To make things easier for you as a novice Auction bidder, the following steps or dot points have been put together to try to make your Auction experience an enjoyable and memorable occasion.  In many cases, prospective purchasers can be intimidated by other bidders around them.  This is a common technique used by professional bidders.  They do this on purpose to put off potential bidders of particular lot/s by being boisterous and passing poor remarks about a lot being put under the hammer.

•  When you first arrive at an Auction make yourself aware of toilet and food facilities as these comforts can help your day become a pleasant experience.
•  The next thing to do is to make your way to the office and fill out a bidder’s card - make sure you always have the necessary I.D. available, as many Auction houses will only accept photo I.D with current address and details.
•  Once you have your bidder’s card, ask for a catalogue for that sale so that you may follow the day’s proceedings with ease.  Remember many Auction Houses charge a small fee for the catalogues.
•  Most Auctions are lotted in numeric order and the sale will follow that order. This makes it much easier to follow.
•  Make sure you are aware of the Terms and Conditions of the Auction as some Auctions can be different. These will be displayed at the office and/or in your catalogue.
•  Make sure that when you see something that you would like to purchase, be available at that time as most auctions run between 80 and 120 lots per hour, so give yourself plenty of time.
•  It is very important that, when you bid, you raise your bidder’s card high and that you note that the Auctioneer has spotted you thus avoiding any confusion that may occur through poor bidding practices.
•  The bidding increments can fluctuate throughout the Auction, so it’s important that you keep listening and if you have any questions, ask! Remember a bid is a binding contract.
•  After you have finished bidding on your final lot, it is important that you make your way to the office and settle up your outstanding account.
•  It is important at this time to make sure that you have the correct means of payment which are spelt out in the Terms and Conditions of the sale.
•  Remember, as soon as something is knocked down to you, it is yours and you are responsible for that item.  It is a good idea to secure that item and remove it as soon as the Auction permits.

 

*Remember, the main thing is to have fun and to understand the Auction way*
(c) DAVLAN 2004