Frequently Asked Questions

The Missouri Auction School
Founded in 1905

The #1 Auction Training Program in America

How much does school cost?

Click the name of your state of residence for class tuition for your state..
To see the class schedule, hover over 'Classes' at the top of the web page. A drop-down list will appear and then click on 'Frequently Asked Questions'.

What will I receive when I enroll in the Missouri Auction School?

When you enroll into the program and have paid your tuition, you will receive immediate access for our online Quick Start™ pre-course online auction number practice drills.

The majority of students do not have an auctioneer’s chant when they start auction school classes. It is recommended that you do not attempt to teach yourself to chant. We will teach you the chant. YouTube videos can often confuse a new auctioneer. We will be developing good auction chant habits. It is easier to create good habits than it is to break bad habits. Remember, don’t try to imitate the auctioneer's chant, let us help you develop a good chant.

Do I need to have an auction chant before I attend class?

Will I be graded on my auction chant (how my auction chant sounds)?

Students will learn the basics of a good chant during the live small group telephone conference call auction chant classes. Proficiency with your chant will come with practice. All auctioneers practice chanting every day. This increases the speed and clarity of their chant.

You will have the basics of a good chant when you complete our chant classes.

The student will not be graded on the proficiency of their chant during the chant classes. However, the student must participate in the chant classes to receive a diploma.

Do not try to develop your chant on your own without instruction. In the live small group chant classes, we will be developing good auction habits. It is easier to create good habits than it is to break bad habits. YouTube videos can often confuse a new auctioneer.

There is nothing required to prepare for auction school. Just come to the lessons ready to learn the chant and the auction business.

If you have some time, you may want to attend auctions and observe how the auction company organizes the auction.

a. Notice where the auctioneer is located in relation to the crowd.

b. Is there a second or third auctioneer?

c. Do they have one or more bid spotters or ring persons?

d. Where does the clerk sit?

e. How are they checking in the bidders and distributing the bid cards?

f. How are the auction items displayed?

g. Do they have food available?

h. Are there public restrooms?

i. How does the auction company handle parking?

In the online auction school class we discuss the various ways that auction companies organize their auctions. There is not only one correct way to set up an auction. We will present different philosophies about running an auction business.

What should I do to prepare to attend the Missouri Auction School?

Can I go into the auction business part-time?

The auction business is perfect for part time employment. Many auctions are held at times when individuals with full time employment are available. Much of the work is in the evenings and weekends.

We always have some students who are planning on setting up a part time auction business that they will later transition into full work as the business grows.

There are also some students who are planning to transition into full time or part time work when they retire.

Yes. You will learn the auctioneer’s chant. We will have a lecture on conducting charity auctions. The lecture will include lots of ideas for auction items, as well as how to set up the charity auction.

What if I am only interested in being an auctioneer for charity fundraiser auctions? Is this class right for me?

What is needed to go into the auction business?

Of course, you will need to take the auction school course to learn the auction business and learn to chant.

Most auctioneers have a PA system. Beyond that, you likely already have what’s needed. You will need a computer, a phone, and a vehicle. Many auction companies are run out of the auctioneer’s home, so you do not need an office location.

You do not need to have an auction business or an auction center set up before taking the online auction school course.

If you already own a building that you anticipate may be your auction center, we suggest you wait until after you graduate from auction school to complete setting up the auction facility.

You will learn about various ways other auction companies have set up their centers.

Remember, many auction companies do not have an auction facility. They conduct on-site auctions. For example, estate auctions, farm auctions, real estate auctions and business liquidation auctions are usually held on-site at the farm, estate or liquidating business and do not require you to have your own building.

If you only occasionally need a building for an auction you can rent a building for the auction. You do not need to buy a building.

Should I set up an auction center before attending the Missouri Auction School?

The #1 Auction Training Program in America