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Convention
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Wisconsin Auctioneers Association holds the continuous education (CE) and returns 100% of your fees to market the auction profession. The courses will be conducted by professionals in their field. We pledge to implement and conduct new courses, as well as the many other standard courses with updated materials usable by today’s generation, with the knowledge provided by seasoned auctioneers and professionals. Our goal is to offer the best continuous education courses in the state. Conference attendees can sign up for CE courses held during the conference at no additional charge.
We build trust through transparency.
The Wisconsin Auctioneers Association is a non-profit trade association that exists for the purpose of promoting the growth and professionalism of the auction method of marketing and Auctioneering in the State of Wisconsin.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to educate, promote and protect the auction industry of Wisconsin:
to encourage Auctioneers; to enhance skills, knowledge and professionalism;
to promote the auction method of marketing for sale of real and personal properties.
How We Can Help You
By scheduling meetings with informational programs and opportunities for fellowship among members; providing communication to members; sponsoring activities to increase members’ knowledge and skill; maintaining watch over governmental activities, rules and statutes that may affect the auctioneering profession.
Code of Ethics
Preamble
Whereas, it is necessary, in order to fit ourselves for the responsibility of auctioneers, to cultivate the spirit of cooperation, improve our profession and protect the interest of the auctioneer, to protect the public against unscrupulous practices;
Therefore, we do constitute ourselves the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association, Inc.
The auction business is said to be the medium through which the lifeblood of the nation attains greater momentum and brings to the nation greater balance, prosperity and stability. The auctioneer should ever hold aloft the dignity and importance to the state and nation of the profession; should never lose sight of personal and professional integrity; the great responsibility; and the sense of patriotism
The auctioneer realizes that the profession is both competitive and cooperative and that sharing with others is a common responsibility for its honor; and being true to oneself is being true to all mankind.
With these principles ever before the auctioneer, the auctioneer pledges to observe and conduct business in conformity to the following Code of Ethics adopted by the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association, Inc., hereinafter called the Corporation.
PART I–Professional Relations
Article 1. In the best interest of the public, of fellow auctioneers and the auctioneer’s own business, the auctioneer shall be loyal to the Corporation.
Article 2. The auctioneer shall conduct business so as to avoid disputes with fellow auctioneers, but in the event of a controversy between two member auctioneers, they should not resort to law suit but submit the difference to arbitration of the Corporation’s Board of Directors, hereinafter called the Board; and the decision of such arbitration shall be accepted as final and binding. If the dispute should be with a nonmember, the auctioneer shall offer the services of the Board to arbitrate.
Article 3. If a member is charged with unethical practice, such member shall promptly and voluntarily place all the pertinent facts before the Board, or a committee so designated, for investigation and report.
Article 4. A member shall never publicly criticize a competitor, and when an opinion is specifically requested, it shall be rendered in conformity with strict professional courtesy and dignity.
Article 5. A member shall not solicit the services of an employee of a fellow auctioneer without prior knowledge and consent of the fellow Auctioneer.
Article 6. In the best interest of society, of the Auctioneer’s associates and business, the auctioneer shall at all times be loyal to the Corporation and active in its work; and should willingly share with fellow members the lessons of experience.
PART II–Relationship to Clients
Article 7. In justice to those who place their interests in the auctioneer’s hands, the auctioneer should endeavor to keep abreast of business conditions, to keep informed in matters of law and proposed legislation affecting such interests, so as to give intelligent business advice and effective service.
Article 8. In accepting the sale of real or personal property, the member pledges to be fair to both seller and buyer, and to protect the owner’s interest as if it were the auctioneer’s own.
Article 9.When consulted for an appraisal of value or liquidation problem, a member shall give a well-considered opinion, reflecting expert knowledge and sound judgment, taking requisite time for study, inquiry and deliberation. The counsel of the member represents a professional service which should be rendered in writing and for which a reasonable charge should be made. A member shall not undertake to give an appraisal or offer an opinion on any proposition on which there is a direct or indirect interest, without a full disclosure of such interest.
