About Dirk Soulis and Soulis Auctions
Soulis Auctions, Since 1998
For nearly 30 years, Dirk Soulis has been the Midwest ambassador to global art markets. He is a proven leader when it comes to innovation and the leveraging of technology for maximum results at auction. These aren’t just words. His fresh ideas in marketing and promotion, and his leveraging of technology have been quite public and widely acknowledged (“Soulis, who has been selling antiques for 15 years … Became the first auctioneer in the Kansas City area to run live, real-time auction on the Internet.” The Kansas City Star Tue, May 11, 1999. Page 129).
Since the founding of Soulis Auctions in 1998, Dirk has learned who the buyers are, how they think, what they want and what the top buyers need in order to bid with confidence – whether they’re across town, across the country or across the globe. With a command of this knowledge, he knows exactly how to serve his most important client: you – the seller.
As a regional powerhouse with international reach – respected by collectors, trusted by institutions, and followed by 32,000+ registered bidders worldwide (per the web site Liveauctioneers.com)Soulis Auctions is known for producing results that consistently punch far above their weight class.
What Sets Us Apart
We spare no measure that might make even a little difference for our sellers. Namely, we do all we can to please the buyers. In a world of ‘auctions’ with no actual auctioneer, no one to moderate or advocate for and protect the seller or properly inform and assure the buyers; and auction houses that claim to sell to buyers around the world but don’t provide any shipping options; in a world where auctioneers consider a Facebook post and an email sufficient advertising, and offer no guarantees of authenticity or make mention of an item’s condition, there is quite a lot that sets Soulis apart.
Full-Service Infrastructure
We operate from a secure, climate-controlled, custom-built 12,000-square-foot facility with a walk-in vault, monitored alarm systems, and full-time staff. Winning bidders benefit from our in-house, top-rated shipping service. And yes – **we even deliver locally – for free.**
Real Auctions. Real Results.
Our auctions are live events – conducted by a real auctioneer – and backed by the latest technology to engage bidders live in the room, live online, and live by phone. We don’t just upload a seller’s property to an online bidding platform and liquidate it mechanically. Serving as auctioneer, Dirk Soulis pits competing bidders from various sectors against one another. He manages incoming bids from attendees in the room, bidders participating live by telephone, and bidders participating live via four, not one, but FOUR different live internet bidding platforms. This state-of-the-art competition is broadcast live over the Internet to remote bidders through an audio and video feed that engages them in the action. Gallery attendees bidding in the room enjoy free catered meals and all manner of refreshments during the auction, followed by white-glove service long after the hammer falls.
Marketing That Moves the Needle
We don’t believe in “just enough” advertising (that attitude is guaranteed to be ‘not enough’ and will cost a Seller money). We believe in overkill. The famous American retail pioneer John Wanamaker said, “Half my advertising dollars are wasted, I just don’t know which half.” He wasn’t saying that half those dollars shouldn’t be spent. He was emphasizing that both halves must be spent. Similarly, Henry Ford said, “a man who stops advertising to save money is like a man who stops a clock to save time.”
In the case of the auctioneer, who should take the role of fiduciary, these savings aren’t passed on to the seller! They are a cost to the seller.
The bottom line is that every Soulis campaign is built with an aggressive media mix: print in US and European publications, digital, email, social, public radio, art industry web sites and data bases, state press associations, local newspapers, mail lists, good will, gallery talks, preview exhibitions, value-added services, fanfare, P.T. Barnum-like gimmicks, whatever it takes to get the word out and the bidders in; actions taken from a solid base of product knowledge, an understanding of the target buyers, buyer psychology, and years of experience in the market.
“Auctioneers owe a fiduciary duty to their sellers. Yet, when an auctioneer cuts corners on advertising or services, it’s not the Seller who saves, it’s the Seller who pays the price.”
Unmatched Accountability
We inventory, insure, and safeguard every item as if it were our own. We name you as co-insured under our fine arts insurance policy and document it. We provide airtight records and transparent communication from day one.
Soulis by the Numbers
- 40 years in the auction industry, beginning in 1985
- 27 Years since the founding of Soulis Auctions
- 36,000+ lots cataloged (per Liveauctioneers.com)
- 393+ auctions conducted(per Liveauctioneers.com)
- 22 museums as clients and counting
- 40+ world record prices achieved and counting
- 32,000+ registered bidders worldwide(per Liveauctioneers.com)
- 92% approval rating on LiveAuctioneers.com (see below)
- 19,000+ opt-in email subscribers
- 12,000 sq. ft. custom-built facility
- 4.82 out of 5 stars based on 950+ reviews on LiveAuctioneers.com
Ranked in the TOP 1% of auctioneers nationwide for Accuracy, Responsiveness, Payment, and Shipping.
Innovation from the Start
In 1999, Dirk Soulis made history by hosting the first-ever live Internet-streamed gallery auction, not just in Kansas City, but one of the first ever, anywhere. On that day in May of ‘99, during the company’s first annual Spring Fine Art auction, a $49,000 bid – submitted online – forced the legendary dealer Charles Martignette bidding by phone to pay $50,000 for an oil painting by Herbert ‘Buck’ Dunton (1878 – 1936). The game was forever changed and Soulis Auctions has been ahead of the curve ever since.
The Bottom Line
- You want an auctioneer who shows up, stands up, and delivers – one who knows how to deliver.
- You want reach, reputation, and results.
- You want someone who can get the job done, but properly.
Credentials & Commitment
Dirk is an experienced lifelong learner who believes in staying ahead of the curve – not just with technology and marketing, but with continuing education that grows his expertise. In March 2025, he earned a certificate from the Sotheby’s Institute of Art online course *Determining Value: An Appraiser’s Perspective* and takes every opportunity he can to consume more. He considers learning something new every day to be a perk of the job and as of May 7, 2025 enrolled in classes with the Gemological Institute of America.
