Procedures at Mickelson auction questioned

To the Editor:

Most of us were waiting patiently for Vernon Mickelsons tools and other items to go up for bid.

We figured we would see those quality items early on since this was the estate of Mickelson.

Instead, buyers waited in the heat for hours watching the auctioneer sell what were obviously inferior items from outside sellers, whom the auctioneer added to the sale.

Most were in the crowd wondering when they would be able to bid on the things they came for — tools, handicapped scooters, garden items and more.

Everyone just kept wondering, for hours, as we saw what seemed like lots of junk from those other sellers put up on the auction block.

The strange operation behind this auction left many of the bystanders questioning the practices of the company.

Most of us in the crowd had a difficult time watching what appeared to be bidders working for the auctioneer and his cues telling them when to bid.

The Mickelson family certainly must have been bewildered when most of the large items from the estate did not sell until late in the day, after the crowd had thinned out.

Many people who were at the sale have discussed what seemed to be unfair practices. We have all questioned the honesty of the auctioneer. Being from Phoenix, I might expect these types of dealings, but I certainly thought small business owners in Montana might operate another way.

Jodie Donner