Things You'll Need:
- pen or pencil
- tablet to keep track of spending and to make notes
- money or other pay method
- books or internet to research before you buy
- seat cushion or blanket ?
- newspaper and boxes to wrap and pack up your items
- truck, van or other transport for your items home
- a helper or two is good
-
Step 1
Do your homework before the auction !
Most auction houses have a website or at least put out flyers or ads listing many of the items that will be up for auction.
Check the internet and books... to see how you can tell if the objects are the real deals or a fake or a reproduction.
Check into what the price range would be for each (keep in mind the economy of the area where the auction is being help AND the area in which you will be selling the items if that is your goal. -
Step 2
If there is a phone number or an email address, contact the auction house at least a day before the auction and ask:
What sorts of payments do you take ?
What is the return policy ?
(If needed) Can I arrange to pick up items on another day or not ?
Is there a "Buyer's Premium" - if so - What percent ?
What is the sales tax rate for the town where the auction is being held ?
What time may I come in to inspect the auction items ?
Also, make sure you get directions to where the auction is being held. -
Step 3
Get there as soon as the doors open if you can so that you are able to inspect the items carefully for quality.
Also make sure to check them using the tips you looked up earlier regarding how to tell if it is an antique... and what the values should be... .
Be making notes about the items of interest as to what materials they seem to be made of (see what the auctioneer says they are made of and compare with your notes) and what you are willing to pay for each of them so that you do not get carried away and bid too much later on. -
Step 4
After you have made your inspections and have decided to stay and perhaps bid on one or more items, it is time to stop in at the desk (or the auction trailer if it is an outdoor auction) to register and get a bid number - you will need your driver's license.
Some auctions might let you keep the same number once you register to make it easier for you to remember your bid number.
But even when you become a regular you will need to let them know you are there each week by registering, but you likely will not have to show your license over and over once they get to know you. -
Step 5
It's auction time !
Sit quietly and pay attention so that you know exactly what is up for bid. You would be amazed at how many folks end up buying things that they didn't mean to buy just because they bid on the wrong item and there is usually a no return policy.
If you must bring kids, please have them sit quietly because the other bidders want to hear what is up for bid and the auction staff needs to be able to keep accurate records to make sure the correct amounts are written on the correct items and being charged on the correct bidder numbers... . -
Step 6
As you buy, keep track of what you bid so you can check your totals against the auction house total for you.
Also, make sure to wrap really well anything that could be breakable or scratchable... with newspapers and then box them up.
Keep an eye on your items (a helper is really great to have if you can -to wrap up and watch your items so you can keep bidding) because once you buy it - it is your problem if it goes missing ot gets broken... . -
Step 7
When you are ready to leave, add up your items and add the Buyer's Premium# and sales tax to that and go up to the desk any pay your bill if it matches your total.
If not, see if you forgot to write something down or if it is simple mistake.
After you pay your bill, then you can start taking your items out and loading them up to take home.
# Most auction houses charge a 10% (or more) Buyer's Premium to help cover employee costs and other expenses. They subtotal your bill and add another 10% onto it. This extra fee is then added to your bill. So, if you bought $100.00 worth of items, It would now cost you $110.00 + the sales tax.
Comments
Butterfli said
on 10/18/2009 Great article! 5*
Butterfli said
on 10/18/2009 Great article! 5*
Butterfli said
on 10/18/2009 Great article! 5*
Butterfli said
on 10/18/2009 Great article! 5*
perceptive said
on 10/13/2009 Really good information here. I've always wanted to participate in auctions, but my ignorance of the whole process gets in the way. Thank you for sharing, I've learned something today! 5***** :o)