Find Bargains Through AuctionZip.Com--Listing Auctions from All Over the United States

If you are like many people in this economy, you look for bargains. Many retailers are dropping prices on furniture and household goods. Which is good news for those replacing worn out items, or just setting up housekeeping.

Those who favor collectibles or antiques can find bargains at AuctionZip.Com. AuctionZip.Com is the largest listing of auctions in the world, receiving over 1.2 million unique visitors per month and growing. Knowing how to use auctionzip.com can help you decide which auctions to attend. If you can't make it to the auction, auctionzip offers buyers the ability to bid online. Auctionzip.com even has it's own auction channel at http://theauctioneerchannel.com/index.php/thauctioneerchannelcom-live-auction-videos/viewvideo/186.

Auctionzip.com offers search fields like the ones pictured. Notice the default setting--Find Auctions within 30 Miles of Zip Code with a blank field to insert a zip code.

Entering a zip code in that blank field and clicking on Search will display auctions within 30 miles of that zip code. Notice the field--In Category: All Auction Categories. Selecting the drop down arrow will display categories of auctions. From there, you can filter the type of auctions to attend or bid at on-line. Auctions available include Antique-Household-Collectibles, Agriculture-Farm, Automobiles, Commercial-Industrial, Real Estate (General), Benefit-Charity, Heavy Equipment, On-line Bidding, New Merchandise, Storage Auctions, Wholesale Auctions, Real Estate (Farm), Real Estate (Land), Real Estate (Commercial), Real Estate (Residential)

Now, here is a trick that many overlook in this search--the Keyword(s) field. Suppose the only reason you wish to attend auctions is to find a sofa, and if the auction doesn't offer a sofa, you don't want to waste your time attending. Type in the word sofa in addition to putting in the zip code. Or, if you don't mind traveling further than 30 miles for a sofa, or bidding on-line, click the down arrow for the field--Find Auctions with 30 miles of zip code--and change this. Selections for miles to travel further than 30 miles start at 50 miles and increase in increments of 50 miles all the way up to 500 miles and ANY miles.

In other words, you could do a search all over the United States for a sofa. Now probably, just to buy a sofa, a buyer wouldn't want to do this. But, some collectors would be willing to bid at any auction to get a certain rare collectible. This is a pretty handy tool to find that rare item.

One of the features on the default page of AuctionZip.Com--Prices Realized--shows a butter churn that sold for $1,200. AuctionZip.Com also shows the most viewed auctions, which indicates there is a lot of interest in that auction. If a buyer doesn't want to sit at the computer wading through all of these, he can also sign up for a premium subscription with auctionzip.com indicating keywords of interest. When those keywords pop up, auctionzip.com will send alerts that keywords are showing up in auctions within the miles specified for travel.

Auctions found from the search are displayed on a monthly calendar. Clicking on the date on the calendar will display the auctions for that date. Within that list, click on the specific auction of interest. At this point you will be shown the listing and sometimes photographs of what will be sold at the auction.

Words of warning about auctions.

Research before attending an auction to find the average price for an item. If you sign up for a free E-Bay account, this can be done by doing a search and then going to completed listings for those items. If you don't have an E-Bay account or don't want one, find someone who has one and they can do the search for you. If you plan to buy antiques, another option is to check your local library for books on valuing antiques or contact a local antique dealer. Expect to pay the dealer an appraisal fee. Googling the item could also turn up results. For instance, Google "Homer Laughlin" Wheat Dishes yields a result at IOffer.Com--http://www.ioffer.com/i/Homer-Laughlin-Golden-Wheat-Cup-Saucer-Sets-59688881--of $3.99 for a cup and saucer set or "Make an Offer."

If a lot of interest is shown in an auction that usually means many antique dealers will show up at the auction driving the prices up as they compete for items.

Check the merchandise before bidding. For instance if buying collectible or antique glassware, run your finger around the top and bottom of the glass to check for chips and cracks. Hold the glassware up to the light and look for flaws, as obviously you don't want to buy damaged merchandise or if buying just for decorative purposes, you don't want to overpay for it.

If buying a sofa or chair, sit on the furniture to see if springs are broken or cushions are sagging. Also, look for tears, and rips; look and smell for stains and soiling.

Take someone with you to watch your merchandise or don't buy more than you can carry in one trip to your vehicle. Never ask the auctioneer's helpers to watch your merchandise for you. Never advertise that you are attending auctions. Remain inconspicuous at auctions. Be sure to write down all your winning bids and the amount you bid. When paying for merchandise, have your items totaled to see if they agree with what the auctioneer's assistants say you owe.