Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the dates for school?
Because
licensing requirements vary from state to state, your exact class
schedule depends on the states where you will conduct auctions. Please
click the link below in blue 'class schedule'. Then click on the states
where you would like to conduct auctions.
class schedule now available.
(click on 'class schedule' above for class dates)
2. How much does school cost?
Early bird discount cost is only $995.
Auction School Classic™ is the traditional auction school with all training done in the classroom on location in suburban St. Louis, Missouri. Auction School Classic™ cost is only $1,095. You can save $100 by pre-paying 16 days in advance of the class start date for a total of only $995.
3. Is the class 'in residence' or am I required to complete a home study portion?
This class is completed in residence. There is no home study portion required.
4. How long do I attend?
The length of time you attend is determined by the state’s auction license requirements.
5. What will I receive when I enroll?
When
we receive your tuition payment, each student will receive a Quick
Start™ Kit including a pre-school practice CD and the booklet entitled
‘The Auction Chant’.
6. How should I dress for school?
Dress
is casual and comfortable. You will be sitting listening to lectures,
up learning to chant or selling at a local auction. You do not need to
dress up for the student auction. One day we will take a group photo.
Some students dress up (suit coats or dress clothes), but you are free
to dress however you would like for the photo.
7. Will I receive a textbook?
Yes,
you will receive your textbook on the first day of class. There is no
charge for the textbook. This book is a reference book to take home for
later. You are not required to read the text during your stay in St.
Louis. Many students write their class notes in their textbook. You
may also bring a notebook to take class notes if you prefer.
8. Do I need to bring a laptop computer?
There is no need to bring a laptop computer to class.
9. Where will I eat during school?
There
is a restaurant at the hotel. There are additional restaurants,
including fast food restaurants, down the street. Meals are not provided
by the school.
10. Do I need to have an auction chant before I attend class?
The
majority of students do not have an auctioneer’s chant when they start
auction school classes. It is recommended that you do not attempt to
teach yourself to chant. We will teach you the chant. Just practice
along with the CD before you come to school.
11. Where should I stay during the class?
If
you are planning on staying at the hotel where we will be having class,
it is highly recommended that you make your hotel reservation
immediately. This will assure that you have a hotel room. The room rate
is $55 + tax per night for our students.
This
rate is per room, not per student. So if two students share a room,
they share the $55 + tax room rate. Students are not required to stay
at the hotel.
The hotel where we will be having class is:
Holiday Inn St. Louis South (I-55)
4234 Butler Hill Road
Mehlville, MO 63129
Mehlville is a St. Louis suburb.
Hotel phone: 314-894-0700
Room rate is $55 + tax per night.
You should mention Missouri Auction School for this rate.
12. What should I do to prepare to attend the Missouri Auction School?
There is nothing required to prepare to go to auction school. Just come to school ready to learn the chant and the auction business.
If you have some time, you may want to attend auctions and observe how the auction company organizes the auction.
a. Notice where the auctioneer is located in relation to the crowd.
b. Is there a second or third auctioneer?
c. Do they have one or more bid spotters or ring persons?
d. Where does the clerk sit?
e. How are they checking in the bidders and distributing the bid cards?
f. How are the auction items displayed?
g. Do they have food available?
h. Are there public restrooms?
i. How does the auction company handle parking?
At auction school we discuss the various ways that auction companies organize their auctions. There is not only one correct way to set up an auction. We will present different philosophies about running an auction business.
Remember, don’t try to imitate the auctioneer's chant, let us help you develop a good chant.
13. Can I go into the auction business part-time?
The auction business is perfect for part time employment. Many auctions are held at times when individuals with full time employment are available. Much of the work is in the evenings and weekends.
We always have some students who are planning on setting up a part time auction business that they will later transition into full work as the business grows.
There are also some students who are planning to transition into full time or part time work when they retire.
14. What is needed to go into the auction business?
Of course you will need to go to auction school to learn the auction business and learn to chant. Most auctioneers have a PA system.
Beyond that, you likely already have what’s needed. You will need a computer, a phone, and a vehicle. Many auction companies are run out of the auctioneer’s home, so you do
not need an office location.
15. What if I am only interested in being an auctioneer for charity fundraiser auctions? I s this class right for me?
Yes. You will learn the auctioneer’s chant. We will have a lecture on conducting charity auctions. The lecture will include lots of ideas for auction items, as well as how to set up the charity auction.
16. Should I set up an auction center before attending the Missouri Auction School?
You do not need to have an auction business or an auction center set up before attending auction school.
If you already own a building that you anticipate may be your auction center, we suggest you wait until after you graduate from auction school to complete setting up the auction facility.
You will learn about various ways other auction companies have set up their centers.
Remember, many auction companies do not have an auction facility. They conduct on-site auctions. For example, estate auctions, farm auctions, and business liquidation auctions are usually held on-site at the farm, estate or liquidating business and do not require you to have your own building.
If you only occasionally need a building for an auction you can rent a building for the auction. You do not need to buy a building.
