Auctioneer & Auctions & referrals 12 Feb 2010 08:31 am
Referring an Auctioneer.
Often I am asked “How do I refer you to my friends who are dealing with their loved ones estate?”
This is a very good question, and how you go about it is key to the situation. This is a very difficult time for family members as they are working through getting the estate settled while simultaneously dealing with the emotion of losing a loved one. It is never easy. And how you approach them with ideas or suggestions must be done very carefully.
1. Use the right words. When it comes to an auction, asking if they are going to have an auction or if they need an auctioneer usually is not the best way to breach the subject. The better wording is more like, “If you are considering having an auction, or need a great auctioneer, here is someone I would call.” This wording keeps you from “prying” into the situation and allows you to offer a lending hand without “sticking your nose into their business.”
2. Be careful with your timing. It is true that we have been approached at funeral homes by some families about an auction, but this is a RARE case. Usually, people are not thinking about what to do for 3-6 weeks after this time. I usually tell people who are looking to refer us to a family in possible need of our service, to at least wait month. This allows the family time to grieve and also is the time most people are starting to think about what they are going to do with Mom’s/Dad’s house/farm/personal property. This would be a good time to consider using the above mentioned phrase to introduce your friends to an Auction Co/Auctioneer.
Needless to say, it is never an easy task, but if you use these simple tips, you more than likely will find the situation much more comfortable than simply asking, “Hey, do you guys need an auctioneer to help you with that!”
Have a blessed weekend!