Choosing an the right auctioneer is important as you’re entrusting them to generate the best price by running a sale on your behalf. A certified auctioneer helps protect your interests through experience, clear processes and professional safeguards, reducing the risk of disputes, delays, or poor outcomes.

The Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia (AVAA) recognises the importance of your decision when looking for an auctioneer of art, collectables, furniture and household items, vehicles, plant ant machinery. That’s why we certify auctioneers that we’re confident have the demonstrated competence, experience and integrity in conducting auctions.  These auctioneers are credentialled as AVAA Certified Auctioneers and can often be distinguished by the letters after their name, for example Jane Smith CAAu.

While auctions may look simple on the surface, a well-run auction requires disciplined preparation, clear communication and a structured process that protects both vendors and buyers. A capable auctioneer is not just there to call bids, they are responsible for guiding a public transaction where mistakes can lead to disputes, delays or financial loss.

For clients, one of the strongest ways to identify professionalism is to choose an auctioneer who meets recognised membership criteria set by a AVAA, the sector’s national professional body.  The criteria to become an AVAA Certified Auctioneer is designed to confirm that an auctioneer is active in the profession, appropriately experienced, properly insured and financially accountable where money is received on behalf of others.

All AVAA Certified Auctioneers must demonstrate they are current and active in the sector, rather than just doing it for a hobby or side gig. This includes regularly conducting auctions and working as an auctioneer at the time they apply (rather than looking to become an auctioneer. This matters because auction practice evolves: online bidding platforms change, consumer expectations shift and compliance requirements grow.

The work of an auctioneer is complex and has evolved with many consumers now preferring to buy via online auctions, although face-to-face auctions are still commonplace.  The role of an auctioneer typically includes:

• Explaining the sale process clearly, including terms and conditions, bidder registration requirements and when the auction is unconditional.
• Conducting fair and transparent bidding, keeping the process orderly, impartial and easy for all bidders to follow.
• Managing auction-day decision making, including changes to conditions, reserve considerations and disputes, calmly and professionally.
• Confirming and recording the sale outcome, including the final bid, successful purchaser, deposits and the next contractual steps.
• Supporting secure payment handling, including correct receipting and clear processes for holding and disbursing client funds.

AVAA also requires meaningful experience. Applicants to become an AVAA Certified Auctioneers must have worked as an auctioneer for at least two years prior to applying, or otherwise satisfy the AVAA Board as to competence, experience and suitability. Experience reduces the likelihood of preventable issues that upset clients, such as unclear terms, poor bidder control or rushed decision making when pressure is high.

Where an auctioneer (or their business) receives money on behalf of others, AVAA requires that they use a trust account to hold the funds.  This also includes independent auditor certification to confirm appropriate handling of client funds. For clients, the requirement to use a trust account supports transparency, clearer audit trails and stronger protection around deposits and proceeds.

Importantly, professional indemnity insurance is also required to become a AVAA Certified Auctioneers. AVAA members must not act as an auctioneer until evidence of professional indemnity insurance has been provided and approved. This provides an important safety net if a professional error causes loss.

Finally, applicants must satisfy the AVAA Board as to competence and good character. This reinforces that professionalism is not just technical ability, it is reliability, honesty and respect for clients.

So, looking to engage an auctioneer?

It’s best to protect yourself by using an AVAA Certified Auctioneer.  Our members will be able to provide you with written terms of engagement, a clear explanation of deposit handling, professional indemnity insurance coverage and trust account operation. In a polite but practical sense, choosing an auctioneer who cannot demonstrate these safeguards may increase risk.