Auctioneer

Auctioneers sell goods and fixed property by auction to the highest bidders and receive a salary or commission for their work. The selling of goods by auction is a career that has been practised by both men and women for years. The auctioneer acts as go-between for the seller and the buyer.

Almost anything can be sold by auction such as fixed property, cattle, furniture, antiques, books, documents, works of art and all forms of transport such as cars. The goods are usually from deceased estates, bankrupt properties or liquidated companies.

The auctioneer undertakes to sell an owner’s articles to the purchaser who makes the highest financial bid. The articles are numbered and put on display before the auction. Pamphlets with more information on the articles to be sold are sometimes available to all potential buyers.

Potential buyers register before the auction. The auctioneer introduces and describes all the items or goods, appraises the goods and assembles items either in lots or individually, depending on the value. Auctioneers attempt to obtain the highest price for the seller, while at the same time exercising care about the rights of the buyer. A sales clerk, who is responsible for entering all sales in a sales register and receiving all cash payments made during the auction, assists the auctioneer. After the auction the sales register is balanced and the return of the sales processed for payout to the seller. After commission and expenses, the seller receives his / her share.

There are various fields in which you could specialise, or combinations of them, and these include: property, machinery and plant, motor vehicles, antiques and works of art, silver, household and office furniture and equipment, bloodstock, stamps, gold and silver coins, etc.. If the property market is the field in which you are most interested, an examination for estate agents and valuers would need to be passed.

The hours are irregular and some sales are held outdoors while others take place indoors. During training and even afterwards, you might find yourself selling pigs or horses and having to stand for hours in a muddy environment or you could be selling antiques to wealthy clients in elegant surroundings.

Personal Requirements

good communication skills
a well-modulated voice and be able to speak clearly and rapidly
efficient in drawing up good selling advertisements
able to describe the items very well
good relations with the public
friendly, extrovert, patient and diplomatic
retentive memory
language fluency in two or more official languages
familiar with current prices and values of property
excellent physical health, eyesight and mobility
staying power and resourceful
inquiring mind and a strong personality
reliable, honest, trustworthy and responsible
the ability to work hard
self-motivation and initiative

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

National Senior Certificate (matric), or equivalent with a Bachelor's Degree pass or a Diploma pass
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Subjects such as History and Economics may be useful

In addition, check the university admission requirements to see if you qualify for the programme you want to do.

What to Study

A prospective auctioneer undergoes intensive in-service training as an auction clerk and general assistant at an auction company registered with the South African Institute of Auctioneers.

School-leavers start as an auction clerk and then advance to auction assistant. They then act as a sales clerk becoming acquainted with the legal aspects of selling and buying. Training takes four to five years and is predominantly practical.

Employment