What do you learn at auction school besides the auction chant?

The bid call gets the most attention, but good auction schools cover much more. Courses typically include auction law and contracts, ethics, how to take consignments, marketing and advertising, clerking and cashiering, setting up a sale, and working with different types of auctions such as estates, real estate, benefits, equipment and online sales.

Many programs also include public speaking, voice care, how to read a crowd, and the basics of running a small business. Some schools bring in experienced auctioneers to share practical lessons from their careers.

One of the biggest benefits is the network you build. Classmates and instructors often become lifelong contacts who share advice, refer business and help each other at sales. Ask any school you are considering about the topics covered, the instructors' experience, and whether the course meets your state's licensing requirements if your state has them.