Antique Auctions

Have you ever been to any live antique auctions? (No, not an ebay auction!)

If not, you need to go! Finding one is not hard, regardless of where you live.

Auctions make antique collecting fun and exciting!

Are you interested in finding collectible paper ephemera? Then try to find an ephemera auction, where only paper goods are sold! That's the one for you!

Live auctions can be fast paced and quite exciting! There is always a certain "buzz" in the room!

A good auction house will make sure that you are bidding on authentic and quality items. They will do the searching and screening for you! They do this because they want to draw big crowds and big prices for the sellers. They want you to come back!

Antique Auction Buying Tips

• Read/Study - Read over the list of items to be auctioned carefully, Note items that are of interest to you and try to learn more about them, before you go!
• Preview - Attend the auction preview if they have one. Many auction houses will allow you to come early and look things over. Some will even have a special preview day!
• Website - These days, most auctioneer's have a website listing their upcoming sales. It's a great place to preview items without leaving your home!
• Price Limit - Predetermine a price limit for each item that you are interested in. Set a "max." price! Stick to it!
• Bidding - Bidding is fun, but be careful, it is also contagious! Hold back at the start and see where the bidding goes! Then, jump in when you're ready!
• Register Early - Make sure that you register and get a bidder's number as soon as you arrive. If you wait too long, you may be standing in line when the bidding begins!
• Terms of Sale - Check the terms of the sale closely, either in the newspaper ad or online! There are normally no exceptions here! Look for payment options, pickup times, etc.
• Auction Etiquette - In other words, do what everybody else is doing! Not sure what to do? Attend a couple of practice auctions and observe. That can be fun too!
• Dress Comfortably - Antique auctions can sometimes extend late into the day/evening. Keep in mind, they can be indoors or outside in the elements.
• Food/Restrooms - Food and restrooms are normally available. Check ahead of time if the sale will be outdoors! Take a snack!
• Enjoy - Most auctioneers are fun people with outgoing personalities. They will generally keep you entertained and "on track" as the sale progresses.

Selling at an Antique Auction!

Well, many of the same tips apply! Research your item carefully to learn it's approximate value. Most auctioneers will help you with this. They may give you a "ballpark" figure that they believe your item will sell for.

Be realistic! Is your item in excellent condition? Or has it been used regularly through the years, showing some signs of wear? Not sure? Sometimes it may be worth it to have your item appraised first (antique appraiser), so you don't make a big mistake!

Does the Auction House (which you selected) handle items like yours? Have they been successful in obtaining top level sales with similar items? Ask questions!

And, of course, make sure that you understand the terms of the sale, including ALL FEES!!! (house sales commision %, pick-up fees, special listing/advertising fees, minimum bid fees, etc...) Get it in writing...no verbal committments allowed here! Don't be surprised when you receive your check in the mail!

Finally, and this is a big one! Be prepared to accept the fact that your item may not sell for what you think it's worth! The bidding process determines the value! Sometimes, this works out to your benefit - sometimes not! You must be able to live with the outcome...regardless!

Special Note on Antique Value!

The auctioneer normally knows many, many people in a variety of fields. They may point you in the right direction of a qualified appraiser. Or, perhaps, they may suggest visiting the local historical society if your item is of local interest.

In any case, this is an opportunity to improve on your antique research skills.

Random Notes...

Buckle up! If not, you will be left in the dust holding a bag of rocks.

Our advice?

Pay particular attention near the end of the sale. If the sale is running late, auctioneers will speed up the process ten fold!

Also, if it is an outdoor auction, and the weather is taking a turn for the worse, get ready for some fast sales! You will not believe how fast items will sell! Offer a quick bid and chances are, it's yours!

This is a great time to pick up a fantastic bargain...it's worth the wait! We've done it many times!

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