In the collective imagination, the auctioneer is represented behind a lectern, hammer in hand, listing the bids of more or less discreet buyers. In reality, this profession (highly regulated) requires much more skill, finesse and sensitivity. The auctioneer thus has two “hats”: a judicial function and a second so-called “voluntary” function.
“Put yourself in people’s shoes” and show empathy
In the first case, the activity today involves a merger between the professions of bailiff and auctioneer, based on a court decision (reorganization and judicial liquidation, guardianship and curatorship or even succession as tax). A recent reform also allows auctioneers to carry out notifications, reports, expulsions, etc. Philippe Casal prefers to be frank: “It's not my job, they are very specific, distinct activities. Everyone has their skills in their field. »
In the second case, it involves valuing and selling legally mobile assets, on behalf of third parties. This is the heart of the profession, which combines “treasure hunting”, that is to say discovery of objects, and estimation.
The judicial part is often very different, with a potentially necessary social approach. “Law enforcement is one thing. We can do it in a humane way, or in an extremely harsh way.” Philippe Casal has chosen. He prefers to “put himself in people’s shoes” and show empathy.
Among the objects that one does not necessarily expect in an auction, our auctioneer found himself selling… limousines: “Not cars, cows,” he laughs. These were in particular animals with high added value due to their genetic specificities.
When we talk about animals, we touch on one of the satisfactions of auctioneer Ponot in his 22-year career: “I managed to save the animals that passed through my hands, notably cows and horses which, if necessary, could end up in the slaughterhouse. I was lucky, because you don't choose your buyers. I came across clients who were motivated, not to make money, but to save animals.”
