Auctions! An American Pastime

SOLD! To the bidder in the back row, number 126. The excitement of the win is a rush, but it's time for the next item. On stage is an old wooden wagon wheel. It looks like something from the frontier days when pioneers crossed this land to arrive in the very town you live in. How much are you willing to pay for a piece of history? How much are you willing to bid for something that may only be a replica from history? The excitement builds as the bids are called out one by one.

If you've never been to an auction you are missing one of the great American pastimes. They are exciting and educational. Both in the items you find for sale and how much someone is willing to pay for them. To your eyes it may look like a piece of junk, but for someone else it's a treasure they must have. The only true worth is what you are willing to pay for it. But there are a few rules to know before you attend an auction so you can find the best items, pay the lowest or fairest price and have fun without going into debt.

In order to attend your first auction you have to know where to go! Check your local newspaper under estate and auction sales. Many cities also have auctions houses with a regular schedule each week or once a month. Check in the phone book under estate sales and call for local auctions or sales within your area. Also many storage places will have a unit auction about once a month or twice a year for unclaimed items. If you bid on a unit you will have to move everything out on the same day so be ready to have the transportation needed for large loads.

Before the auction starts the doors will open about an hour early so you can view everything available. This will give you a chance to find only the items you want to bid on and set a limit of how much you are willing to pay. There will be a lot of items, but each is given a lot number. Check the items you want carefully for chips, breakage or value. Sometimes something looks good on first glance, but on closer inspection you will find the imperfections. This does not mean it is worthless, it only means you are buying without a return policy so be sure you are going to be happy with it.

When it's time for the auction to begin make sure you are registered and have you auction number. This is the way they keep track of who has won a bid and you can pick up your item at the end of the evening or whenever you are ready to leave. Most places require you take the items that night. Some will give you 24 hours to remove the item from their building. Be sure you have a way to haul it and a place to put it, because most auctions do not provide these services.

Once the auction begins and your item comes up you'll want to remember not to bid right away. If you wait the price will usually start lower. Once the bidding begins the price will only climb. You have to listen carefully, because auctioneers can be quick in their decisions. Do not get into a bidding war with someone and pay more than the item is worth to you or more money than you brought. Set your top price you are willing to pay and do not go over it.

An auction can last for several hours so be ready to endure the time. Some of the best items can be the last items of the night. By this time most bidders have left for the evening broke but happy. This is your chance to pick up some of the best deals for the lowest price. Your number will be listed with an assistant each time you win a bid. You pay at the end of the evening or when you are ready to leave. The assistance's are also bidding for absent bidders so you may bid on an item but get out bid by someone not even there. The absent bidder gives a limit on the item they are willing to pay and you will have to top it to win.

Be sure to ask questions about the items you like before the floor is open for bidding. There are always several people to answer questions. Sometimes there can be more than one auction going on in the same building for items like jewelry and collectables in one area and larger items like furniture in another area. If this is the case you can register for an item you like with a top bid as if you were an absent bidder while you are in the other section waiting for other items.

When the night ends and you gather your treasures you'll feel a rush like nothing else can provide. It's been fun, a challenge of the mind and heart and you can't wait for the next one. So find the nearest auction to you, gather your family, friends or go alone. You will find plenty of new friends the longer you stay and the more often you attend. Most people who attend auction are friendly, helpful and just like a good game of bidding. It's the most fun you can have spending money among like minded people, so enjoy the game and good luck on the once in a life time find!