Charles Long Auction Service has been around for quite some time. Over the years, Col. Charles Long, owner and lead auctioneer, has worked many hours in the auction industry. Encouraged by a family friend with a weekly [general merchandise] consignment auction, Charles was given the chance to learn the trade at the age of 6, and never looked back. As he gained practice and experience, other area auctioneers mentored him as well and allowed him to call bids at their auctions -- a memorable occurrence by many accounts. Stories are still shared by "old-timers" recalling Charles selling various items at estate auctions while "standing on the tables" (and many say, even then, getting amazing prices).
Throughout the years, Charles has assisted many established and beginning auctioneers build and maintain their businesses. He's conducted auctions in Macon, Salisbury, Mendon, Bucklin, Meadville, Brunswick, Brookfield, Chillicothe, Milan, Springfield, Clifton Hill, Missouri City, and at his facility near Bynumville (all in Missouri). Besides that, Charles has assisted other auctioneers as far away as Des Moines, Iowa and Kansas City, Camdenton, and Hermann in Missouri, and has sold at regular auction houses in Marshal, New Cambria, Wheeling, Chula and Orrick, spanning from livestock to automobiles to government surplus items. Once, he was even "drafted" at an Amish farm auction in Wisconsin.
Charles also donates a considerable amount of time to fundraising auctions, participating in benefits for the Brunswick, Salisbury and Marceline Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph Church in Salisbury, St. Mary's Church in Glasgow, Bishop Hogan School in Chillicothe and bid-calling for the Bucklin School after-prom party for many years. In addition, he's assisted with numerous auctions to benefit members of the community directly, including two of the largest ever conducted in Chariton county's history. He has also been hired to manage fundraisers for the Ten-Mile Amish school.
Probably the "longest day" he ever recorded at auction was a Saturday when he called the Bucklin after-prom at 2 am, then assisted another auctioneer at an auction 35 miles away from 10 am until nearly 3 pm, followed by the Bishop Hogan auction another 15 miles along, which lasted until after 10 pm. While that was the only time he was involved in three auctions in a 24-hour period, it was worth it, as kids from two communities benefited from his efforts.
Charles believes in providing the seller with the service he needs - nothing more, nothing less. This creates many opportunities for the seller to save real money without compromising on the quality of the service he receives. He recognizes that some sellers are able to do some things for themselves for a lower cost than the same service can be supplied by the auction company. This includes many of the preparations for an auction, including packing and unpacking of boxes and setting the items out on the day of the auction.
The choice of an auctioneer is an important decision that should be based on the facts of your unique situation, not on advertising or "tradition". Since most people only have one or two auctions in a lifetime, the choice will be with you for many years after. Don't be afraid to compare what different auctioneers have to offer. Base your decision on what best suits your needs and expectations, not just on the face-value of "price". Treat hiring an auctioneer like retaining an attorney -- do your homework and decide on the one best for you. You're the owner and the BOSS - an auctioneer is your employee and you should hire the one that will take the time to focus on your goals, not just the one that sells you a piece of blue sky.
Charles Long Auction Service is here for you. We will work for you to conduct your auction in the manner which will exceed your goals. We'd love to help you, but you have to call us. 660-222-3550
