By RACHEL SHALLENBERG
Auction Exchange Editor DORR, Mich. — For those who did not grow up around the auction industry, auctions can sometimes be overwhelming. Whether you’re a first time buyer or seller, there are bound to be questions. Likewise, current auctioneers need to stay abreast of changing technology and trends.
Three auctioneers from Michigan recognized this need and decided to do something about it. Scott Vander Kolk, David Helmer and Peter Gehres, all members of the National Auctioneer Assoc., decided to create TheAuctioneer Channel.com and capture the culture of the auction industry.
“I often meet people who have things to sell and they don’t really know what an auction is,” said Helmer.
This multi-faceted website will help answer any questions the novice auction-goer (or seller) might have through videos, blogs, articles, upcoming auction promotions and various other documentaries and commercials.
Gehres explained that the overall objective of The Auctioneer Channel is to advance the understanding of auctioneering among the public, as well as, be a resource to and a network for auctioneers across the country and around the world.
“The Auctioneer Channel looks to capture the essence of the live auction and the auctioneer and share that within the profession and the entire community of buyers, sellers and those that love the excitement and passion of the live auction,” Gehres said.
“No other website is as focused on real auctioneers and conducting real auctions as The Auctioneer Channel.”
In addition to videos, there are even regular segments on the site. One featured segment is “Machinery Pete,” with Greg Peterson.
Peterson has been tracking farm machinery auction sale prices since 1989 and he features auction prices on more than 70 categories of farm & construction equipment.
Machinery Pete covers the U.S. and Canada through a network of more than 700 auctioneers.
Peterson writes “Machinery Pete” column for Successful Farming magazine and appears on the “Machinery Show” on RFD-TV.
Another segment is Life Behind the Mic, with Justin Ochs.
Ochs is known for his work with Barrett-Jackson.
His segment takes a look at life as an auctioneer, as he interviews those in the business.
That’s not to say this website is only for the laymen in the auction industry. It serves as a friend to all auctioneers, regardless of their station or specialty. It is a wealth of information.
“Right now, we are the central location for all things auction video related; straight auction videos, company promotion, commercials, auction preview videos, prices realized, etc.,” said Vander Kolk.
Auctioneers are encouraged to upload their videos for free to the website, promoting themselves and their industry to a worldwide audience.
Currently, there are past presidents of the association, along with past and present bid calling champions featured, even an international bid calling champion is interviewed on the site. Some videos have achieved more than 1,000 views already.
“We really wanted to put the talent of our profession on display,” Helmer said.
Some might reference TheAuctioneer Channel.com as a “You Tube,” of auctions. But it is so much more. Other than videos, it has blogs, articles, an auction resource center and other valuable tips. The public is invited to watch videos, comment and share in the auction experience.
“We want videos, it’s free to use and we want your stuff. The best way to capture the American auction industry is through video. TheAuctioneerChannel. com is the best source for auction videos,” Gehres said.
Everyone is encouraged to visit the site and browse around, also become a fan of The Auctioneer Channel on Facebook.
For additional information, go online to www.TheAuctioneerChannel.com |
