|
Auctions are
unique — in experience, in sound, in practice.
Many auction attendees find the
experience addictive. They report that there’s nothing quite like the thrill of
finding something they want and then bidding against others who want the same thing.
But you don’t have to be a seasoned
auction attendee to be able to experience the thrill of auctions. Auctioneers across
America are glad to welcome new bidders to their auctions. And though almost everyone has
heard the old story about the person who attended an auction, scratched his nose and came
home with an item he’d not intended to buy, pay no heed to that myth.
"People who have never been to an
auction before should certainly give it a try," said John Roebuck, CAI,
AARE, president of John Roebuck
and Associates, Memphis, TN. "Don’t be
intimidated - go and have fun!"
Feel free to just get your feet wet - don’t think you have to go to your first auction ready to bid. Attend an
auction or two in your area to get a feel for how they are conducted. Watch and listen,
then move on to bidding if that makes you comfortable.
Many auctioneers spend some time
addressing commonly asked questions and explaining how the auction is going to work. Some
even conduct pre-auction or practice sessions, or brief tutorials, about the auction
process. If you’re interested in going to your first auction, check with local
auctioneers to see if they offer such a service.
Always remember that at an auction you’re
free to ask a question if you don’t understand something. Auctioneers and their
staffs want people to continue to come to their auctions, so they’ll do all they can
to encourage repeat business! Ask a question of a member of the auctioneer’s team,
and they’ll find the answer for you.
When you arrive an auction site, register
for a bidder number and read the rules printed on or displayed on posters, brochures or
handouts. Again, ask questions if you don’t understand a policy. Inspect the
merchandise you’re interested in, as most is auctioned on an "as is, where
is" basis. This means it is not guaranteed. When you buy an item, you become
responsible for it. And, keep in mind that you’ll pay for the items you purchase
before you leave the auction, even if you aren’t taking everything with you that day.
In order to bid at an auction, you need
to make contact with the auctioneer or the ring-person. A ring-person is someone who takes
bids from the audience and then passes those on to the auctioneer. To bid, hold up your
bid card, your hand or shout "yes." The auctioneer or ring-person will make eye
contact with you, take your bid and immediately turn and seek another bid. You can remove
yourself from the process at any time by shaking your head "no" or saying
"no" if the auctioneer or ring-person turns your way. Should an auctioneer or
ring-person misinterpret any of your signals, simply report the mistake right away.
|
