There are thousands of occupations in the world, but few of them deal with small hammers all day. One is a judge and the other is an auctioneer. Auctioneer, or registered auctioneer, is the professional qualification title of the host of hammer auction. If understood in a narrow sense, the auctioneer is the person who presides over the hammer in the auction house; Broadly speaking, in the whole process of daily auction activities, an auctioneer is also responsible for receiving customers, negotiating contracts, evaluating auction items and drafting auction legal documents. With the rise of auction fever in recent years, the profession of auctioneer has attracted more and more attention. How to become an auctioneer? Are they really all? Gold collar? Really? What is the daily work? What about career prospects? Our reporter launched an investigation and interview to see how the auctioneer in the spotlight was tempered.
Make a scene and wander between the forces of all parties.
Auctioneers are always associated with the auction industry. Here are some words. The auction industry in China resumed trading on September 10 with 1986. With the approval of Guangzhou No.1 Commercial Bureau, the state-owned Guangzhou Auction Company was established, which opened the prelude to the development of auction companies. 1around April, 1997, China Auction Association (hereinafter referred to as China Auction Association) organized a training examination, and the first batch of registered and licensed auctioneers were born in the history of China. In August, 2004, a new version of the Auction Law of People's Republic of China (PRC) (hereinafter referred to as the Auction Law) was promulgated, which further regulated the auction industry. Article 14 stipulated that an auction shall be presided over by an auctioneer. ? Therefore, in law, the status of the auctioneer in the auction process is clear. In fact, even if there is no hard and fast law, the role of auctioneer in auction is irreplaceable. Their work runs through the auction, from pre-planning, collection of works, appraisal and pricing, mid-term marketing, printing, publicity, announcement preview, post-design quotation strategy, and finally hosting the auction.
Of course, there is no need to exaggerate the role of auctioneers, at least they have little impact on the transaction rate. Because the buyer needs to spend real money, the lot is not good or lacks interest, even if the auctioneer spits lotus flowers and is down-to-earth, it will not have any impact on it, but it is another matter in raising the price of the lot. Anyone who has been to the auction site must know that any auction will not be calm, and there will always be a stalemate, with no bid or many bids. At this time, the performance of the auctioneer is extremely important. A good auctioneer can increase the turnover by hundreds of thousands by controlling the speed of dropping the hammer and the tone of his voice, even with a look, an appropriate prompt and a question about whether to increase the price. If the on-site performance is poor and the language is inappropriate, the target that should have been closed will end up with a poor bid, and the losses will be borne by all parties.
Besides raising the price, the auctioneer's main duty is to control and coordinate the whole auction process. The interests of the three parties at the auction site, the auctioneer, the bidder and the auction company are inconsistent or even contradictory. One side wants to bid high, one side wants to do more business, and the other side wants to spend less. It is really unreasonable. If there is a dispute at the scene, the auctioneer will lose not only simple economic interests, but also complex social relations. So the pressure on the auctioneer's shoulders is extraordinary. They need to actively guide the whole process of bidders' quotation, and quickly judge and find the best balance point among the three parties in a few minutes or even seconds. ? A word is spoken, and a word becomes a prophecy? Undoubtedly, it puts high demands on the professional quality of an auctioneer. How can I become an auctioneer?
The examination opened the door for the auctioneer.
The only way to become an auctioneer is to take the annual examination organized by the Chinese Film Association. The auctioneer's examination and selection process can be called harsh, and it can reflect exquisiteness from registration. First of all, applicants must have a college degree or above, have obtained the qualification certificate of auction company for one year, have worked in auction company for more than two years and have been recommended by their auction company before they are eligible to register; Secondly, the auctioneer's examination registration adopts a two-level pre-trial system. Candidates are required to submit the Registration Form of Auctioneer Qualification Examination and their academic credentials when registering, and the candidates who make up the examination must submit the Registration Form of Auctioneer Qualification Examination to the Association of Auction Companies (referred to as the local auction association) in the province (autonomous region or municipality) where the auction enterprise is located for pre-examination. After the preliminary examination is passed, the local authorities are responsible for collecting materials and reporting them to the Chinese Film Association. After being audited by the China Shooting Association, the applicants will be publicized online and then enter the examination procedure.
