So You Want to Be an Auctioneer?

Jay Cash, The Auctioneer
Jun 19
2 min read

By Jay Cash, The Auctioneer

Fundraising Specialist • Real Estate Broker • IAC Finalist

You just graduated auction school. You’ve got your license. You’ve practiced your chant a thousand times in the mirror. You’re fired up, full of energy, and ready to take the stage...

But nobody told you what comes next. Let me be the one to give it to you straight.

The Early Grind is Real.

When you're getting started in this business, there’s one word you need to tattoo on your mindset: Patience.

You won’t be on the biggest stage right away. You’ll be working in barns, church basements, estate garages. You’ll be setting up chairs, hauling boxes, and getting paid peanuts.

That’s how it starts for all of us.

What separates the pros from the pretenders is simple: stick-to-it-iveness. The willingness to show up early, stay late, and build something nobody sees but you.

Jealousy Is Coming—From All Directions.

Once you start putting yourself out there, expect resistance:

Other auctioneers will say you're “too flashy.”
Some will say you're “not doing it right.”
Family and friends might not take you seriously.
You’ll see others winning deals you thought you deserved.

This business has plenty of room, but very few cheerleaders. Most of the applause comes after you’ve already proven them wrong.

You’ve got to be your own biggest fan before the crowd ever claps.

Pitfalls to Watch For:

1. ImpatienceYou want big auctions right away. You see others killing it online. Truth is, they've been grinding in the shadows for 10+ years. Focus on reps, not results. Mastery follows mileage.

2. Copycat SyndromeIt's fine to study others—but don’t try to be them. Find your voice. Be the auctioneer that people remember, not the one they confuse with five others.

3. Undervaluing YourselfSaying yes to every gig, charging too little, working for “exposure”—these habits will burn you out. Say yes early, but learn when to say no.

4. Not Building a BrandAuctioneers who thrive long-term don’t just work auctions—they create a presence. Social media, website, marketing—become a name people trust before they need you.

Emotional Advice You Won’t Hear in School:

Everyone starts unknown. Don’t resent it—use it. You’ve got nothing to prove and everything to learn.
Jealousy is just misguided admiration. Let it fuel you. Not break you.
Stay in your lane. It’s okay to grow slow if you’re growing strong.
Celebrate others. Even when they win and you don’t. That energy comes back around.
Ask for help. Mentors aren’t given, they’re pursued.

Final Word:

This is a business for the gritty, not just the gifted.It will test your patience, your pride, and your perseverance.But if you stay consistent, stay coachable, and stay hungry—you will get there.

And one day, someone will be watching you, wondering how you made it look so easy.

If you're a new auctioneer reading this—keep going.Follow for more advice or message me.You don’t need more luck. You need more reps.

— Jay Cash, The Auctioneer @AuctionStyle