Did you know that auctioneers find work and valuable careers in a multitude of industries? While most auctioneers either work as contract auctioneers for larger companies or for their own auction houses, the number of industries that utilize the auction method is mind-blowing. Even when you take large scale economic endeavors such as the stock market or telecommunications markets, the number of industries available to licensed auctioneers is limitless.
Let's take a look at the top ten industries for licensed auctioneers today.
- Fine art and antiquities: Even people not familiar with auction lingo recognize the name of "Christie's" and "Sotheby's". Auctions are virtually synonymous with expensive painting and high end furnishings. If you are looking to make yourself more marketable in the fine art and antiquities field, becoming a licensed auctioneer is the way to go.
- Collectibles and memorabilia: Million dollar artwork may not be your cup of tea, but there is an entire world of collectibles and memorabilia that covers anything and everything someone might collect. From movie props to baseball cards, people love to collect things that speak to them. And they like to trade them! Specializing as an auctioneer in collectibles and memorabilia can be a very lucrative career.
- Livestock: One of the oldest auction-related industries in the US, livestock is very much alive and strong. US beef and pork is sold via the auction method to packing houses and even small town butchers. And it takes a lot of auctioneers to keep livestock moving from farm to table! A great example (and historic treasure!) is the Fort Worth Stockyard in Texas.
- Estate planning: At first glance, one might think of attorneys and funeral homes when one thinks about estate planning, maybe even a financial advisor. Did you know that auctioneers are often brought in to liquidate an estates assets to satisfy liens or even settle disputes between heirs? It can also be as simple as helping a grieving family sort through and downsize a loved one's estate.
- Fundraising and philanthropy: Have a knack for raising money for charities and causes? Fundraising and benefits are a growing industry that uses auctioneers to create fun events and raise record amounts of funds. Hospitals, alumnae groups, animal rights, the NRA, even political campaigns can utilize licensed auctioneers to raise money.
- Firearms: Although an FFL is required in most instances, the firearms industry is a great avenue for auctioneers. Whether selling wholesale or helping your local sheriff's department move confiscated weapons, the firearms industry needs more licensed auctioneers to help make sure that weapons are sold legally.
- Banking and Finance: Banks loan money to buy stuff. What happens when those buyers can't pay the bank? The banks end up with stuff. They aren't in the business of "stuff." That's where a licensed auctioneer comes in. Auctioneers can help banks sell foreclosed properties--real and personal at a premium. What about a local business having to shut its doors? Liquidating assets is a great way to prevent bankruptcy and pay off debts. Also, big items are bought and sold at auction every day. It's important for banks and finance companies to have a finger on the pulse of auctions. What better way than to have a licensed auctioneer on staff?!
- Automobiles: Ever wonder how used vehicles end up on a car lot? Or how a car lot swaps out used vehicles? You guessed it--auto auctions. The automobile industry utilizes auto auctioneers to move millions of vehicles across the United States every day.
- Large equipment: From the local equipment yard to companies like Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, licensed auctioneers can find plenty of work in large equipment. Large equipment is expensive, and used large equipment is being traded in unprecedented amounts. This field is wide open and growing year after year. (Fun fact: Did you know that Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers is breaking sales records all over the US? Click here for more info about a $213 MILLION auction this year!
- Information technology: With the huge growth of internet bidding, simulcast auctions, and online platforms, information technology needs more licensed auctioneers who understand how auctions work and what auctioneers and bidders need to help create better online platforms.
*Image from https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-wooden-tube-on-white-printer-paper-11505601/
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