CONSUMER GUIDE TO
 CHOOSING YOUR AUCTIONEER WISELY

 
LAPA Vice President Robert Burns Explains the value of
an "ounce of prevention" vs. a pound of cure and
 briefly outlines how consumers can conduct due diligence
 on a prospective auctioneer and minimize the chance
 of a problematic auction experience.

Are you considering auctioning a cherished possession or an item of significant value (e.g. your home)?  Are you considering making a major purchase (e.g. real estate) at auction?

If so, you're likely to find the time invested performing a background due diligence research on potential auctioneers rewarding.  You're about to entrust an auctioneer with an awesome responsibility (as a consignor) or to place your trust in the integrity and honesty of an auctioneer (as a bidder).  

The old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" could not be more true than in the auction profession.  With that in mind, here are some guidelines to help ensure your auction (or the auctioneer from whom you purchase items) is one who is professional and trustworthy (click on blue lettering to pull up separate webpages for details on the guidance item).

1.  Contact the Louisiana Auctioneer Licensing Board to view the auctioneer files of auctioneers whom you're considering.

2.  Perform courthouse background checks both at the Louisiana State District Court Level and at the Federal level.

3.  Visit the Louisiana Secretary of State's corporation database.

4.  Visit the company's website and seek to speak with past satisfied clients.