Are some auctioneers illiterate?

[JerryVan]

I can understand that some aspects of an auctioneer's job can be repetitive and mundane. This may explains why so many of them seem more concerned about pursuing television careers as "experts" rather than offering a professional service to their clients.
Their charges to buyers and sellers have risen sharply in recent years, particularly during the Covid pandemic. Did it really cost them more to sell on line than live in the saleroom? 20 to 25% is now commonplace, and 30% or more is not unknown.
At these prices, buyers and sellers are entitled to expect the highest standards of service, but they do not always receive it.

Actually, they have to pay a fee to the hosting system for the online auctions. They also have to pay extra if they do a live feed. So yes, it does cost more to do online auctions. Also the labor and time to list online auctions adds up in a hurry. There's a reason why I don't do the online end of the business. We still only change between 20%-35% depending on the overall value of the estate.
Mike Wohl

And, allow me to guess... Out of your percentage, you may have to store the items, pay employees, pay for liability insurance, pay for facilities if not an on-site auction, pay for advertising, pay to print an auction catalog, spend hours/days cataloging lots, arranging for shipping and of course, needing to be an expert in everything you sell.

[Steve]

I can understand that some aspects of an auctioneer's job can be repetitive and mundane. This may explains why so many of them seem more concerned about pursuing television careers as "experts" rather than offering a professional service to their clients.
Their charges to buyers and sellers have risen sharply in recent years, particularly during the Covid pandemic. Did it really cost them more to sell on line than live in the saleroom? 20 to 25% is now commonplace, and 30% or more is not unknown.
At these prices, buyers and sellers are entitled to expect the highest standards of service, but they do not always receive it.

Actually, they have to pay a fee to the hosting system for the online auctions. They also have to pay extra if they do a live feed. So yes, it does cost more to do online auctions. Also the labor and time to list online auctions adds up in a hurry. There's a reason why I don't do the online end of the business. We still only change between 20%-35% depending on the overall value of the estate.
Mike Wohl

And, allow me to guess... Out of your percentage, you may have to store the items, pay employees, pay for liability insurance, pay for facilities if not an on-site auction, pay for advertising, pay to print an auction catalog, spend hours/days cataloging lots, arranging for shipping and of course, needing to be an expert in everything you sell.

I can't speak for the way US auctioneers work but over here in my experience most auctioneers use only a very small crew these days. You're lucky if there is anyone around when you want to view lots. Most things are now done online anyway. Catalogues, if available, have to be paid for by the punters. They are not given away. Also no auctioneers offer any kind of help with shipping. You, as a buyer, are on your own. They accept no liability for inaccurate descriptions or errors. It's a real risk being a buyer if you cannot view the item before the auction. That is why the prices achieved today are usually quite feeble compared to Ebay, where sellers have certain liabilities and usually provide much better descriptions and photos (though not always, of course). The buyer at least has some form of redress if things go wrong and that is why the prices are considerably higher. If the seller on Ebay is the owner of the item, its a win win all around as they get more money in their pocket.

One would think in a dying market, traditional auction houses would up their game substantially to compete. Instead they've stayed at the level they were ticking along at pre-internet when they had less competition, save for the concession on hosting online auctions.

[JerryVan]

Steve,

I'm sure there are US auction houses like that as well... sorry to say. Thankfully, I have not experienced many like that, (well, maybe 1 or 2).

[colmike1]

I can understand that some aspects of an auctioneer's job can be repetitive and mundane. This may explains why so many of them seem more concerned about pursuing television careers as "experts" rather than offering a professional service to their clients.
Their charges to buyers and sellers have risen sharply in recent years, particularly during the Covid pandemic. Did it really cost them more to sell on line than live in the saleroom? 20 to 25% is now commonplace, and 30% or more is not unknown.
At these prices, buyers and sellers are entitled to expect the highest standards of service, but they do not always receive it.

Actually, they have to pay a fee to the hosting system for the online auctions. They also have to pay extra if they do a live feed. So yes, it does cost more to do online auctions. Also the labor and time to list online auctions adds up in a hurry. There's a reason why I don't do the online end of the business. We still only change between 20%-35% depending on the overall value of the estate.
Mike Wohl

And, allow me to guess... Out of your percentage, you may have to store the items, pay employees, pay for liability insurance, pay for facilities if not an on-site auction, pay for advertising, pay to print an auction catalog, spend hours/days cataloging lots, arranging for shipping and of course, needing to be an expert in everything you sell.

Exactly. I don't know how auction houses on the other side of the pond work (although I did work for a British couple many years ago) but most auctioneers over here take pride in their work. In Illinois we are licensed and must take 12 hours of continuing education every other year. We answer to the Board of Banks & Realty. I'm sorry you have dealt with a few auctions who are not detail oriented.
Mike Wohl

[poodling around]

Actually, they have to pay a fee to the hosting system for the online auctions. They also have to pay extra if they do a live feed. So yes, it does cost more to do online auctions. Also the labor and time to list online auctions adds up in a hurry. There's a reason why I don't do the online end of the business. We still only change between 20%-35% depending on the overall value of the estate.
Mike Wohl

And, allow me to guess... Out of your percentage, you may have to store the items, pay employees, pay for liability insurance, pay for facilities if not an on-site auction, pay for advertising, pay to print an auction catalog, spend hours/days cataloging lots, arranging for shipping and of course, needing to be an expert in everything you sell.

Exactly. I don't know how auction houses on the other side of the pond work (although I did work for a British couple many years ago) but most auctioneers over here take pride in their work. In Illinois we are licensed and must take 12 hours of continuing education every other year. We answer to the Board of Banks & Realty. I'm sorry you have dealt with a few auctions who are not detail oriented.
Mike Wohl

Talking about auctions who are not detail orientated .......................

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auct ... 2f00b79a7e

[Steve]

That's a much better description and far more accurate than most auction lots I've seen on Saleroom.