QUESTION:
Are traditional auctioneers being pushed out of the market with the influx and success of online real estate auction Web sites?

ANSWER:
The truth is quite the contrary. Traditional auctioneers are having rising sells. The unique services offered by traditional auctioneers ensure their survival in a changing world. Established auction companies have a solid network that supplies a steady pipeline of property to be sold. This network has been assembled over many years and thrives because of personal service, honesty, personal trust and proven marketing strategies.

The traditional auctioneer is not going to go the way of the dinosaur. And there are some very important reasons why not. Consider some of these unique characteristics of traditional auctioneers and these unique aspects of traditional auctions, aspects that will never be replaced by a keyboard, mouse and computer screen:

Speed - Traditional auctioneers are well equipped to deal with sellers who need entire collections or numerous possessions out of a house on short notice due to a looming real estate closing, for example.

Timely sales - Traditional auctioneers are well equipped to deal with sellers who need to auction their personal property in a timely manner. Many auctioneers have built "full service" businesses - where clients are offered appraising, inventory, packing, moving, marketing, selling and settling. Online auctions only fill one or two facets of the process.

Preview - The chance for bidders to fully inspect each lot of interest. Real estate often needs to be inspected before bidding can begin, and there are many things that need to be relayed to the bidder before the successful auction can occur.

Salesmanship - Professional auctioneers are communicators. They are reading body language, utilizing their skills to provide the "white heat" of selling for each item on the auction block.

Social events - Live public auctions give the chance for the people who most want a piece of property the chance to bid against one another in a unique setting, complete with the auctioneer's chant. Yes, some people might prefer to sit home and bid on a computer for certain types of assets, but a well-planned auction brings together the buying community. It's people meeting people. Eating, talking, learning, buying and selling.

BLENDING TECHNOLOGY WITH TRADITIONAL SERVICES

Auctioneers are not turning a blind eye to the opportunities of online auctions or to other opportunities of technology. Rather than being eradicated by technology, auctioneers are embracing it - taking the best of what modern technology has to offer and passing the benefits on to their clients. Professional auctioneers, who are in essence professional marketers, can truly offer all encompassing services to their clients by combining online opportunities with traditional services.

Auctioneers are using technology in a myriad of way. As professional marketers, auctioneers are using technological tools at their disposal to do the best job possible for their clients. Many auctioneers have developed Web pages on which are listed upcoming auctions. In addition, Web pages are a place for to learn more about the complete listing of items in upcoming auctions, and many times, photographs are provided.

Auctioneers are developing e-mail lists and mailing lists off of Web pages, so potential bidders can receive upcoming auction information. Some auctioneers accept absentee bids via e-mail. Digital photographs can be provided to potential bidders. Some auctioneers are conducting live auctions broadcast on the Internet. Rather than turn completely to the Internet to sell, traditional auctioneers can use it to gather information, contact potential bidders and offer the best services to clients.

So, as the technology continues to change, traditional auctioneers and the auction industry will continue to adapt and change, but ultimately survive and prosper.