The auctioneer's examination is generally registered in April of that year, and the unified examination is organized by China Auction Association in mid-June at 65438+ 10. The theme design is quite distinctive. In addition to three closed-book examination subjects (auction theory, auction case analysis and auction economic basis), there is also a special practical examination called auctioneer's hosting skills. When all the closed-book exams are over and the results come out, those who meet the standards are eligible to take this exam. The scene of the exam is also very interesting. Candidates conduct on-site virtual auction under the theme given by the examiner, who scores according to the candidates' on-site performance. In order to increase the difficulty, the examiner will design various accidents, such as power failure in the middle of the auction, loud noise from the audience, fainting at the scene and so on.
Subjects that fail the auctioneer qualification examination are allowed to make up the examination the following year. If the make-up exam is still unqualified, you need to re-register for the exam. When all the exams are over, the Chinese Film Association will review the results and announce the qualified list to the public for a week. During the publicity period, candidates who violate the rules and regulations will be investigated and verified by the office of the examination Committee and dealt with accordingly. After the expiration of the publicity period, China Auction Association will report the list of qualified personnel to the Ministry of Personnel for the record and obtain the practice registration record, and issue the China Auctioneer's Practice Qualification Certificate, which will be published in the industry and society in the form of documents. When you hold the auctioneer's practice certificate and practice registration record, it means that you have officially started your own auctioneer's road.
With the increase of the number of applicants, the passing rate of auctioneers' examinations has decreased year by year, with an average of no more than 20%. In recent years, it may only be 15%, and the Chinese Photographers Association issues hundreds of certificates every year. From public property, cultural relics and artworks, second-hand materials, enterprise property rights, stock rights, creditor's rights, real estate to motor vehicles, the auction involves all aspects of the national economy, so all ministries and commissions in the State Council have more or less issued relevant laws and regulations. When you look at more than 500 pages of auction law compilation and more than 500 pages of auction tutorial, you will feel like crying. It can be said that compared with popular exams such as CPA and judicial exam, the auctioneer exam is not inferior in passing difficulty. Of course, because of the difficulty, the certificate has a certain amount of gold.
Practice begins with supervision.
Having an auctioneer's qualification certificate doesn't mean that I have to hold a certificate. I can make a breakthrough in the world and rest easy from now on. In July, 2009, China Auction Association issued "Regulations on Strengthening the Supervision and Management of Auctioneers", which made detailed provisions on the registration, annual inspection, practice, change of unit and punishment of auctioneers. Many behaviors were explicitly prohibited, such as separation of witnesses from witnesses? . An auctioneer must be registered in an auction enterprise and practice full-time, and may not practice in an auction enterprise that is not registered by himself. If the witness is separated, once it is discovered, its practice qualification will be suspended for half a year. If the auction is still held during the suspension of practice, the license shall be revoked directly; For example, compulsory annual inspection registration. The auctioneer's "Practice Qualification Certificate" and "Practice Registration for the Record" need annual inspection and re-registration once a year. If an auctioneer fails to conduct the annual inspection on time or fails to pass the annual inspection, he shall not preside over the auction. If he fails to participate in the annual inspection for two consecutive years or fails to pass the annual inspection, his practice certificate shall be revoked. For example, the combination of witness and witness. An auctioneer may not lend his qualification certificate to others or other units to register a new auction enterprise or hold an auction. Once found, depending on the seriousness of the case, the auctioneer shall be suspended for one year or his license shall be revoked.
In addition to the hard violations mentioned above, there are some soft industry requirements in the auctioneer circle. Because the auctioneer examination registration stage is recommended by the auction company, the newly qualified personnel must return to their original units for two years before they can apply for changing their registration units and freely choose new jobs. Refuse to perform, the auctioneer qualification automatically invalid. Auctioneers must also receive continuing education every year, with a cumulative time of not less than 40 hours. If they fail to complete within the time limit, they will be suspended from practicing for half a year.
Legend, holding? Golden rice bowl?
