My little ones would have long faces if Daddy came home with no box lots of Treasures for them to pour through every Saturday morning. On the other hand, the public is much against the practice, and it's clear they are distrusting of its use. Thus rises the appearance of impropriety, even where there is none. The law is the law. Second, if you are going to bid for yourself, or allow your staff and relatives to bid, make full and clear disclosure of the fact to the crowd both before and several times during the auction.
Full disclosure can cure many ills.
Third, if you have the nerve, place a comment box at each auction and ask for anonymous comments from the crowd. This will give you an idea of how you're doing and what people like and dislike. If your mail is anything like mine, they'll tell you frequently they hate the buyer's premium, and they strongly dislike auctioneer and staff bidding. Steve Proffitt is an auctioneer and practicing attorney at law. He welcomes questions from readers about all aspects of auctions and auctioneering.