A new series of practical consumer guides will help Australians make more informed decisions when engaging an auctioneer or valuer. Produced by the Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia (AVAA), the guides aim to support better outcomes for consumers and businesses, while also reinforcing the professionalism, safeguards and trusted standards that reputable auctioneers and valuers deliver every day.
Auctions and valuations are often undertaken during significant life and business moments such as managing a deceased estate, settling an insurance claim, selling assets, or making an important commercial decision. In these situations, clients rely heavily on the expertise and integrity of the professionals they engage. However, many consumers are not familiar with industry terminology, professional obligations, or the differences between service providers. The AVAA Consumer Guides address this gap by explaining what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to recognise professional and accountable service.
For consumers and businesses, the guides provide clarity and confidence by outlining the key indicators of quality practice when engaging an AVAA Certified Auctioneer or an AVAA Certified Valuer. This includes relevant experience across asset categories, sound methodology, transparent fees and processes, and clear communication. The guides also highlight important protections such as professional indemnity insurance and trust accounts (where applicable), which can play a critical role in reducing risk and safeguarding client funds.
For auctioneers and valuers, the guides support the reputation of the profession by promoting stronger public understanding of professional standards and expectations. They help differentiate credible professional auctioneers and valuers from informal or unqualified operators, while reinforcing the value of operating with appropriate systems, documentation and client protections in place. This strengthens confidence in the sector and supports higher-quality engagement outcomes.
The newly released AVAA Consumer Guide series includes What is a Certified Auctioneer and What is a Certified Valuer, which explain what certification means in practice and why it matters when selecting a professional. These guides help consumers and businesses understand the experience, expertise and standards they should expect when engaging an auctioneer or valuer.
The series also includes The importance of Trust Accounts and The importance of Professional Indemnity Insurance, which highlight two key safeguards that support client protection and professional accountability. Together, these guides provide practical information to help clients ask the right questions, reduce avoidable risk, and proceed with greater confidence.
As the national peak body representing auctioneers and valuers, AVAA plays a leadership role in advancing the standing of the profession and strengthening public trust in the services it provides. Through clear membership standards, practical guidance, education pathways, and engagement with regulators and government, AVAA works to ensure the sector is recognised for its expertise, accountability and value to the Australian community.
By releasing these AVAA Consumer Guides, the Association is helping to lift expectations across the market and highlight the critical role auctioneers and valuers play in commercial decision-making, asset markets and consumer protection. This commitment to transparency and professionalism supports a stronger reputation for the sector, improves confidence for clients, and ensures quality practitioners are better recognised for the standards they uphold.
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