I want to share this while it is still fresh in my mind. I have been in business for many many years, but just recently made the move to become an Auctioneer, currently licensed as an Apprentice Auctioneer under the sponsorship of long time friend and now mentor, James F. Nelson (Jim). I am the type of person that doesn't hesitate to jump in and do things. I learned tons form this sale and have a lot to learn as I progress.
I need to take this moment to thank all the wonderful people who came to this "inaugural" event! It looks like everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. I hope to serve you, both buyers and sellers for many more years to come!
When all this began, I paid little attention to expenses... I have that tendency, and learned from it. There are many jobs at an auction, and we made this one a family affair as well. Carla Stocker was our registration person and cashier, as well as kitchen help and babysitter. Amy Brodt Shaw was the kitchen. Tim and Jody Greer were life savers, helping with both security and registration because Carla spread herself too thin.... Jadair Stocker, Josh King, and Joe Guilliams supplied the heavy labor. Jim Nelson Jr. set up the sale and without him, it would have been a lot less successful. Melanie Grier was the clerk, with Marie Jones Roberts helping out, as well as Carla. Cory Krasky and Judah Nelson also ran and helped with tear down. All of your help was greatly appreciated. As you can tell, the labor is fairly intensive and consignors as a general rule don't realize that. I suppose that is why consignors consider a 40% consignment rate high. That rate is not set in stone, but for an auctioneer to make it worth his while to organize an auction, this is the truth. Box lots that go for $1 should be more, good quality merchandise can be much lower, or a consignor can supply the labor and bring their goods to the auctioneer. I would also say that if a consignor has enough property to host a sale, and it only needs to be set up and not moved, labor would be much less intensive.
As the day of the sale dawned, I was very nervous! I had received a call that said it was possible nobody would show up and I would end up giving stuff away. This is always an inherent risk as it takes at least two interested parties in each item to make an auction even possible! Imagine my pleasant surprise as the only complaint given was not enough seating! Thank you once again for making that first one a success! We had almost 100 registered bidders!