction: A “reserve” auction means that a price has been set between the seller and the auctioneer that must be met to complete the sale. Reserves are often used to provide the seller with security that they receive at certain amount of money to meet their sale goal.
2What is a Buyer's Premium?
A buyer’s premium is commonly used in auctions today as a form of payment for the auction company conducting the auction. The buyer’s premium is an advertised percentage of the high bid or flat fee added on to the high bid to determine the total contract price to be paid by the buyer.
3What does "As Is, Where Is" mean?
One of the most common statements made at auction, “as is, where is,” simply means the property is being sold without warranty and that there are no contingencies based on the status of the asset being sold. It is important that you inspect all auction properties before you bid, both real estate and personal property. Photos may not show all the details or potential faults with the asset and it is your job as a well informed bidder to thoroughly inspect and know what you are bidding on BEFORE the start of the auction. Once you bid and buy an asset at auction, you are the new owner.
4Am I required to have cash on hand at the auction?
It is important that prospective bidders read all documents regarding the sale prior to auction day. Cash payment is commonly not required at auctions. Auction companies may accept multiple forms of payment: cash, check or credit card. When attending real estate auctions, auction companies may at times require a specific down payment on-site in the form of a cashiers check to qualify as a bidder.
5If I scratch my nose or wave at a friend, will the auctioneer think I'm bidding?
We hear this misconception a lot! In fact, to bid at an auction or for your bid to be received by the auctioneer, you typically need a bid paddle or bid card. You will receive this bid paddle or card at registration and it will have a number on it. This number allows the auction company to know who is bidding from the list of registered bidders. If you mistakenly bid or the auctioneer misinterprets your movement as a bid, immediately notify either the auctioneer or their staff.
6What is the auctioneer saying?
The art of perfecting the auctioneer’s cry take years of practice, but understanding what auctioneers are saying is simple. The auctioneer’s bid call can be broken into two parts:
• Statement (The Current Bid) – I have five dollars.
• Question (The Next Bid) – Would you bid 10?
Example: I have 5 dollars, would you bid 10, would you bid 10? Now 10, I have 10 dollars, would you bid 15...
The cadence and repetition of words and use of “filler words” vary from one auctioneer to another, but the format is usually the same. Always remember that the number the auctioneer keeps repeating is the dollar amount they are wanting.
7Who's the person yelling in the audience at an auction?
The person you see and hear working amongst the crowd of bidders is known as a ringman. This individual is part of the auction team and is an extension of the auctioneer. The job of the ringman is to convey bids back to the auctioneer from the crowd. When bids are received in the crowd, the ringman will yelp to signal the auctioneer that they have received a bid and to increase the bid amount. These individuals are also there to help answer questions you may have while the auction is being conducted.
8Can I attend an auction and participate as a spectator and not bid?
We encourage people to explore auctions by attending one as a spectator. There is no better way to learn about auctions than to watch one firsthand.
9I want to hire an auctioneer. Where do I start my search and what should I know?
If you are considering an auction for your personal or business assets, consider the following tips:
• Whether it be real estate, art or automobiles, select an NAA Auction Professional with expertise in your particular type of sale. NAA Auction Professionals are at the top of their field in the auction business. Members are professionals well versed in the psychology of selling. Their education, commitment to the NAA Code of Ethics, expertise and networking capabilities stimulate competition among bidders, securing you the highest prices for your assets. Click here to Find an NAA Auction Professional!
• Ask for references, attend one of their auctions and learn about auctions firsthand.
• Take an active role in the marketing and advertising of your assets.
• Make sure to fully review all contracts, terms and conditions of the auction with a legal expert.
• Whether it be real estate, art or automobiles, select an NAA Auction Professional with expertise in your particular type of sale. NAA Auction Professionals are at the top of their field in the auction business. Members are professionals well versed in the psychology of selling. Their education, commitment to the NAA Code of Ethics, expertise and networking capabilities stimulate competition among bidders, securing you the highest prices for your assets. Click here to Find an NAA Auction Professional!
• Ask for references, attend one of their auctions and learn about auctions firsthand.
• Take an active role in the marketing and advertising of your assets.
• Make sure to fully review all contracts, terms and conditions of the auction with a legal expert.
10I want to go to an auction, what should I know before I bid?
• Understand the type of auction you are participating in (absolute, reserve, etc.) and make sure to review the complete terms and conditions of the sale. You will want to arrive early to register for the auction. Certain auctions (i.e. real estate) may require a cashier’s check or other payment in advance of the auction to qualify you to bid in the auction.
• If you are attending an auction with a live element, you will want to bid in sync with the chant. You should be listening closely and following the increasing bids. Remember: The number the auctioneer is repeating is where the bid is and what the auctioneer is now accepting.
• If you are attending an auction with a live element, you will want to bid in sync with the chant. You should be listening closely and following the increasing bids. Remember: The number the auctioneer is repeating is where the bid is and what the auctioneer is now accepting.
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