Article 10. Before accepting a sale, it is the duty of the auctioneer to advise the owner intelligently and honestly regarding the market value of the business or proposition and the reasonable chance of sale at value or above.
PART III–Relationship to the Public
Article 11. It is the duty of every member to protect the public against fraud, misrepresentation or unethical practices in connection with the sale, disposition or liquidation of any real or personal property the auctioneer is called upon to dispose of at public auction.
Article 12. It is the duty of a member to ascertain all pertinent facts concerning every sale for which the member is engaged, so that in offering, the member may avoid error, exaggeration and misrepresentation.
Article 13. An auctioneer is a confidential trustee of the information given by the seller or gained through their relationship; and the auctioneer must never disclose the gross receipts of a sale or any other information that would tend to be a violation of the profession.
Article 14. No special conditions, real or assumed, or inducements or directions from anyone relieve the member from responsibility to strictly observe this Code of Ethics in letter and spirit.
State of Wisconsin Conduct Requirements – https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/sps/professional_services/120/126.pdf
We will conduct all association Business with transparency and ethical standards that will instill confidence in all Auctioneers and will serve as a basis for non-members to become active members in the association
We value our Board Members, their commitment and dedication in serving and their willingness to contribute to support our cause.
We value and respect those Associations that have paved the way and always look to apply “Best Practices” to our business while constantly pushing the envelope for new and innovative ideas.
States with Reciprocity
Wisconsin currently has reciprocity with the following states:
Alabama
Arkansas
Illinois
Kentucky
North Carolina
Ohio
Tennessee
Texas
Wisconsin Requirements: Applicants with a current Auctioneer license (not an Apprentice Auctioneer license) in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, or Texas may request an exam exemption. See page i of application (Form #2077) for further details.
AN APPLICATION IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL ALL OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED:
1. Application for Auctioneer Registration - Apply online via LicensE, https://license.wi.gov/.
2. Fee(s) – Pay $47.00 credential fee online via LicensE. (If your Wisconsin credential has been expired more than 5 years, a $25.00 late renewal fee is also required.)
3. Auctioneer Exam - Unless exempted based on reciprocity (below), see exam information at https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Auctioneer/Exams.aspx. (Pay the $126.00 exam fee online via LicensE.) (Note: If your Wisconsin credential has been expired more than 5 years, you must take and pass the registration examination within one year prior to the date of the late renewal application according to Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 121.04(1)(c)3).)
Exam Exemption Based on Reciprocity
Applicants with a current Auctioneer license (not an Apprentice Auctioneer license) in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, or Texas may request an exam exemption.
• Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, or Texas - Applicant must be licensed/registered as an auctioneer for a period of a least one year and must be in good standing.
• Ohio - Applicant must be licensed/registered and in good standing as an auctioneer and has either served an apprenticeship or has been licensed/registered in Ohio for a period of at least one year.
All Applicants - Please reference “Questions and Answers Relating to the Regulation of Auctioneers and Auction Companies in Wisconsin” (Form 2258) and “Advertising Requirements for Wisconsin Auctioneers and Auction Companies” (Form 2259) for more information on Auctioneer and Auction Company requirements.
Temporary Registration Information - In addition to the application for a regular credential (above) applicants who apply to register by examination may request a temporary permit for an additional $10.00 fee.
A temporary registration certificate issued under Wis. Stat. § 480.08 (7) shall be valid for no more than 60 days after the date that the applicant has filed an application for registration as an auctioneer with the Department. During the 60 days, the temporary registrant must take and pass the exam or, at the end of the 60 days, cease practicing as an auctioneer. The temporary registration cannot be renewed, and the $10.00 fee is nonrefundable.
Department's Auctioneer web page: https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Auctioneer/Default.aspx
Related Statutes and Administrative Code: https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/RulesStatutes/Auctioneers.aspx
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The Wisconsin Auctioneers Association actively advocates for the auction industry through grassroots lobbying and a WAA legislative fund. Member engagement and donations are vital to the success.
