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The Role of an Auctioneer: Skills, Strategy, and the Thrill of the Bid

By Harry Ballin, Head Auctioneer at Windsor Auctions. As an auctioneer at Windsor Auctions, my day-to-day role is as varied as the unique items we bring to auction. Auction day is only one part of the picture – my job involves valuations and appraisals, relationship-building, and engaging with our community to create a rewarding experience for buyers and sellers. Here’s a look into the world of auctioneering, from preparing for sale day to adapting to an ever-evolving industry.   A Day in the Life: No Two Days Are Alike       People often ask what a “typical day” looks like for an auctioneer. The truth is, there isn’t one! Some days, I’m on the road appraising items from house clearances, and other days I’m running valuation mornings all over the local area. Many days, I’m managing our team, setting up auctions, or visiting clients. Community work is also a big part of what we do at Windsor Auctions. For instance, we frequently visit care homes, like Avery Care Home, to offer valuations for residents and their families – creating opportunities to connect with local collectors and share knowledge. Of course, some days are dedicated entirely to auctioneering. I get on the rostrum, calling out bids and managing the dynamic pace of the sale. These days bring a rush of excitement, as each bid pushes us closer to new ownership for each item, whether it’s a unique antique or a modern collectable.   Skills and Qualities That Make an Auctioneer   Auctioneering isn’t just about calling out bids; it’s about making every part of the experience lively and engaging. You’ve got to be quick on your feet, confident, and have a good sense of humour. Every auction day is a blend of showmanship and strategy – keeping the energy high while making sure that bids are fairly represented and prices are maximized. Empathy is another important quality. Many clients are going through big life changes, such as managing a loved one’s estate. It’s important to approach these situations with respect, understanding that the items we handle often hold deep sentimental value.   Preparing for Auction Day   Auction day preparation is about setting the stage for what’s ahead, which...

  At Windsor Auctions, our priority is to provide clients with the best possible options for selling their items, whether it’s fine art, antiques, collectibles and now, property. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Network Auctions, a leading property auction house with nearly two decades of experience. This collaboration allows us to expand our services by offering a specialist property auction route for clients who may find that selling by private treaty isn’t the right option for them. This service is ideal for clients looking to secure a sale quickly and efficiently and with transparency.   About Network Auctions Network Auctions has been a trusted name in property auctions for over 15 years. They partner with high-quality estate agents and auction houses across the UK to provide a seamless route to market for clients. Their expertise lies in offering innovative auction solutions and guiding clients through the entire process, making sure that both buyers and sellers receive outstanding results. Richard Worrall, MNAVA FNAEA and Immediate Past President of the National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers and head of Partner Development at Network Auctions, emphasises the importance of providing clients with multiple sale options. As he puts it: “Our job as property professionals is to offer all methods of sale to clients, whether it’s private treaty, tender process, or auction. It’s about finding the best solution based on their circumstances and property type.”   Why Sell Property at Auction?   Selling property at auction provides three key benefits: speed, certainty, and transparency. Speed With auction properties marketed for four weeks before the sale and a typical 20 working day completion period, the entire process can be completed in as little as eight weeks. This is significantly faster than the private treaty method. Certainty On the fall of the gavel, the buyer pays a 10% non-refundable deposit, and contracts are exchanged. This eliminates the uncertainty of lengthy negotiations, chain breaks, or buyers withdrawing at the last minute. Transparency Auctions create a level playing field, where all interested parties have the same opportunity to bid. This is particularly important for executors, trustees, and charities, who need to demonstrate impartiality and fairness in their sales.   Who Benefits from...

A Quintessentially British Day Out: The Royal Windsor Flower Show

At Windsor Auctions, we’re always proud to support events that celebrate heritage, community, and craftsmanship. This year, we’re delighted to be helping promote The Royal Windsor Flower Show, taking place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, with our very own Harry Ballin acting as the day’s compère. This one-day event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of gardening, nature, cookery, and traditional crafts – all set in the stunning surroundings of Windsor Great Park. With tickets now on sale (including early bird discounts while they last!), this is a perfect Christmas gift or a promise of summer to look forward to. Here’s everything you need to know about this quintessentially British day out:   A Long-Standing Tradition     The Royal Windsor Flower Show is a true local institution, with 2025 marking its 118th anniversary. Organised by the Royal Windsor Rose and Horticultural Society, which itself is over 133 years old, the show has a rich and fascinating history. Known locally as the “Rose Show,” it has long enjoyed royal connections, with Queen Victoria famously sending beautiful bouquets of roses to exhibit. As with many traditional events, however, the show faced decline in the 2000s. That all changed thanks to the passion of Andrew Try, now Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, whose grandfather once exhibited at the event. Together with Show Director Alex Denman – previously of the Chelsea Flower Show – they have transformed this local gem into a high-quality horticultural celebration that retains its traditional roots while bringing fresh ideas.   Patterns in Nature: The Theme for 2025   Inspired by His Majesty King Charles III’s book ‘Harmony’, this year’s theme, Patterns in Nature, invites visitors to take a closer look at the natural world around them. From the frost of a delicate snowflake to the Fibonacci spiral in a leaf, patterns in nature connect us to the beauty, rhythm, and harmony of our environment. Throughout the show, this theme will come to life in creative and thought-provoking ways, including displays from master gardeners, immersive workshops, and inspiring photography. Visitors will leave with a renewed appreciation for the intricacies of the natural world.   What to Expect: Highlights of The Royal Windsor Flower Show     The Royal Windsor...

