What must auctioneers ensure to avoid conflicts of interest?

To avoid conflicts of interest, auctioneers must disclose any relationships that may influence bidding. This practice is essential because it fosters transparency and trust in the auction process. By making all relevant relationships known, auctioneers allow buyers and sellers to understand any biases or potential influences on the auction. Transparency helps to maintain the integrity of a fair bidding environment where all participants can make informed decisions.

In contrast, the other options do not effectively address the conflict of interest issue. Bidding on behalf of clients might imply a hidden agenda, while avoiding selling items for friends and family could limit the auctioneer's business opportunities without necessarily addressing the core issue of transparency. Lastly, not accepting payments from bidders, while a good practice for maintaining professional boundaries, does not directly mitigate the risk of conflicts arising from undisclosed relationships. Thus, proper disclosure is the key mechanism for maintaining trust and fairness in auctioning practices.