The auction convention automotive tent

Cars and trucks are very important to the modern auction business. The ability to travel to a seller’s location to meet with him or her is crucial to any auctioneer’s ability to book an auction.

The problem is that vehicles break down sometimes. Sometimes they don’t start quite right, run quite right or have one of any number of other problems. While there are many other places to have vehicles fixed, and it’s hard to find a town without at least one local mechanic, many auctioneers bring a vehicle to the convention and it would be great if we could figure out a way to help members with vehicles that don’t run quite right as a benefit.

Most associations have a few members who are currently or have been mechanics. These members not only use cars in their businesses, they also are good at fixing cars and helping others. I’ll bet these members would be happy to donate their time at the convention to work on cars. I think it’d be great if we could set up a tent for a few hours to let those auto-savvy auctioneers with a little wrench-turning experience and know-how help the other members who lack the ability to work on their own cars. Walk-ins would be accommodated, no appointment would be needed.

I’ve noticed a trend at conventions recently. The technology tent is just as appropriate as my proposed automotive tent. I’m not against offering presentations to groups on how to use technology to improve the business, just as I wouldn’t be opposed to presentations to groups on how to find more efficient transportation methods. However, I don’t believe it’s the role of any association to provide one-on-one help performing tune-ups or tire changes, just as I don’t believe it’s the role of any association to provide one-on-one help removing viruses or setting up email. It’s not appropriate because it’s completely outside the scope of any such organization.

Computer service should be left to a properly trained tech at a local computer shop, just as auto service should be left to a properly trained tech at an automotive shop. Asking those members who have the ability to service computers to volunteer to do so is just as appropriate as asking those members who are mechanics to perform oil changes for anyone who wants one.