Preserving Memories with Living Images

At Windsor Auctions, we like to promote other businesses that we believe can provide value to our clients. As such, we’re excited to introduce Claire Hughes, the founder of Living Images, a unique business dedicated to preserving family memories in beautiful, bespoke photo albums. Claire offers a personal service, perfect for families wanting to preserve treasured memories uncovered during house clearances. But, don’t take our word for it, as for this blog, we have decided to give the floor to Claire to tell you about her business:   Meet Claire Hughes and Living Images   I’m Claire Hughes, and I’m the founder of Living Images. Living Images started from a genuine desire to help people preserve their stories. Years ago, I was working as an interior photographer, capturing the charm of a lovely old family home. The couple who lived there were about to downsize after spending over 40 years in the house. As I walked around, I noticed how much life had been lived within that home, from grandchildren’s height marks on the wall to the family dog by the fireplace. The home was special to them, and they wanted to preserve it. So, I offered to photograph their home and put it in a memory book for them to take with them. This first project sparked the idea for Living Images: creating high-quality, beautifully bound memory books that do more than hold pictures; they capture a lifetime of memories in a way that is timeless, tangible, and truly personal.   A Unique Approach to Memory Preservation My work is all about crafting bespoke photo albums and memory books with a visual narrative tailored specifically to each family’s story. I offer a range of services, from consolidating multiple photo albums into one carefully curated book to creating condolence books filled with photographs, letters, and mementos that commemorate a loved one’s life. When families find themselves with stacks of photo albums or boxes of loose photographs, I help them condense and organise it all into something manageable, beautiful, and meaningful. For instance, I’ve worked with clients who have decades’ worth of old, bulky leather photo albums. We go through the albums together, selecting the best photos, and then I...

Windsor Auctions to Host Charity Auction for Eton Information Centre at Fundraising Ball

Windsor Auctions is thrilled to announce that we will be hosting a charity auction as part of a fundraising ball for the Eton Information Centre, a community hub that provides an incredible range of services to both locals and visitors alike. The event, scheduled for March 2025, promises to be a night filled with fun, philanthropy, and, of course, exciting auction items. With Windsor Auctions’ head auctioneer, Harry Ballin, taking the lead, the auction is set to be a key highlight of the evening, raising vital funds for this beloved community asset.   About the Eton Information Centre   The Eton Information Centre, operated by a community interest company, serves as more than just a tourist information hub. While it does provide important information to tourists – especially in the wake of the Windsor Tourist Information Centre’s closure – it offers much more. The Centre helps promote local businesses, sells unique goods like art and antiques, and supports local artists through initiatives like “Art at 67,” where local artists can display and sell their work. The Centre’s positive impact on the local economy is undeniable. Research shows that visitors who stay overnight in the area spend more than twice as much as day visitors. By encouraging tourists to explore and stay longer in both Windsor and Eton, the Centre plays an important role in supporting local businesses, restaurants, and hotels. But beyond tourism, the Eton Information Centre also provides a quiet and welcoming space for the local community. Whether it’s a friendly chat, a warm spot during the winter, or simply a place to feel connected, the Centre is a haven for residents. The Centre’s staff and volunteers are integral to its success, with many working pro bono or for wages just above the minimum wage, driven by a passion for the community.   The Importance of Fundraising   The Centre’s continued operations are not guaranteed. Despite its importance, it faces financial challenges, much like many community initiatives. Being a community interest company does offer some advantages – it can apply for funding and hold fundraising events in a way that council-run entities cannot – but these opportunities alone are not enough to keep the Centre fully funded. One...

  At Windsor Auctions, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Momentum Charity on their inspiring ‘Pebble Power’ initiative. This unique project brings together art, compassion, and community to support families facing the most challenging of circumstances.   What is Pebble Power? The idea behind ‘Pebble Power’ is simple yet incredibly powerful. It all started when children visiting Momentum’s holiday cabins began decorating pebbles and leaving them for others to find. The personal drawings and heartfelt messages on these pebbles became a symbol of hope and strength for children undergoing treatment for serious illnesses. Now, whenever a child is diagnosed, they are given a personalised, decorated pebble. Each pebble features the child’s name on one side and a unique design of their choice on the other. Whether it’s a superhero to give them strength, a fairy princess to inspire magic, or a favourite football team for comfort, these pebbles are carefully crafted by talented volunteers and become treasured companions throughout the child’s treatment journey. To date, over 600 pebbles have been given to children, each one a hand-held piece of art that reflects the uniqueness of each child’s journey.   A Symbol of Hope and Comfort The pebbles may be small, but they carry immense meaning. For some children, they are a source of comfort during hospital stays and treatments. Others keep them at home in their rooms or gardens as a reminder that they are not alone in their battle. The response from families has been overwhelmingly positive: “Harry was delighted with his pebble and shows it to everyone who visits.” “Eddie was very emotional and loved how beautiful it was, getting some of the things Izzy loved to perfection. We both said it’s too good to go outside because we don’t want it to fade. I think once I have taken a lovely photo, we will keep it inside for the winter and put it outside for spring.” “I’m still admiring and smiling at the pebble, it’s funny how something so beautiful can reduce you to tears in a mixture of emotions.” These personal stories show just how much these small tokens mean to...