Frequently Asked Questions

Auctioneering Questions

How do you become an auctioneer?

In Ohio (as of January 2010) one must first attend an approved auction school. The approved auction schools for Ohio are listed on the Ohio Department of Agriculture's website. One must also secure a sponsoring Auctioneer to oversee your apprenticeship. Having attended auction school and secured a sponsor one must pass an apprentice auctioneer exam. After passing the exam an apprentice must serve at least 12 months as an apprentice AND conduct a minimum of 12 auctions under the supervision of one's sponsor. Having completed all of the above one may take the auctioneers exam. Please note that there are other specific requirements for becoming a licensed auctioneer. For a complete list please visit the Ohio Department of Agriculture's website or similar website for your state.

Why do you talk so fast?

Bid calling is an art and is done to bring excitement to the auction and to focus bidder attention on the auctioneer and thus the items be sold and the price.  More important than talking fast, auctioneers communicate a series of pieces of information very quickly and allow for bidder and potential buyers to purchase items in an efficient and transparent manor. While the auditory aspect of auctioneering is easy to mimic or learn the art of auctioneer and the quick thinking and communication skills require a great deal of practice.

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Day of Auction Questions 

How do bid on an item if I cannot stay for the entire auction?

We understand that buyers are often unable to stay for an entire auction. Thus we gladly accept absentee bids and execute them competitively on their behalf.* These bids are accepted on or before any auction. Please see the absentee bid policy of the specific auctionfor more details.

*Goodwill Columbus does not accept absentee bids at this time. You must be present to bid.

What should I wear to an auction?

Whatever is conformable and weather appropriate. Most auctions are casual events for the auction attendee. Please take note of the location of the auction and the weather the morning of the auction. Note if the auction is at a gallery, building, hotel or auction house or if the auction is on-site with some or all the auction being held outside.

What happens if it rains or snows the day of auction?

With the exception of severe thunderstorms and snow emergencies all our auctions happen rain or shine. Check our auction listings page for weather and auction updates. In the event that inclement weather is predicted tents will be set up to protect buyers and merchandise that is to be displayed outside.

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Questions on Everything Else 

How does one pronounce Gehres?

Gehres is pronounced like Harris with a G. Or Garris.

Where are you from?

Peter was born and raised on a family farm in rural Van Wert County, Ohio, USA. He currently lives is Hilliard, Ohio a suburb of Columbus, Ohio.

Where did you go to school?

Peter is a gradate of Crestview High School and attended Van Wert City School and Canterbury School (Fort Wayne, Indiana) for elementary and middle school. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University, The Ohio Auction School and Hondros College.

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