It is quite rare to find an industry that exchanges millions of dollars every year by the flick of a finger or the wink of an eye. Nevertheless, the auction industry continues to go strong.
“We need to do things the auction way. It regulates the market prices, it creates a sense of immediacy, and it encourages competition that keep the prices honest. When you bring things to auction, you get many different opinions on the value of what’s being sold. When you sell direct to someone, you only get one opinion on what it’s worth,” says Wayne Small, owner of the Ontario Stockyards.
Small has attended thousands of auctions in his life and knows that a good auctioneer makes a big difference in the outcome of the auction. “A good chant keeps the crowd from getting stale or keeps them from going to sleep at times. A good chant holds the interest of the crowd. If there’s some speed in it and the auctioneer knows what they’re doing it also lifts the market or the price of the product, no matter what you’re selling. A good, clear, fast auctioneer is a real asset to the company that’s got them hired.”
When it comes to starting in the auction business, auctioneer Neil Woodrow says that going to auction school is a great idea. “They teach you the basics like numbers and how to build your chant. They also teach you the legalities of being an auctioneer and how to set up auction sales. It’s definitely a great starting point, but practicing will really get you far.”
Auctioneer Ab Carroll says he practices his chant constantly. “The best way I find you get better is by practicing. When I drive, I auction off the cars on the road or the telephone poles I pass. I find that no matter what, it’s always a good thing to keep practicing.”
Kevin MacArthur has been in the auction industry for years but still remembers his humble beginnings. “When I got out of auction school I set up a sale, and we were selling things for quarters. Nothing at that sale was very expensive. I remember the butterflies that I had while I was selling. I remember that there weren’t that many people there, but it took me over an hour to shake off the butterflies… but that’s what it takes. You have to be able to put yourself out there and try and eventually you’ll get over those butterflies and you’ll improve your skills.”
Woodrow says that although it’s important to put yourself out there and keep practicing, success is never immediate. “I remember working at the auction at only four years old. When I was sixteen I went to auction school, but when I came back it probably wasn’t until 15 years later that I got a full-time job in auctioneering. It definitely doesn’t happen overnight.” Woodrow adds, “the best thing you can do is to create a relationship with someone or with a business and gain a mentor. They will teach you a lot and the opportunities will come once you earn your way.”
Although many see auctioneering as too fast-paced, Brian Pascoe, salesperson at the Ontario Stockyards, disagrees with that mentality. “If you’re new and this is your first auction, sure it might be a bit different, but if you’re in the industry it’s quite easy to understand. You just have to stick around long enough to give it a chance.”
Ab Carroll says that anyone can learn the basics of auctioneering, and explains through video that being fast isn’t the most important part, it’s being clear and keeping track of your numbers.
Although many see auctioneering as a unique and unusual profession, there are many great opportunities that come along with being an auctioneer. Ab Carroll of the Ontario Stockyards won the Ontario Auctioneer Championship in 2018. As well, Carroll won the 2018 Canadian Livestock Auctioneer Champion competition. Carroll has won numerous belt buckles courtesy of many different breed associations, a livestock trailer courtesy of T-Down Trailers in Alberta, a diamond “Super Bowl style” ring courtesy of Foothills Auctioneers in Stavely, Alberta, as well as cash money, and many more prizes.
Ab Carroll’s LMAC Auctioneer Champion belt buckle.
“The competitions have been great and I have received some wonderful prizes from many awesome sponsors. I am extremely appreciative of them, but also, these competitions have made me a better auctioneer and have given me endless advertising that has helped my business grow.” Carroll adds, “it doesn’t matter where your skills are as an auctioneer, going to competitions will only help you get better. So many auctioneers get together and compete and it brings out the best in you. Going to these competitions really shows you that the auctioneer profession is alive and well.”