The public thinks auction companies are doing something similar? Intermediary? Daily expenses are nothing more than personnel and venue rent, so the overall profit of the industry will be high, and the income of the auctioneer will of course be high, right? Golden rice bowl? . This judgment is too general, because? 28 principle? It exists in almost any industry, that is, less than 20% people earn 80% of the money in the industry. The income gap between auctioneers is also very large, so we can't generalize.
In 2004, the Ministry of Commerce promulgated the Measures for the Administration of Auctions, seven of which stipulated that: to set up an auction enterprise, in addition to the registered capital of more than one million yuan, there should be at least three people who have obtained the qualifications for the auction industry, at least one of whom is an auctioneer; And there are full-time or part-time employees with industry qualifications closely related to the main business. ? The establishment of an auction company requires a certain number of licensed auctioneers, so with the certificate, the auctioneer can get a relatively stable salary income from the contracted auction company. As for the payment level, it depends on the auction company's own scale, profit level, consumption level of the city and many other factors. Generally speaking, the annual salary paid by auction companies in first-tier cities to new auctioneers is about 654.38+10,000 yuan, and that in second-and third-tier cities is between 47,000 yuan. At present, the entry threshold of auction companies is not very high, which leads to uneven overall quality of the industry. A considerable number of auction companies are not very good, and may give some auctioneers lower wages.
The income that supports the auctioneer also includes the commission for hosting each auction. Some auction companies often use fixed payment. Regardless of the final income of this auction, the auctioneer will charge thousands to tens of thousands of yuan. Some auction companies will take the form of floating, and when the transaction rate reaches the limit set by the company, the auctioneer will be rewarded.
The income that an auctioneer can earn by hosting an auction for an auction company that does not belong to him. What's the term? Go to acupoints? . But? Go to acupoints? There are certain restrictions. Article 15 of the Provisions of China Auction Association on Strengthening the Supervision and Management of Auctioneers clearly stipulates:? An auctioneer may not host an auction in his own name for an auction enterprise that is not registered by himself. ? Once found, the practice qualification will be suspended for one year. However, the agreement or contract signed by the auctioneer's auction enterprise and other auction enterprises before the auction activities belongs to the secondment of personnel and is not within the scope of these regulations. According to Mr. Ji Tao, a veteran of the auction industry, there are hundreds of such people active in the national auction stage at present. Go to acupoints? An auctioneer registered in an auction house does not need to work in this enterprise. During the auction season, it travels all over the country and is the main hammer of the auction company.
Except for Guardian and other big companies, in order to protect their business secrets, operational skills and customer group information, they are not allowed to belong to auctioneers? Go to acupoints? Besides, what about small and medium-sized auction companies? Go to acupoints? Auctioneers are generally welcome: first of all, who? Go to acupoints? Performers are professional backbones who are proficient in a certain field, mature in hosting style, and have certain energy both inside and outside the studio, and many of them have certain trust relationships with collectors. Some auction companies even hide their registered auctioneers and turn to outsiders to perform; Second,? Go to acupoints? The auctioneer has small presiding error, high safety factor, simple relationship with the company and convenient use; Finally,? Go to acupoints? Our fees are not high, ranging from 2,000 yuan to 50,000 yuan per game. Some people or some games may be higher, depending on the contract. The difference of appearance fee mainly lies in the auctioneer's hosting experience, personal brand status, auction value, appearance fee and other comprehensive factors.
In addition, by introducing the auction business to send lots to the company, the auctioneer will also get some business commission income. Some experienced auctioneers set up their own auction companies, or they are partners and shareholders of an auction company. Their income is directly linked to the company's performance and they participate in dividends. What are the names of these auctioneers? Gold collar? It's no exaggeration.
However, for many people in the industry, they have not stood up yet? The steeple? For an auctioneer, the operating level of the auction company, its own experience and reputation in the industry are closely related to his income. Therefore, young auctioneers often gather popularity through many successful live auctions. Interestingly, there is little difference in the hosting style of auctioneers in the spring and autumn auctions of various art auction companies. Most of them are special events with fine locations and daily rhythms. Pat? Be slow; What about every day? Pat? There are many categories and miscellaneous items, and the standardization of operation is also far from perfect. The quality of the lot is mixed, and the auctioneer's hosting difficulty actually exceeds? Big shot? But the appearance fee is far less than that? Big shot? This is a test for young auctioneers.
