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
6. like it doesn't really go with the other items. The
auctioneer and workers should know this and will share
that information with you.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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!
