Auctioneering
Auctioneering is one of the most lucrative and fastest growing professions in the country. The profession allows today’s auctioneer flexible hours, good pay and a rewarding and challenging work environment. Auctioneers are needed in a wide variety of jobs and environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What do I have to do to get an auctioneers license?
- Each state, province, and country has different requirements regarding education, apprenticeship terms, and examinations. In the United States there is no uniform, central informational clearing house.
- Can I learn to talk fast and sound like an auctioneer?
- Having trained thousands of students, the answer is a confident YES! Every student, is of course unique, and learns at a different pace -- our motto is -- Practice Makes Perfect!
- Am I too old/young to become an Auctioneer?
- We have trained many successful students who started the auctioneering profession after retirement. Many of our pupils have started when in their early 70s. We do require a student to be a minimum age of 18 years. This is due to basic contract law requirements.
- What is proper school attire?
- Our classroom dress is casual. You will, however, need to bring a change to proper business attire for a one-day photography session. You will receive the photos and may use them later to promote your business.
- What is the class schedule?
- 8:30 a.m. EST to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday the first week. No Sunday classes. Second week -- 8:30 a.m. -- 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday course completed 4: 00 p.m. on Friday.
- How do I handle motel reservations?
- We teach our class at a local motel facility. It is the desire of the motel that you contact them directly for reservations. We will send their telephone number back to you as part of our confirmation packet process. When you contact the motel be sure to inform them that you are in The Walton School of Auctioneering class and want the special weekly rate.
- How do I get directions to school site?
- These are automatically sent to you when you register as part of our confirmation packet.
- Are there school examinations?
- Yes, there are three written exams and one oral exam. All must be successfully passed to receive certification. A passing grade of 75% is necessary.
- Is your school veteran's approved?
- No. Not at present. We had veterans approval for 10 years but due to complexity of paperwork etc. we chose not to renew.
- Does the school offer job placement?
- No, due to the entrepreneurial nature of our profession, it is not feasible for any Auction school to offer this type of service.
- Can I learn and absorb the classroom material?
- Yes, we stress hands-on practical skills presented in a straightforward no-nonsense approach. While we do teach the concepts and theories of our business, we stress the how-to of being able to apply them in areas of the Auction business.
- Is the auctioneering field too crowded -- are there too many Auctioneers?
- No, the Auction method of marketing is over 2,500 years old and still growing at a rapid pace. There will always be room for competent skilled Auctioneers.
- What happens if I move or change my residence to another state?
- You will need to contact your new regulating body. In the U.S. many States recognize and honor each other's licensing.
The Present and Future of the Auction Profession
The following information resulted from a survey of 321 auctioneers. The auctioneers were members of the Auction Marketing Institute. The survey was conducted at the University of Indiana.
Finally... answers to those questions you've been asking!
Since respondents to the survey were not identified in any way, 97 percent gave answers to the questions which is a very high number. The results of the survey are as follows:
Age, Income, Education and Principal Line of Business of participants.
Age ranged from 20 years to 71 years old. Average age was 42.8 years.
AGE
- under 35 years................22.0%
- 36 -- 45 years..................36.0%
- 46 -- 55 years..................34.0%
- 55 and over.......................7.0%
INCOME
- under $35,000..................36.7%
- $35,000-- $49,999.............23.55%
- $50,000 -- $99,999...........23.1%
- $100,000 -- $149,999.........9.3%
- $150,000 -- $199,999.........3.2%
- $200,000 and over.............3.9%
EDUCATION
- no High School Diploma......1.0%
- High School Diploma..........19.0%
- some college......................41.0%
- college degree....................27.0%
- some graduate work..........12.0%
PRINCIPLE LINE OF BUSINESS
- real estate..........................46.0%
- household / estates...........20.0%
- antiques.............................16.0%
- equipment..........................15.0%
- livestock...............................2.5%
Great Career Opportunities!
An article by the Wall Street Journal cited auctioneering as one of the top ten highest paying professions in the United States. An astounding amount of people attend auctions every year. Last year, in the U.S. alone, over 30 million people attended auctions. Auctions are fastest growing segment of the Real Estate Industry.
