As a licensed auctioneer in Virginia, I’m writing to let you know that, on behalf my clients, future clients, and Virginia citizens overall, I am strongly opposed to removing regulation for our industry.  

The protection DPOR Regulation provides is “necessary for the protection or preservation of the health, safety, and welfare of the public” (§ 54.1-100). 

We are:

• pro-business
• pro-competition
• and most importantly pro-clients (the public citizens of Virginia)!

Auctioneers handle estates, assets, and escrow accounts for Virginia families and welcome the DPOR regulation to hold us accountable and keep out bad actors.  DPOR regulation, licensing, and the continuing education required each year allow us to serve our clients and their families effectively. 

Some highlights to consider:

• Auctioneers maintain an escrow account and maintain care, custody, and control of client’s assets and money.  How could we not regulate individuals and firms with this responsibility?   
• Without proper regulation, it’s near certain, we could breed a series of bad actors affecting the longstanding history and success we have held as an industry.
• According to DPOR our auctioneer board is among the lowest of complaints.  It’s working as it is!
• Unlike most other occupations regulated by Virginia DPOR, Auctioneers act in a fiduciary capacity to their clients.
• There are 973 current licensed professional auctioneers in the state of Virginia, some solely public facing bid-callers, many being full-time auction firms handling client’s assets and family finances. 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or let me know how I, or our state auctioneer association, can help share more insights that the impact this bill will have on our client citizens.

Thank you for understanding the severity of this issue for our clients and the integrity of our industry.