How to Buy a Violin at Auction

If you decide that it is time to buy a new violin, you should consider buying a violin at auction. There is a very good chance that you will be able to buy the violin for a very good price at either an online, or off-line auction. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Auction account
• PayPal account (if the seller requires this payment type)

Buying at an Online Auction

1. Look for a violin that is up for auction at online auction sites such as eBay, bid or Auction Addict.
2. Compare the starting bid for the violin on the auction site to similar violins found at a brick and mortar stores and other online sites.
3. Determine if the violin on the auction site is the style, quality and size that you want to buy.
4. Place a bid on the violin if you're certain that it's one that you would like to have.
5. Check the auction site to see if you have been outbid by another bidder.
6. Increase your bid, near the end of the auction, to the maximum amount that you have predetermined to spend on the violin.
7. Pay for the violin that you have won at auction, using the payment method that the seller requires.

Buying at an Off Line Auction

8. Check your local newspapers for upcoming auctions and call the auction houses to see if there is a violin up for auction. Check online at research Buzz to find live auctions in your area.
9. Go to the auction house selling the violin.
10. Give your deposit for your numbered bidding card, or paddle, which will enable you to place a bid on the violin. If you do not place a winning bid, you'll get your deposit back in a refund, at the end of the auction. If you do win a bid, the seller applies your deposit to your purchase.
11. Inspect the violin during the auction preview and decide if it's what you want. If it is, then wait for it to come up for bidding. Until then, sit very still and don't fan yourself with your paddle. You might buy something you don't want.
12. Place your bid on the violin when the auctioneer places it on the auction block. You'll raise your paddles, or bidding card, which has your number on it. Keep bidding until you have reached your predetermined spending limit for the violin, or until you are the successful high bidder.

Tips & Warnings

• A bidding frenzy can occur at both off-line and online auctions.
• Be careful to not get caught up in a bidding frenzy. If this happens, you will most likely end up spending more for the violin then you had intended.
• Attending the auction preview is very important. This is the time that you will be able to inspect the violin thoroughly.