Auctioneers have been a part of our society since 500 B.C. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the auctioneer craft is a highly sought-after one. After hearing a traditional auctioneer "chant," many people wish to learn this art, though becoming an auctioneer is not as easy as it might seem. Essentially, there are three different ways of gaining an auctioneer license.
Often, the auction business is a family-run one. Thus, a large number of auctioneers simply take over the family business when the opportunity arises. Most of these auctioneers have been trained to run an auction by observing other family members. While this is the most common way of gaining an auctioneer license, there are other possibilities if you are not the heir to an auction house.
By enrolling in an auctioneer program at a local college, you can gain the expertise required to become an auctioneer. These programs are often offered at technical schools, though some universities may also offer similar programs. Typically, an auctioneer program will last from one week to one semester depending upon the school. All students enrolled in this type of program will learn basic auctioneer skills.
Another great way to gain auctioneer experience is to become an apprentice. Many auction houses will hire apprentices to perform various duties. This type of hands-on experience is often priceless, and it will help you towards securing an auctioneer license. If you decide to go this route, keep in mind that only licensed auctioneers can help you gain a license.
In addition to schooling and gaining experience, many successful auctioneers also enroll in marketing programs. A large part of any auction heavily relies upon strong marketing tactics. Auctioneers must be able to sell items, describe items, and create ways to entice buyers. The main difference between a well-paid auctioneer and one that, well, isn't has a lot to do with obtaining marketing skills.
The ways in which to gain an auctioneer license may vary from country to country, though the three main steps listed above often remain the same. Combining specialized schooling with a productive apprenticeship is a highly recommended course for all aspiring auctioneers. Even though the auction world may seem rather simplistic, this is a profession that requires a vast amount of skill, charm, and general know-how. Almost all auctioneer jobs can be found by applying directly to auction houses, though a valid auctioneer license is required in all cases.