WAA promotes grassroots lobbying for WAA advocacy.
From professional licensing and small business regulations to changing real estate and tax laws, the issues impacting the auction industry are many. Led by the Legislative Committee, the WAA’s efforts focus on proactively identifying, prioritizing, and acting upon state issues that affect the way our members do business.
Complete list of Wisconsin Legislation that may be of interest to auctioneers.
Pending Legislation the Legislative Committee is Monitoring
Join Our Grassroots Advocacy Efforts
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WI Championship Auctioneer Contest Rules (Revised 2022)
1. The full name of the contest is “WISCONSIN AUCTIONEERS ASSOCIATION, INC. AUCTIONEER CHAMPIONSHIP.”
2. There shall be one division combined for men and women.
3. Contestants shall be 18 years of age or older, members of the WAA, register to attend the entire conference, and hold a current Wisconsin auctioneer license. An auction market, auction company, private company or business person, association, newspaper, etc. may sponsor a contestant.
4. The current Novice of the Year shall be one of the contestants but his/her entry fee shall be waived.
5. Entries, accompanied by a $100 non-refundable entry fee, must be received prior to the contest. All entries will be date stamped when received. Contestants will receive a confirmation notification.
6. All contestants must attend the contestant meeting for orientation and drawing for order of appearance.
7. The dress code used for the International Auctioneer Championship Contest (IAC) will be used, specifically: men shall wear business suits/ties and dress shoes. Women shall wear business suits (pants or skirt) and no open-toe shoes. Failure to meet the dress code may be cause for elimination at the call of the contest committee.
8. The sound system shall be preset. Contestants will be allowed to test it in advance but cannot adjust it during the contest.
9. Announcements the day of the contest will take precedence over printed material.
10. Five judges shall be selected by the contest committee. Four judges must be involved in the auction industry (one from the WAA Hall of Fame) and one may be from the private sector.
11. The WAA scoring system (attached) will be used.
12. When the contestant is called by the Emcee, the contestant shall come to the microphone and state only his/her name, city, contestant number, and sponsor(s), if any. Any reference of a commercial nature for the individual auctioneer shall be cause for a reduction of score.
13. In the preliminary round, each contestant shall sell two consecutive items. Before the leaving the microphone, the contestant shall again state his/her name and contestant number.
14. Scores from the preliminaries will determine who advances to the finals.
15. If a tie score occurs in the preliminary round, the contestant with the highest score in the Chant/Voice category will prevail.
16. All contestants will be called to the stage for announcement of the finalists. The number of finalists shall be based on the following sliding scale: 10 or fewer contestants–five finalists; 11+ contestants–six finalists.
17. There will be a drawing for the order in which finalists compete.
18. When the finalist’s is called by the Emcee, the contestant shall come to the microphone and state only his/her name, city, contestant number, and sponsor(s), if any. Any reference of a commercial nature for the individual auctioneer shall be cause for a reduction of score.
19. In the final round the contestants will answer two questions selected by the committee. A time limit of two minutes per question will apply after the question has been read. The contestant may ask to have the question repeated only once. The contestant will immediately thereafter sell two consecutive items.
20. Before leaving the microphone, the contestant shall again state only his/her name, city, contestant number, and sponsors if any.
Any reference of a commercial nature for the individual auctioneer shall be cause for a reduction of score.
21. Final scores are determined by combining the interview and bid-calling scores of the finals round.
22. The scores from the preliminaries will be used as the tie-breaker in the finals.
23. The following prizes will be awarded:
CHAMPION – $400 cash, an allowance of up to $250 for a championship ring/pendant/belt buckle, trophy, following year’s WAA dues. The winner will represent WAA and have the entry fee paid for the IAC Contest at the following National Auctioneers Association Conference and Show.
RESERVE CHAMPION – $250 cash, trophy, following year’s WAA dues.
FIRST RUNNER-UP – $150 cash and a trophy.
