How To Become An Auctioneer In Australia: A Complete Guide

Are you outgoing with good people skills and proficiency in dealing with valuable assets? If yes, a career as an auctioneer might be suitable for you.

Auctioneers are skilled professionals conducting sales at an auction to sell a product or a property to a person offering the highest price. They must obtain a legal license and abide by all laws and regulations.

In this blog, you will learn the auctioneer's duties, qualifications, courses, accreditation, skills, salary, and state license requirements to guide you in becoming an auctioneer in Australia.

1. Who Is An Auctioneer?

In an auction, people are interested in buying and selling goods assembled in one place. Those interested in the goods or products are called bidders. The price they offer to buy a product is the bid price.

In Australia, an auctioneer is a person who carries out an auction sale and sells the goods to the one with the highest bid. He conducts two types of auctions, an absolute auction and a reverse auction. An auctioneer calls out the bid amount that people offer and gets paid by way of a commission.

An auctioneer is the agent of the seller. He has to abide by the regulations of the Law of the Agency. In addition to selling vendor's items, an auctioneer also has the authority to sell his property to the general public.

2. What Are The Duties Of An Auctioneer?

The primary objective of an auctioneer in Australia is to obtain the highest bid price for an article/property using fair bidding competition among probable buyers.

To accomplish the objective, an auctioneer has to perform a wide range of tasks and duties:

• Evaluates the condition of the goods or property and list them for auction

• Arrange the goods or property for display before an auction

• Talk to sellers to arrive at the lowest price (reserve price) at which they are ready to sell it.

• Describe the terms and conditions of selling goods at an auction

• Highlight the key features of the article/property for sale. 

• Set an opening bid price and start the bid calling/auction chanting.

• Accepts bids from potential buyers and calls out bids price in a rhythmic and repeated fashion until the item gets sold to the highest bidder.

Apart from the above duties, an auctioneer also performs activities to publicise an item for sale at an auction. It includes making impressive product banners, catalogues, brochures, and other methods to ensure a quick sale of a property/item at the best price.

3. Key Skills To Become An Auctioneer In Australia

To successfully run an auction and receive the highest price for an item/property for sale, an auctioneer must exhibit skills and traits. So, before pursuing this career, you should know what skills you need to qualify for this job role.

• Good people skills to understand the mindset of a buyer, seller, and the entire crowd

• Strategic thinking abilities to understand the legalities involved in executing a sale of someone's valuable possession 

• Ability to stay composed and effectively negotiate to ensure a Win-Win situation for both parties.

• An extrovert, exuberant and confident personality who knows the art of injecting humour into the bid calling, 

• Strong and clear voice

• Forms sound decisions quickly

• Comfortable working with different people with distinct backgrounds and personalities.

• Effectively addresses a large chunk of people

• Good marketing and leadership skills

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills

• An entertainer mindset to keep probable buyers involved throughout bid calling

• Ability to read body language to foresee the buying interest of bidders in a property/product

• Considering the increasing population of migrants in Australia, an auctioneer who is bi-lingual gets an added advantage

4. What Qualifications Do I Need To Become An Auctioneer In Australia?

An auctioneer can sell various goods, products, articles, and assets like property at an auction. To conduct an auction for a property in Australia, an auctioneer must have a current Real Estate Agents Licence.

Read on to learn how to become a property auctioneer in different states of Australia:

In Queensland (QLD)

An auctioneer must get an Auctioneer's Licence to work as a registered auctioneer in this state. To get this license, an auctioneer has to conduct five auctions under the direction of an experienced auctioneer.

It takes around 35 days (from the license application date) for the Department of Justice / Magistrates Court to grant the license. After that, the local clerk of the court issues it to an auctioneer.

Any individual, corporation, or firm can apply for this license to deal in the following items: Land, Wool, Livestock, Motor vehicles and Second-hand items.

Queensland Auctioneer's Licence Program educates an auctioneer about all the activities involved in organising and running an auction. 

Here are a few course highlights:

• Voice modulation and regulation of bids during the auction

• Auction terms and conditions that need to be met in compliance with the requirements of Queensland Office Fair Trading 

• Manage the records linked to being an auctioneer

• Manage the trust account to protect the funds of the client

• Practical strategies to promote properties that listed for sale

On successful completion of the course, a candidate is awarded a Statement of Attainment for five units of competency from Certificate IV in Property Services (Real Estate)

For more details, contact the QLD Office of Fair Trading.

In Western Australia (WA)

To deal with a particular business class in a specific region in Western Australia, you can apply for a Restricted General Auctioneer's Licence in place of an Auctioneer's license.

To qualify for this license, a person must:

• Have three-character references

• Be 18 years and above

• Be legally fit and proper

Click here for information about auctioneer accreditation in Western Australia.

