According to auction procedures, the auctioneer is primarily the __________ of the seller.

The auctioneer acts as an agent of the seller, which denotes a fiduciary relationship. This means that the auctioneer has the legal responsibility to represent the seller's interests during the auction process. The agent's role encompasses promoting the seller's items, establishing a competitive bidding environment, and ensuring that the sale proceeds under the best possible conditions for the seller. This agency relationship also involves the auctioneer providing expertise in market trends and strategies that align with the seller's goals, thereby upholding the obligations of trust and care owed to the seller.

While the terms representative and advisor do describe aspects of what an auctioneer might do, they do not capture the full legal implications and responsibilities inherent in the agency relationship. Being a servant implies a more subservient role without the fiduciary responsibilities, which does not accurately reflect the professional standing of the auctioneer in this context. Thus, the designation of the auctioneer as the agent of the seller is most precise in outlining their role and duties in the auction process.