Since we've been going to local auctions just about every weekend, I've learned a few things.
- 1. Get to the auction site early to see if there is anything worth staying for. Auction sale bills tend to talk a great talk, but you might discover that everything advertised is just junk. However, that brings me to another point:
- 2. One man's trash is another man's treasure.
3. You might be surprised by what you find, so take your time and carefully examine items you are interested in.
4. A lot of times, there may be no rhyme or reason the way things are grouped together, so if you find something that goes with something else, don't hesitate to move it to the correct location. For instance, this weekend, I saw a "Tarot of the Spirit" book without its cards, but then found its cards on another wagon, so I put the cards with the book. Another time, I was looking through a stack of sheet music and found the instruction manual for the Clavinova (a type of electric piano) that was to be auctioned, so I put the manual with the piano. Usually, the auction workers and/or family members do not have a problem with moving stuff around like this. (Of course, there are some bidders who will move stuff to be with other stuff just so they think they can get a better deal on whatever it is, without the auctioneer noticing.)
5. Make sure you know what items cost new. For example, at a recent auction DH attended, people were buying up tools like crazy, spending way more than what they were worth new. Some of the tools were still new in packages! He also overheard a family member saying that a particular set of wrenches (new in package) cost $10 at Rural King last year, but they went on to sell at the auction for $50! In my opinion, if you can get something new for the same or cheaper price, it's not worth buying at an auction.
6. Don't get into a bidding war. There will always be another auction.
7. As far as "antiques" or collectibles are concerned, buy what you like and/or enjoy. Sometimes you might get lucky and get a valuable item, but more than likely, you will end up with something that is only valuable to you. That's perfectly all right.
8. Decide on your auction budget ahead of time, and don't go over it. Keep track of what you buy on your bid card so there are no surprises when you go to pay at the end of the auction.
9. Take a buddy. It's easier to carry stuff back and forth to your vehicle if you have your spouse or a friend along. Some auctions may have more than one bid ring going, so your buddy may need to get a bid number also.
10. Enjoy yourself. Drink plenty of water, especially if the auction is outside in hot weather. Wear a hat. Stand in the shade if you can.