How to Attend Postcard Auctions

There are few collectors who don't get caught up in the excitement and anticipation of attending auctions, and postcard fanatics are no exception. With hundreds or even thousands of postcards available all in one place, collectors can add rare and vintage finds to their collections with relative ease and--hopefully--at a reasonable price. Once you attend your first postcard auction, you may be hooked.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Auction catalogues

Enlarge Your Postcard Collection at an Auction

1. Find out when the top houses are auctioning off vintage postcards. Large auctioneers have specific dates and times that they present postcards and other similar collections during the year. Most have websites with updated information on the various collections.

2. Pre-register for the auction once you have decided to attend. Most auction houses require specific documentation, including bank references, before you will be allowed to bid on merchandise. This information is usually requested at least 48 hours prior to the auction. You will also need to provide positive identification before you will be issued a bidding paddle that corresponds with the pre-registration information you provided.

3. Know what postcards you intend to bid on when you attend auctions. You'll want to secure a copy of the individual catalogues of the auction houses or view the collections on the Internet before arriving at the live auction. Most of the larger auction houses also offer a pre-auction viewing, where you will be able to take a closer look at the postcards without the pressure of having to make a bid.

4. Learn the auction protocol before the bidding starts. Most auction houses will present you with a numbered paddle after you have signed in, which you will use to inform the auctioneer of your bid.

5. Remember that your bid is usually not the full amount of payment due. Buyers must also pay applicable sales taxes and any shipping costs if such service is provided.

6. Make and stick to a budget. Once you have determined the amount of money that you are able to spend, do not go over that amount. Auctions are a bit like gambling, and some people get foolishly caught up in the frenzy and excitement.

Tips & Warnings

• When you just can't get away to personally attend an auction, you have several other options. Most auction houses offer telephone and Internet bidding, as well as written bids. You can also use an online auction service like Ebay, which gives you the ability to look for your favorite postcard 365 days a year (see Resources below).
• During the bidding process, do not raise the paddle if you do not intend to follow through on your bid for a postcard. Your bid is almost always legally binding and will be treated as if you are signing a contract.

Resources

• eBay for online auctions