In the auction, the highest honor an auctioneer can get is harvest? White gloves? That is to say, an auction special session reaches 100% turnover rate. ? White gloves? For auctioneers, it not only means that they are skilled and widely recognized inside and outside the industry, but also the fees will reach a new order of magnitude. Of course, there is a lot of luck in this. After all, good lots, good collectors and good markets are hard to get. In addition, participate in the annual organization of the Chinese Film Association? Have a shot? The national auctioneer skill competition, which won excellent rankings, can also attract the attention of auction customers.
Prospect, cautious optimism
As of 20 1 1, the number of registered auctioneers in China has reached 10400. By reading the "National Auction Industry Operation in the Quarter of 20 12 1 2" issued by China Auction Association in April of 20 18, it is found that as of the first quarter of 20 12, there are only 5,600 auction enterprises under the National Auction Association, a considerable part of which are small auction enterprises. For the time being, according to the median, each auction company needs 3 auctioneers, and the maximum number of auctioneers is 1 1200. Unless the registered number of auction enterprises keeps increasing every year, if the China Auction Association keeps the speed of sending 400 photos every year, according to the existing scale and the most optimistic estimate, the supply of auctioneers will exceed the demand in 3-5 years.
Some people may argue that there is no upper limit because the auctioneer can do business, run the market and engage in daily management within the auction company without going to the front desk to host, and the auctioneer's income is diversified. You know, what is the basis for the law to give an auctioneer a place to live? The right to hold the auction? What is the difference between abandoning it and other people with knowledge background? A simple work permit is enough. Why take the exam in the first place? Opportunity cost? Who will bear it?
Since 2008, the Ministry of Land and Resources has organized a new examination? National land bidding auction listing host qualification examination? Those who pass the examination also have the legal rights and qualifications to preside over the land auction. Because this examination belongs to the internal examination of the land system, it is mainly aimed at the administrative departments of land and resources and directly affiliated institutions (some social workers who meet the requirements and are recommended by their units can also apply for it), and its appearance is equivalent to separating the land auction from the government. Although the auctioneer still has the authority to auction land, it will undoubtedly be greatly impacted.
In addition, the relationship among China auction association, auction company and auctioneer is very delicate. Nominally, China Auction Association is a social organization that auction companies support and serve by paying a certain form of membership fee. However, the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security gave the auctioneer of China Auction Association the right to issue, examine and issue the business license, which is equivalent to an administrative institution. The auction law clearly stipulates that a certain number of registered auctioneers are needed to start new auction enterprises and upgrade the industry qualification, and the fate of auction companies and auctioneers is in the hands of China Auction Association. The deeper problem here is that China Auction Association is responsible for supervising auction companies and auctioneers, but what about China Auction Association itself? Administration? Who can supervise this decision? Auctioneer?
As mentioned above, auctioneers need to receive a certain period of training every year. Although it is written in the China Auction Association's official document "Administrative Measures for Auctioneer Qualification Examination" that training is organized on the principle of voluntary participation and improvement of professional level, it does not mean free. From the Registration Notice of the New Auctioneer Training Course (No.22) issued by the China Photographers Association in February 20 12, it can be found that the training fee of just five days includes two parts: one is the information fee of 980 yuan; The second is to clarify the hotel accommodation fee. Jingyan Hotel 1.200 yuan/person, Wanshang Garden Hotel 1.400 yuan/person, not cheap.
Generally speaking, auction is an essential industry in a society ruled by law, and the income of auctioneers is also in the upper middle class of society, enough to support their families. To paraphrase Mr. Ji Tao: It can't be said that it is in the ascendant, nor can it be said that the western hills are dying, and the auctioneer team is developing normally and steadily. ? However, no matter how good the industry is in theory, it will also contain many inhuman hardships to others at the micro level, so please don't take any chances, please know the potential risks in advance.
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