It looks like the coverage of the furniture auction sales in Wellington North is drawing some heat.
On May 17, councillors reviewed information – this time from Shawn Thompson of Thompson’s All Around Auction Services Ltd. – in Mount Forest.
A letter to council said, “I have been made aware of a very troubling event that is printed in the Wellington Advertiser regarding Furniture auctions. I am aware that Jason Oakes feels that these type of auctions effect his business, however I feel that he has once again painted auctioneers with a steamroller.”
Thompson said, “As I have explained to Mr. Oakes, some of the auctions that travel are not playing fair. such as in advertising “Absolute” or “Unreserved: when we see these words it means all items will be sold regardless of the price. Sometimes this is not the case. The auction companies that do not sell everything off and advertise this way are guilty of fraud, as well as other criminal offences.”
But, he continued, “Not all auction companies are advertising this way, or doing this. If an auction company advertises New Furniture Auction, and leaves those words out, then it is assumed that some reserves may be in place. People will still be able to go home with a deal, but the owners don’t have to sell the items for unrealistic prices.
“Like all other businesses there are good and poor companies out there. Due to some notable problems other areas have implemented standards to the “traveling new auction companies.”
Thompson said area auctioneers must conduct the auction, travelling auctions must pay for an auction permit, as the product is not from the area (even if no permits are needed for other auctions) and, of course, the advertising must be properly worded so as to not miss direct the general public.
When dealing with the good traveling auction companies, he said, people get a deal, the companies generally try to use local people to staff auction, and they pay very well.
Thompson considered those travelling auctions are businesses not unlike any other.
He added Oakes could purchase furniture and do the same type of thing, maybe bringing city prices to the smaller town communities.
But, Thompson said, “I do encourage people to support Mr. Oakes’ store as well as other stores in our area because if we don’t, they won’t be here for long.”
His suggestion to stores that are affected by out of town companies or auctions is to advertise differently, remind people of the home town respect, favor, and pride that comes from supporting their community.
Thompson said he is a member of the National, Canadian, and Ontario Auctioneers Associations.
He said, world wide, auctions are growing, and more personal and real property is being sold by auction everyday.
“It is a profession that should not be stifled by a few bad experiences. As a professional auctioneer dealing with business closings, industrial shutdowns, repossessions, death, etc … it is often hard to remind people of the good auctions do. We don’t need other business owners that do not seem to understand the business to paint auctions poorly with dark paint and wide roller.”
He added, “With that being said I should also thank Jason and point out to the public that these furniture auctions are only in our area two to three times a year yet Jason portrays that they affect his business so much that he wants to see them banned. I think that statement speaks for itself that auctions work very, very well, to affect a full time business that much and only coming into town a few times a year.”
Councillor Dan Yake said it seems if they are advertised properly, “You are OK?with it?”
Thompson said what he was trying to point out is that “unfortunately” there are bad companies that will mislead the public.
He has talked with Oakes in the past and is aware that he had worked with some furniture auctions in the past.
“The big thing we need to see to protect residents of Wellington North is accountability.”
He said with some companies, no one knows where they are from, or where the items came from. The accountability can come in by having a local auctioneer involved.
He added there are a number of auctioneers in the area able to do the work.
Once local people are involved, they are going to make certain the companies are upright and doing it properly “ because now it’s his reputation on the line.”
The other issue is about people coming in to work the sale.
Thompson agreed that is the case, “but what I have found is that when I do this type of auction in any small area … unfortunately a lot of guys don’t want to come out to work for a few days or a few hours.”
He said those who take up the offer are paid well and treated well. “The main thing is that I wanted the public to be aware of the auction side. I think that in Jason’s letter … it was misconstrued or whether Jason did not write it very well. He kinda steamrolled all of us. It’s like any other business. You have your good guys and your bad guys.”
Thompson believes that to have accountability, a local person should be involved in the auction.
“When you hold John McPhee, Steve Parr, Bob Severn, or myself. When you hold us there and say, ‘OK?guys this is your town, your area,’ we’re going to make sure that our people are treated fairly.”
