Scottsdale Auction: Who Is In Charge?

Every auctioneer has experienced the Scottsdale auction where no matter what you do - you aren't in charge of the crowd

. The crowd is directing you how to sell, when to sell and where the "real" bidder is located. This creates havoc for everyone, especially the auctioneer. I have seen it occur at my own Scottsdale auctions and have watched it happen to other unfortunate auctioneers. I have also seen the auction where the consignor is in control.

The family members of an estate are standing around looking distraught to be selling off grandma's possessions. There begins to build a tension in the air when the family members begin explaining to Scottsdale auction attendees the history of each piece that is being sold. Bidders stop bidding, because of a concern that the family will be insulted by their bid. Or even worse the consignors being to bid and you have to send a staff member over to remind the family that the auctioneer is not allowed to take their bid.

The best scenario is when the auctioneer is in control. The Scottsdale auction is running smoothly; all bidders are following the auctioneers lead and the consignor is quietly standing in the corner watching the merchandise sell.

The big question is how does an auctioneer achieve this nirvana in the Scottsdale auction world on a consistent basis? As an auctioneer make sure to walk around during the preview to feel the overall crowd attitude. If you have bidders that have been troublesome make a special effort to greet them and build some rapport with that individual. It is much harder for a bidder to become aggressive during the Scottsdale auction if you have made a special effort to appease them prior to the auction.

Hold a brief meeting with your staff prior to the start of the Scottsdale auction. Discuss the sales goals of the day, whether consignors will be attending the auction and offer some warm words of encouragement. This meeting only takes a few minutes but it builds a teamwork atmosphere, which is essential for the auctioneer to maintain control of the Scottsdale auction.

The auctioneer when booking the sale should make clear to the consignor all their expectations for the consignor's behavior during the auction. This includes setting realistic expectations of price, the seller retaining possession of items with strong sentimental attachment and informing the seller that it is improper to bid on their own merchandise. I also encourage consignors to have their representative attend the Scottsdale auction instead of coming themselves, which prevents the emotional distress of watching belongings being sold. But if your consignor attends the auction, make sure to greet the consignor and briefly review the rules of conduct for the Scottsdale auction.

When all of the three tasks are performed the auctioneer will remain in control of the auction. If one task is left out, it typically leads to loss of control. Remember when the auctioneer is in control of the auction, everyone wins; the bidding is more lively and both sellers and buyers walk away happy.

by: Deb Weidenhamer

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