In New South Wales (NSW)

If you live in New South Wales and want to become an auctioneer, you must complete the Auctioneer Accreditation course.

This is a government-issued auctioneer course in NSW that describes the requirement for certification and registration to carry out an auction in the state. 

To qualify for this accredited auctioneer real estate course, you must:

• Have a Station Agent's Licence and Real Estate Agent's Licence 

• Complete a 'Statement of Attainment that shows that you have been earlier evaluated as competent by a qualified trainer who works with a registered training organisation

• Show competency in the training and qualification needed for auctioneer accreditation.

Auctioneers who wish to conduct an auction under the station and stock agent license class and real estate agent license class have to demonstrate that they have completed all desired competencies as per the Property and Stock Agents (Qualifications) Order 2019

The Auctioneer accreditation Course in NSW is for the licensed stock, station, and real estate agents who intend to obtain the necessary authorisation to conduct auctions.

This practical training-based auctioneer course provides opportunities to gain and practice new auctioneering skills. The course comprises practical application of auctioneering and knowledge per the Property and Stock Agents Act 2002.

After completing the auctioneer license in NSW, licensed students can apply to NSW Fair Trading for Real Estate or Stock and Station Auctioneer Accreditation. To work as a professional auctioneer in any real estate firm in NSW, an auctioneer should register with Fair Trading as an accredited auctioneer.

For more info about the course, click here.

In Victoria (VIC)

Do you want to know how to become an auctioneer in Victoria? Then you need to complete an Auction Accreditation course in Victoria.

A student who holds a Real Estate Licence or has completed fifteen units of Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice is eligible to take the accreditation course.

This auctioneer license in Victoria comprises three units of study. The course content encompasses the following areas:

• The pre-auction processes

• Performing the sale through an auction

• Executing the contract of sale

Completing a real estate auctioneer license in Victoria will add to your qualifications, skills, and reputation. It provides advanced knowledge of the auction procedure and gains proficiency in conducting professional auctions. 

The course conforms to the legal auction requirements for organising the auction to close the sale.

In Tasmania (TAS)

To work as a licensed auctioneer in Tasmania, you need to complete an auction accreditation course in Tasmania. The course will give you a license to work as a general auctioneer in the state.

The license applies to only those who wish to sell goods other than real estate assets, such as cars, art pieces, and other general goods).

To conduct an auction for real estate in Tasmania, you must have a real estate agent's license.

To take the license course, you should meet the following requirements:

• Have adequate knowledge and practical work experience in auctioneering business 

• Have the prescribed educational qualifications

• Have completed specific compulsory units as set by the Board

• Should be a fit and proper person both financially and generally

In South Australia (SA)

You need to get registered as a sales representative or land agent to work as an auctioneer in South Australia. It gives you the right to conduct auctions to sell a property in the state legally.

To get an auctioneer accreditation in SA, a student requires to complete the following units of competency:

• Perform an auction and complete the sale by auction

• Conduct auction 

• Prepare for an auction and complete the sale

• Execute the sale of property by auction

After completing the accredited auctioneer real estate course, auctioneers obtain a downloadable digital license card.

5. Steps To Become An Auctioneer In Australia

Now we have reached the heart of the article that most of you have been waiting for. 

It is necessary to adopt a step-wise approach, from getting skilled and qualified to apply for job posts to improving your social presence and increasing your chances of landing a job.

Here are the steps to start this career:

Step 1: Get Trained

Though you do not need formal qualifications to become an auctioneer, training in real estate can help you get an overview of this industry and supplement your CV.

Following are the two relevant courses you can undertake to get knowledge of working in residential and commercial property sectors, including station and stock transactions.

You learn about real estate practice, legal agencies, ethical standards, consumer preferences, and compliance requirements to perform a wide range of real estate functions.

Completing the below courses will give you a competitive edge over your competitors and increase your chances of securing an entry-level position in this field.

• Complete a course in Bachelor of Property Economics 

• Certificate IV in Property Services (Real Estate)

• Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice

Step 2: Work Under The Direction of A Senior Auctioneer

Along with getting certified, you can even start working under an experienced auctioneer to get much-needed practical exposure to this field.

For this, you need to identify the chief Auctioneer in your local area, participate in various auctions and learn the nitty-gritty of the real estate auction with a mentor. And lastly, there is no alternative to practice. Practice more and more till you succeed.

Step 3: Attend External Training Workshops and Seminars

An auctioneer requires to stay updated on the changes, developments, and innovations that take place from time to time in this field. Several states run auctioneer-specific training programs and workshops to help you keep progressing in auctioneering.

You can also become a member of the Society of Auctioneers and Appraisers to stay updated on the current and upcoming auctions all over Australia. You may also undergo regular training that they organise to help you enhance your professional standards in auctioneering.

