Preamble

The public auction subjects all possessions to equitable public appraisal and competitive offer and thereby determines fair and current value of all personal goods and estates.

The Auctioneer is the master of procedure and conduct of the public auction. They are a confidant of the public, an instrumentality of community progress and development. Such functions impose grave responsibilities and duty beyond ordinary business policy to which they must dedicate themselves and strive to maintain the highest standards of their profession and share with their fellow Auctioneers a common responsibility for its Integrity and Honor.

Accepting the Golden Rule as their standard the Auctioneer pledges themselves to observe the Law of God and the Land in all their dealings and to conduct their business in accordance with the following Code of Ethics adopted by The Colorado Auctioneers Association.

Mission

To promote the auction method of marketing to all buyers and sellers through continued professionalism, education, and experience.

Vision

The Colorado Auctioneers Association will consist of a trusted and experienced organization of professional Auctioneers that promote the auction method of marketing as a practical and enjoyable first choice of selling (real or personal property.)

PART 1 - PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Article 1  In the best interest of the public, of his fellow Auctioneers and of his own business, The Auctioneer should be loyal to the Colorado Auctioneers Association.

Article 2  The Auctioneer should so conduct his business as to avoid disputes with his fellow Auctioneers, but in the event of a controversy between two Auctioneers who are members of the Colorado Auctioneers Association, he should not resort to a law suit, but submit his difference to arbitration by the Colorado Auctioneers Association, and the decision of such arbitration should be accepted as final and binding. If the dispute should be with a non-member, he should offer the services of this Board to arbitrate.

Article 3  Where a member is charged with unethical practice, he should promptly and voluntarily place all the pertinent facts before the proper committee for investigation and report.

Article 4  A member should never publicly criticize a competitor, and where an opinion is especially requested, it should be rendered in conformity with strict professional courtesy and dignity.

Article 5  A member should not solicit the services of an employee of a fellow Auctioneer without his knowledge and consent.

Article 6  In the best interest of society, of his associates, and of his own business, the Auctioneer should at all times be loyal to the Colorado Auctioneers Association and active in its works, and he should willingly share with his fellow members the lessons of his experience.

PART II - RELATION TO CLIENTS

Article 7  In justice of those who place their interests in his hands, the Auctioneer should endeavor to keep abreast of business conditions, to keep informed in matters of law and proposed legislation affecting such interests, so as to give intelligent business advice and effective service.

Article 8  In accepting the sale of real or personal property, the member pledges himself to be fair to both seller and buyer, and to protect the owner's interest as he would his own.

Article 9  When consulted for an appraisal of value or liquidation problem, a member should give a well considered opinion, reflecting expert knowledge and sound judgment, taking requisite time for study, inquiry, and deliberation. His counsel represents a professional service which he should render in writing and for which he should make a reasonable charge. A member should not undertake to give an appraisal or offer an opinion on any proposition on which he has a direct or even indirect interest, without a full disclosure of such interest.

Article 10  Before accepting a sale it is the duty of the Auctioneer to advise the owner intelligently and honestly regarding the market value of the business or proposition and the reasonable chance of selling at value or above.

PART III - RELATIONS TO THE PUBLIC

Article 11  It is the duty of every member to protect the public against fraud, misrepresentation or unethical practices in connection with the sale, disposal or liquidation of any real or personal property the Auctioneer is called upon to dispose of at public auction.

Article 12  It is the duty of a member to ascertain all pertinent facts concerning every sale for which he is engaged, so that in offering he may avoid error, exaggeration and misrepresentation.

Article 13  An Auctioneer is a confidential trustee of the information given by the seller or gained by him through relationship and the Auctioneer must never disclose the gross receipts of a sale or any other information that would tend to be a violation of the profession.

Article 14  No special conditions, real or assumed, or inducements or directions from anyone relieve the member from his responsibility strictly to observe the Code of Ethics in this letter and spirit.