If you’ve ever attended a Pifer’s auction, in person or online, you’ve heard the sing-song chant of the auctioneer and seen the quick hand gestures between the ringmen. At your very first auction, it might feel overwhelming, but the entire process is easy to break down.

An auctioneer’s chant is easily recognizable and completely unique to the person. Chants are shaped by who the auctioneer learned from and whatever feels natural to them. Some sound like a song, while others are like the quick rattle of a drum.

The auctioneer will quickly chant out the current bid amount, followed by the next increment they are asking for. If you’re not hearing a number, you’re likely hearing the auctioneer’s filler words. For example, Kevin Pifer usually says, “Even money” between increments. He got that from his instructor, Leroy Boeckel, in the 80s. Christian Miller often says, “Bid it on,” Cliff Sanders says, “Dollar now,” Andy Mrnak says, “Now would you give,” Bob Pifer says, “You able to buy,” and Kelly Spring says, “Dollar bidder now.” 

For the ringmen, communicating with each other and the auctioneer across a crowded room, or even across the lot, would be nearly impossible without hand signals. That’s why they rely on them to keep everything moving without needing to say a word. Not that they’re quiet. A ringman’s holler has to be louder than the crowd, the machines, and even the auctioneer on the microphone. At any Pifer’s auction, you will see a ringman responding to the chant with 1 through 9 hand signals and a shout you could set as your alarm clock.