2. Just about anyting you can think of can be found at an
auction. Anything from jewelry, collectibles, boats,
books,cars, household items; I repeat, anything and
everything. That's the excitement of the auction.
3. You can find auctions in your area by various ways
including your local newspaper who would have a section
in the classifieds for auctions that will happen in the
coming week or weeks. You can search for auction houses
on the internet. If they have a web site, their upcoming
auctions along with pictures and descriptions of items
would be listed so customers know what is being offered.
Usually, there are signs placed close to the auction site
indicating an auction is taking place or will be soon. The
ads or web site should also give directions to the location.
4. After you find the auction or auctions of interest, you
need to check the time it starts. There should be a starting
time for the auction and for viewing the items. Make sure
you allow lots of time to get to the auction to check out
the items. Then you will decide which items you want to
bid on and how much you want to bid. Take a pad of paper
and pen to make notes of the items and your top dollar
you are willing to bid for the items. This will also be a good
time to find the auctioneers and auction workers so you
can get to know them. They have the all of the details
about the items and should be happy to provide any
information you require.
5. You will want to find out when the auction will start. Find
out where the auction will start and what direction it will
go. There may be more than one auction ring, if there are
many items. Some auctions last for several days. Each
auction ring will have an auctioneer, a recorder, and
helpers. Find out how many rings and which auctioneer
will be in which ring. Introduce yourself to the auctioneer
and the workers so they will recognize you when you bid
and be more apt to look your way for a bid. It is also an
avenue for inside information to the type of auction it is,
the type of items being offered, etc. Some auctions have
multiple estates represented, so some sections of items
may look like it doesn't really go with the other items. The
auctioneer and workers should know this and will share
that information with you.
6. There will be a payment and registration table which are
usually together. You will want to stop at the registration
table before the auction starts to register. They will need
your name, address, phone number, picture ID, and tax
number, if you have one.
7. The auction can be indoors or outdoors, so dress
appropriately. You might want to think about taking a
snack or lunch. There might be a vendor available near the
auction. Check out where you want to park to get your
winning items to your vehicle easily.
8. Each item will have a lot number or description associated
with it. This information may not be on the actual item,
but the recorder will have it. It will be on the tickets for
each of your winning items. Keep track of what you were
the winning bidder on and what the winning bid was. This
way, you can match each up to your ticket when you check
out.
9. The items up for auction are usually kept in boxes or flats.
The items may be auctioned per box or per item. You
should be able to request a certain item be pulled out of a
box to auction separately, if you like. A lot of times, you
can get a better bargain if the item you want is together
with other items that may be less in demand.
10. The more expensive items are kept in locked cases with an
attendant close by to open the case for inspection when
requested. These items have been determined by the
auctioneer to be more valuable pieces and will be
auctioned individually. Since you have gotten familiar with
the auctioneer, you will know where the auction will start.
Get yourself in a position so that you can see the items as
they are auctioned and so that you will be readily seen by
the auctioneer for your bids. Make sure you have your
bidder number card ready to show the auctioneer when
you bid and also when you win an item.
11. Before and during the auction, as people look at the items,
some may get moved from box to box. Make sure you pay
close attention to what is being auctioned, in case some
things were moved. When you win, make sure to take
your winnings directly to your vehicle. Once you win the
bid, the item or items are you possession and you are
responsible for them. Items have been known to get up
and walk away while you are not looking. It is best to keep
an eye on your winnings or have another person attend to
them and take them to your vehicle.
12. Depending upon the auctioneer, bidding may start at what
the auctioneer thinks the item will eventually sell for. That
offer may not get any bids, so in order to get people
bidding, the auctioneer will lower the starting bid. If you
are really interested in an item, you may want to bid first
thing. This quick bid may scare off other potential bidders
and you will win the item. Toward the end of the auction,
there may not be as many people at the auction so this is
a good time to get in on some good deals as well.
13. When you are ready to leave, you will need to go to the
payment or registration table to pay for your winning
items. They will have a list of items or a ticket for each
winning item. Make sure the item and price match what
you have recorded. It will be much easier to resolve any
conflicts immediately rather than later. Good luck with
your bidding!