Estate

A Guide to Estate Auctions for Aspiring Auctioneers

As part of both our 85-Hour Pre-Licensing Course and the Auction Fundamental Course, students at Western College of Auctioneering will find a number of courses specific to estate auctions. The estate auctioneer training offered by WCA is designed to give you a full understanding of what it takes to be successful with estate auctions, whether you choose to conduct those in-person or online. These courses cover everything from fundamental auction theories to the practical techniques and business.

Course Takeaways for Estate Auctions

• Understand the Fundamentals of Estate Auctions: Delve into the intricate workings of estate auctions, including their history, key terminologies, and the auctioneer’s pivotal role. Learn to navigate the legal landscape with integrity and professionalism.
• Develop Estate Auctioneering Skills: Hone your communication and bid calling to effectively engage with bidders, create a lively auction atmosphere, and maximize the value of estate items.
• Comprehensive Auction Planning and Execution: Master the art of auction planning, from item cataloging to strategic marketing and advertising. Understand how to execute both live and online estate auctions seamlessly.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Gain comprehensive knowledge of the regulations governing estate auctions, ensuring every sale complies with the latest laws and ethical standards.
• Business Management and Marketing: Learn the essentials of running an auction business, from marketing to financial management.
• Auction Technology and Online Platforms: Embrace the digital transformation of estate auctions by learning to use online platforms and technology to streamline the auction process and expand your reach.

The Estate Auction Process

An estate auction is much like any other auction, yet it possesses its own unique charm and challenges. It begins with publicizing the auction event and providing a preview of the items, either through an online catalog or a physical showcase. This preview phase is crucial as it whets the appetites of potential bidders and helps them plan their bidding strategies.

During the auction, as a professional auctioneer, you will lead the proceedings, ensuring each item from the estate finds its way to the highest bidder, thereby determining its fair market value. The excitement of competitive bidding can drive up prices, while items with less demand may generate lower prices and allow buyers to walk away feeling like they received a great deal.

Breaking Into the Estate Auction Industry

Embarking on a career in estate auctions is both exciting and demanding. Your success hinges on more than just industry knowledge; it requires strategic understanding of market demand. To break into this sector, it’s imperative to absorb as much experience as possible in various roles, whether clerical, operational, or administrative.

Networking, as with any segment of the auction industry, is vital—building relationships on non-auction days when there’s more opportunity for in-depth conversations is key. Engage actively with industry associations, attend competitions, and seek mentorship to deepen your understanding and establish your presence in the estate auction community.

Why Choose Western College of Auctioneering?

If you’re ready to steer your career toward the dynamic field of estate auctions, Western College of Auctioneering is your starting point. With our comprehensive training, you’ll not only learn the ropes of estate auctioneering but join a network of professionals who are at the forefront of the industry.

So, are you ready to start your estate auction career?

Start Your Application

Western College of Auctioneering offers a number of courses that provide a better understanding of estate auctions. If you are interested in learning the live bid call or intend to get an auctioneer license, our 85-Hour Pre-Licensing course is for you! Our Auction Industry Fundamentals course, a fully online offering, also provides sessions on estate auctions.