Step 4: Start Applying For Auctioneering Jobs

Craft an impressive resume highlighting your strengths, and job-relevant skills, certifications, and training that shows you the most suitable candidate for the job.

Post your resume on job sites such as Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn, and Migration Expert to quickly improve your chances of landing your first auctioneer job.

6. What Is The Relevant Training For An Auctioneer In Australia?

If you want to become an auctioneer in Australia, try getting formal training and work experience in the real estate sector. It will increase your chances of employment.

Real estate institutes in different Australian states and territories offer short-term courses for real estate practitioners who want to obtain specialisation in auctioneering.

The Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia is the peak national body of Auctioneers and Valuers of antiques, collectables, fine art, chattels, plant, goods, and equipment.

The institute conducts the following training courses in auctioneering and valuation practice to gain expertise in dealing with diverse clients.

• Fundamentals of Auctions and Auctioneering (online)

• Fundamentals of Valuing Fine & Decorative Arts and Antiques (online)

• Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice

• International Valuation Standards Harmonisation (online)

• Fundamentals of Valuing Goods, Chattels, Plant & Equipment (online)

7. How Much Does An Auctioneer Earn In Australia?

An auctioneer earns for initiating bids, continued chanting and promoting the auctions via advertising and PR, and evaluating the items on an auction for sale. For all these services, an average annual auctioneer salary in Australia comes out to be approx. $60,000.

A typical auctioneer makes between $400 to $1,000 for every auction. However, the auctioneer charges depend on the area and promotion type.

Around 75% of auctioneers who work in Australia are independent contractors. They earn a salary conducting the auction and a commission from the items sold. The state where the Auctioneer works and his experience determine the exact Auctioneer's salary.

Experienced auctioneers work at higher-end auctions that involve expensive items such as jewellery, artefacts, and antique objects. Selling such costly items earn them a commission from the sale.

Those with experience and expertise in marketing, using digital signage, real estate websites, flyers, newspaper advertising, social media, and personal invites to widen their reach and attract more participants are renumerated comparatively higher than the rest.

8. What Are The Working Conditions For An Auctioneer In Australia?

In most cases, an auctioneer has to sell a specific range of goods such as produce, property, vehicles, livestock, antiques, plant machinery, and household items.

An auction is conducted in large convention centres, yards, parking lots, and barns. An auctioneer's job might require visiting prospective clients to evaluate the goods/ property/ merchandise he wants to sell.

During an auction, he has to stand on a platform so that people present can see and hear them. An auctioneer has to be thorough with the goods or property they offer for sale to help them arrive at a realistic reserve price.

When involved in a real estate or livestock auction, an auctioneer may need to work overtime at outdoor locations.

9. What Are The Employment Opportunities For An Auctioneer In Australia?

When qualified as a licensed auctioneer, you can get hired by auctioneering agencies, valuers, stock agents, real estate agents, and event production firms.

Whether one wants to sell his house or a company that wishes to put its assets on sale to recover its debts, an auctioneer gets a steady flow of work at all times. Not every Auctioneer wants to work for a company. Some like to work independently or with other auctioneers.

Technology advancement has led to auction changes. Nowadays, more and more people are opting for online auctions. Looking at this trend, auctioneers specialising in online auctions can expect better job prospects than their peers.

10. FAQ's On Becoming An Auctioneer In Australia

Is Auctioneering A Good Career?

Auctioneering is an unpredictable and quick-paced career that can get financial rewards to those who demonstrate their capabilities in this field. The demand for auctioneers who are into selling collectables, immovable property, and art pieces will continue to grow at a steady pace.

Though an auctioneer's job involves flexible work hours, sometimes it becomes stressful when he needs to drive to distant client locations to conduct an auction.

What Makes A Good Auctioneer?

A good auctioneer can create a dynamic atmosphere and a sense of urgency that propels buyers to bid above the specified reserve price.

• He knows how to build trust and rapport with the owner.

• He is adaptable when dealing with varying environments. It is an important skill required to command the space over any distractions.

• He is clear, transparent, and concise with the crowd. 

• He makes people feel at ease around him.

• He can create an instant connection with buyers and read their minds.

What Does It Mean To Be A Restricted Auctioneer?

An auctioneer with a restricted license can conduct the auction only for a few goods mentioned in the license.

Do I Need A License To Be an Auctioneer?

Yes. An auctioneer has to be a licensed real estate agent. Auctioneers who deal with sensitive goods, which include firearms and live animals, require additional licenses.

Is Certification Necessary To Become an Auctioneer?

An Auctioneer can work without pursuing formal qualifications. However, a certificate III or certificate IV in real estate practice will make you knowledgeable, skilled, and confident in executing an auction.

11. Conclusion

Auctioneering proves to be a rewarding career that is full of challenges.

However, proper training, a learner attitude, and plenty of practice are the ingredients for a successful career.

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