Five tips to help auctioneers land estate jobs

We often get caught up in "knowing our stuff" as auctioneers, especially antiques dealers. In an estate purchase or consignment situation, we want to be able to display knowledge of items and auction facts and figures assuming that this will impress and land us the job. Sometimes, this is true, but here are five simple things, that I know always help and have been told so, many times.

Wipe your feet upon entering the household. I don't care if the place is a shack, wipe your feet, you are instantly on solid ground.

Hand the lead person your business card, and shake hands with everyone in the room. It's common to do so with the executor, but often we overlook the "wife, sister, cousin etc."

Pay condolences to the deceased.

Ask before you open drawers and go poking around.

Handle each and every item with great care.

Too often antiques dealers and auctioneers will go through a house and rifle through the merchandise, because that's what it is to us, it's merchandise. We're in a hurry and time is tight. But to the folks you're with, these items are part of a family legacy.

These 5 simple things show that you're a professional and have respect for the estate. I've landed jobs based on these courtesies alone.

Good luck and happy hunting!