24. Contestants shall not be given the exact order of finish other than Champion, Reserve Champion & First Runner Up. Score sheets and judges’ comments will be sent after the contest.
25. The winner shall be referred to as “John/Jane Doe, Wisconsin State Champion Auctioneer.”
26. The champion agrees to make a minimum of two promotional appearances on behalf of Wisconsin Auctioneers Association and participate as a speaker or panelist at the following WAA Conference and Show. The champion will serve on the championship contest committee for the two following years and be present at next year’s championship contest.
27. Committee members shall not participate in the contest in the year in which they serve.
28. Past champions may not compete in subsequent contests.
29 The committee chair shall address, as needed, any and all errors or omissions regarding rules and regulations of the contest. The decision of the committee chair shall be final and binding at the time a decision is made and shall apply to all contestants.
30. All proceeds from the auction will be used at the discretion of WAA. An optional buyer’s fee may be charged.
Novice Auctioneer Contest
Have you been an auctioneer for 5 years or less? If so, why not compete in this year’s novice auctioneer contest? Novice Contest will be held this year on Sunday beginning at 5 PM.
You’ll get an opportunity to compete with other new auctioneers and show off your skills. You never know who in the audience may be looking for help at their auctions. You really should enter.
1. The full name of the contest is “WISCONSIN AUCTIONEERS ASSOCIATION, INC. NOVICE AUCTIONEER CONTEST.
2. There shall be one division combined for men and women.
3. Contestants shall be 18 years of age or older, current members of the WAA, and hold a current Wisconsin auctioneer license. An auction market, auction company, private company or business person, association, newspaper, etc. may sponsor a contestant.
4. The contest is open to unlimited entries. The current Novice of the Year may be a contestant but his/her entry fee shall be waived.
5. Entries must be accompanied by a $20 non-refundable entry fee, must be received prior to the contest. Each Contestant is to bring one (1) item to be auctioned off of $25 value or more.
6. All contestants must check in at one half hour( ½ hour) before the contest scheduled time for orientation and drawing for order of appearance. There will be a drawing for the order in which NOVICE contestants compete.
7. The dress code used for the International Auctioneer Championship Contest (IAC) will be used, specifically: men shall wear business suits/ties and dress shoes. Women shall wear business suits (pants or skirt) and no open-toes shoes. Failure to meet the dress code may be cause for elimination at the call of the contest committee.
8. The sound system shall be preset. Contestants will be allowed to test it in advance but cannot adjust it during the contest.
9. Announcements the day of the contest will take precedence over printed material.
10. Three to five judges shall be selected by the contest committee.
11. The IAC scoring system (attached) will be used.
12. When the contestant’s number is called by the Emcee, the contestant shall come to the microphone and state only his/her name, city, contestant number, and sponsor(s), if any. Any reference of a commercial nature for the individual auctioneer shall be cause for a reduction of score.
13. Each contestant shall sell three (3) consecutive items. Before the leaving the microphone, the contestant shall again state his/her name and contestant number.
14. Before leaving the microphone, the contestant shall again state only his/her name, city, contestant number, and sponsors if any. Any reference of a commercial nature for the individual auctioneer shall be cause for a reduction of score.
15. Scores from the contest will determine the NOVICE Auctioneer of the Year.
16. If a tie score occurs in the preliminary round, the contestant with the highest score in the Chant/Voice category will prevail.
17. The NOVICE Auctioneer of the Year is invited to participate at the WI State Fair Auctioneer Championship. There is no charge for this competition to the NOVICE Auctioneer.
18. All contestants will receive participation medallions.
19. Contestants shall not be given the exact order of finish. Score sheets and judges’ comments will be sent after the contest.
20. Committee members shall not participate in the contest in the year in which they serve.
21. Past champions may not compete in subsequent contests.
22. The committee chair shall address, as needed, any and all errors or omissions regarding rules and regulations of the contest. The decision of the committee chair shall be final and binding at the time a decision is made and shall apply to all contestants.
