How to Bid at an English Auction

Don’t let the formal name dissuade you; an English auction is the most common form of auctions used, also called an open ascending price auction. In an English auction, the participants bid openly against one another, with each succeeding bid higher than the previous bid.

The idea of an auction is simply the process of buying or selling goods or services by offering them up for a bid, taking ensuing bids, and then selling the goods or services to the highest bidder. The English auction format is most commonly used for selling goods, particularly antiques or artwork and a minimum of two bidders are required. These instructions pertain to a person bidding at an auction on site.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A bidding number.

1. Request the auction catalogue or view items prior to the auction (usually a specific time amount before an auction). Inspect goods carefully, as many items at auctions are sold “as is”.

2. Purchase your bidding number.

3. Hold up your bidding number so the auctioneer and his or her spotters see that you are actively bidding. (Note: If you are not actively bidding, do not raise or wave your hand. People have unwittingly purchased items they were not actively bidding on).

4. If the price of an item exceeds your limit, lower your bidding number immediately.

5. If you are able to continue bidding, make sure your bidding number is seen.

6. Highest bidder – congratulations on your purchase.

7. Pay for your item(s).

8. Collect your purchase.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that you cannot start bidding on an item again once you have dropped out.