NHAA Code of Ethics

PREAMBLE

Whereas, it is necessary, in order to fit ourselves for the responsibility of Auctioneers, to cultivate the spirit of cooperation, improve our profession and protect the interest of the Auctioneer, to protect the public against unscrupulous practices, therefore, we do constitute ourselves a New Hampshire Auctioneers Association, Inc.

PART I: PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

1. In the best interest of the public, of his fellow Auctioneers and his own business, the Auctioneer should be loyal to the New Hampshire Auctioneers Association, Inc.
2. The Auctioneer should so conduct his/her business as to avoid disputes with his fellow auctioneers. Two Auctioneers who are members of the New Hampshire Auctioneers Association, Inc. should submit any differences to arbitration by the New Hampshire Auctioneers Association, Inc. and the decision of such arbitration should be accepted as final and binding. If the dispute should be with a nonmember, he should offer the services of this Board to arbitrate.
3. Where a member is charged with unethical practice, he should promptly and voluntarily place all pertinent facts before the proper committee for investigation and report.
4. A member should never publicly criticize a competitor, and where an opinion is specially request, it should be rendered in conformity with strict professional courtesy and dignity.
5. Any member of the New Hampshire Auctioneers Association, Inc. should not collude or pool with any other person or persons at any auction sale to suppress bidding on any item.
6. In the best interest of society, of his/her associates, and of his/her own business, the Auctioneer should at all times be loyal to the New Hampshire Auctioneers Association, Inc. and active in its work, and he/she should willingly share with his/her fellow members the lessons of his/her experience.

PART II: RELATION TO CLIENTS

1. In justice to those who place their interests in his/her hands, the Auctioneer should endeavor to keep abreast of business conditions, to keep informed in matters of law and proposed legislation affecting such interest, so as to give intelligent business advice and effective service.
2. In accepting the sale of real or personal property, the member pledges him or herself to be fair to both seller and buyer, and to protect the owner's interest as he/she would his/her own.

PART III: RELATIONS TO THE PUBLIC

1. It is the duty of every member, to the best of his/her knowledge, to protect the public against fraud, misrepresentation or unethical practices in connection with the sale, disposal or liquidation of any real or personal property the Auctioneer is called upon to dispose of at public auction.
2. No special conditions, real or assumed, or inducements or directions from anyone relieve the member from his/her responsibility strictly to observe the Code of Ethics in this letter and spirit.