23. All proceeds from the auction will used at the discretion of WAA. An optional 10% buyer’s fee will be donated to a charity chosen by WAA.
Ringman Competition Rules
Professional ringmen can add big dollars to an auction’s bottom line. How they conduct themselves and communicate with the audience and their auctioneer makes all the difference. Here’s a chance to show off your ringman skills to perspective employers in the audience. You could be the champion ringman in 2020.
Purpose:
To enhance the ability to sell real and personal property by the auction method of marketing,
To emphasize the importance of professionalism by Ringmen,
To set personal goals of improvement.
Prize:
First Place: State Champion will receive championship ring with a value up to $250, any additional costs for ring will be paid by winner.
Entry Fees:
Advance $20 entry fee/contestant. All contestants must be registered within 2 hours prior to competition.
Criteria for Contestants:
Must be a current member of Wisconsin Auctioneers Association
Three to five judges will be selected by the committee no less than 10 days prior to contest. They may be members of WAA but do not have to be auctioneers. Judges will be notified and will receive the rules and the judging criteria prior to the contest.
One (1) to two (2) guest Auctioneers selected by the committee may rotate and do all the bid calling for the contestant. The Auctioneers shall be advised not to take any bids during the contest. The ringmen shall control the bidding and use clear and defined commands to communicate with the Auctioneer.
Criteria Used by Judges in Scoring:
Judges will evaluate contestants in five categories, listed below:
Judges will score contestants in each category on a range of 1-10 points;
Judges will score based on the judges being a customer at an auction where the ringman is working.
Scoring:
1. Introduction: Ringmen will introduce him/herself; give contestant number and introduce the Auctioneer.
2. Body language, hand gestures, surveys crowd.
3. Salesmanship encourages the audience to bid.
4. Communicates with auctioneer and buyer.
5. Judge desires to have ringman worth for them.
a. Contestant should not be disqualified for forgetting any of the judging criteria, only penalized.
b. Score sheets will be retrieved by the contest committee and tallied by the committee.
c. The low score shall be considered only to break a tie.
d. The committee shall determine the number of items depending on the number of contestants.
General
Deadline to enter all divisions of the contest will be two hours prior to the start of the contest. All contestants will meet 30 minutes prior to the contest to draw for order of selling and instructions. The Champions Ringman will be announced following the contest. Score sheets will be mailed to contestants after the Winter Convention.
The Champion Ringman will be asked to volunteer Ringmen services for the annual WI State Champion Auctioneer Contest at both the WI State Fair Park Finals and the following WAA State Convention. (Only if they are not a contestant in the Champion Auctioneer Contest themselves.)
Let’s face it, auctioneers are professional marketers. How you present yourself to the public can make all the difference in your business. The WAA Marketing Competition is the ultimate contest for WAA Members to exhibit their marketing efforts from the past year. The competition will include Photography, Digital (website, social media, etc), Print (advertisement, catalog, etc) and Promo Item (hat, mug, etc).
Entrants must be paid, current WAA members and hold current licensees.
Categories are:
Photography
Digital (website, social media, video, etc.) Bring your own computer to set up
Print (Advertisement, Catalog, etc.)
Promotional Item (Hat, Mug, Keychain, etc.)
Awards will be given in each category.
Each submission must have a completed entry form, as well as the $10 per entry fee.
The same item may be entered in multiple categories; however, an entry form and entry fee must be submitted for each category.
All entries must contain either the WAA logo or a statement indicating the entrant is a WAA member.
No previous award-winning entry may be submitted.
Entries must be for auctions occurring since the last winter conference.
Entries must be mailed or turned in by 9:00 a.m. on the first day of convention.
The Advertising Contest Committee will be responsible for organizing the contest, securing the judges and presenting the awards.
Three judges shall be chosen from the vendors; judges’ decisions will be final.
First and second place may, at the judges’ discretion, be awarded if they feel the number of quality entries justifies it.
All entries will be on display by 10:30 a.m., on the first day of the convention.