Top 10 Tips for Government and Police Auctions

Here are the top 10 tips for government and police auctions:

1. If there is a preview to the auction, take advantage of it and pop along to look at the items. Sometimes they are not available to view at the auction itself, so it's best to know what it is you're bidding on, or buying. If you are bidding on a car, check the mileage, see if there is any rust, give the car a good once over to make sure you are really getting the bargain you want. Check the condition of goods, inspect for damage or wear and tear.

2. Have an idea of what the retail price is before you decide you want to purchase the item at an auction. If for no other reason, you'll reassure yourself of a good bargain when you win it! Also have a good idea of how much you want to spend - what is your budget? - and stick to it. Don't get involved in a bidding war just to beat someone else. Be strict about how high you want to go. It's not a bargain if you can't afford it!

3. If you attend a Police auction and see something you think might be yours, contact the organizers so they can withdraw the item and investigate. Similarly, some auctions advertise property to be sold beforehand, in a local paper or similar. This is a good place to see if any of your missing property might have turned up, and you may be lucky enough to have it returned to you, the rightful owner!

4. Attend auctions when the weather is inclement. People don't bother turning up if it is raining or cold, so you're more likely to get a better price, and with less competition!

5. If you need to travel to an auction, call ahead to get more information on the condition of the item - no point turning up to an auction if the item is not quite what you expected.

6. Also check what types of payment are accepted, just in case the price runs higher that you expect. You don't want to miss out on winning a prized item just because you don't have the cash, and they don't accept credit. If you are bidding on a house, car or any other large ticket item, make sure you have the funds available, and ensure the auction organizers don't need a letter of credit beforehand.

7. Try to stay until the end of the auction - most people have left by then and the bids will be lower.

8. If you are bidding on an online auction, make sure you understand how the site works. Never assume all sites are the same. Just like all auctions operate differently, so do auction websites.

9. If you are purchasing larger-ticket items such as a car or house, make sure there is no money owing on it. You may be responsible for any debts outstanding on your new Ferrari!

10. Make sure the price you pay is final - there are no delivery fees, export fees and the like. Don't get caught out paying more than you expected. Confirm who pays for delivery etc, and if it is you, how much it is.