Keith Monk Continues the Long Tradition of Auctioneering

Auctioneers set the stage for competitive bids at last Saturday's sale east of Bailieboro

Auctioneers set the stage for competitive bids at last Saturday’s sale east of Bailieboro

Last Saturday, Keith Monk was demonstrating his skills in a major farm and household auction east of Bailieboro, and it was clear he was in his element. With a microphone in one hand and a cane in the other, more for emphasis than for health reasons, Monk skillfully walked the eager treasure-seekers through a vast array of farm equipment, furniture and household wares, tools and recreational equipment quickly cutting to the heart of the appeal of each item with a brief description of the item followed by the launch of a possible starting bid to get the ball rolling. With thousands of items to be sold, there was no dawdling if the suggested starting point was not accepted: it was usually cut in half in the next breath, which usually got the bidding going.

Monk was not alone on Saturday, but came with a staff of 10 including a second auctioneer who handled small household items while Monk took charge of the more significant pieces. It’s a performance that requires many skills. First the voice must carry, be clear enough to be understood and of course have that musical rhythm associated with the trademark chant…: “Who’ll give me $20 dollars, $20 dollars, $20 dollars for this remarkable example of….” He probably doesn’t say a word for days after one of these day-long events!

The chatter also has to be informative and appealing- the auctioneer is selling, after all, and his pay is linked to the price received by the seller, so he is motivated to get a good price for them. A successful auctioneer must be knowledgeable about a wide array of items in order to describe them in an appealing manner. They do their research in advance, vetting the merchandise so there are no surprises come auction day. During the event, they strive to create an exciting, competitive atmosphere to stimulate multiple bids amongst highly interested buyers.

Keith Monk has been providing full-time auctioneer service since 1979. The business caught his interest many years ago while he was working for Tinney Motors in Millbrook.   His job was to attend the car auctions where he would pick up and deliver vehicles which usually required that he spend the day there. When staff noticed his interest, they asked him to try selling the re-runs- the term they used to describe those cars that had not sold in the first round that were given a second chance at the end of the auction. Finding he had a knack for the trade, he decided to take it seriously and in 1980 headed to the Reppert School of Auctioneering in Indiana. It is widely recognized as the premier auction school in North America and now located at Christie’s Auction House in Indianapolis, Indiana. There he acquired a broader understanding of the business and to establish a setting where goods, property and real estate are quickly and profitably converted into cash, with an entertaining flair.

Monk specializes in real estate, estate sales, antiques, farm, commercial, industrial and restaurant sales, and provide complete set-up service prior to the event. He provides tables and even hay wagons, if necessary to facilitate the event.

While the profession may be old school, their methods are not, as most auction houses now incorporate technology to bring their services into the modern world, and some have gone totally on-line with their auctions. Monk prefers the live setting where bidders compete for their purchases, setting a true “market” value for each item sold. He arrives with a full mobile computerized office equipped staffed cashiers and equipped with state-of-the-art wireless sound systems in his mobile office trailer.  Photographs of most items for sale are also posted on his website to allow shoppers to preview and identify their target purchases.

The crowd at Saturday’s event included people of all ages unified by curiosity and an interest in finding a particular item or a real bargain. Auction attendees are a patient bunch, as it may require a long wait until the coveted item is on the table. They are curious bargain hunters for whom a little dust is no deterrent. It is always a learning experience to see which items will attract the most attention. On Saturday, it was a cedar strip canvas covered canoe. Regardless of whether or not they walked away with some prized goods at the event, all participants spent an enjoyable day in the country. KG

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