Auction Crazies

[TOMLESCOEQUIP]

I use the 50% rule at auctions..........Spend half what you would spend if you bought it elsewhere.(unless you know the items history) The only real bargains at auctions are things you didn't plan on buying !! (when you're standing there & you get to thinking "man that seems cheap".............I better bid a time or 2 ) The 50% rule applies to any used electrical device purchased anywhere.........not just auctions.

 

[bontai_Joe]

I try to find auctions that are heavy with household antiques and "collectibles" with a few tools or lawn stuff listed at the end of the bill. That way most of the "crazies" are there for the doll collection, or the so-called rare coins or whatever, and I find myself with 3 or 5 other flannel shirted old guys waiting for the tools to sell. Doesn't always work, but if you go to enough auctions you will discover that each auctioneer has a specialty that they like to sell and the crowd that follows them knows it. The trick is to be there for "A" when every one else is there for "B".

 

[LBrown59]

http://tinafolsomphotography.com/ebay_song.html

 

[mitchell574]

Thats funny! Had to save it. The crazies are at every auction. Watch who you are bidding against. Had one to run the bid up on me one time. He bumped my one time to many. Stuck him with it. Later sold it to me for half of what i bid. Good friend of the auctioner. Also selling 2 or more items in the pile by the piece not by the pile. That runs people off. Ilike to goto auctions after lunch. Most people get tired of waiting and leave

 

[DannyD]

First have fun! Watch the people. Ask around town about the auction, the estate, and the auctioneer. I have some I wont go to because of the auctioneer. Lots of good advice here, and right on. Watch for bidders that will bid it up..........they are there, and paid by the auctioneer. IF some of the employees bid, leave. If some of the family bid, leave.....unless it is stated before that family is there and may be bidding on items. Do not get into a bidding war, and never let on that you "really" want an item. Had a guy one time that was bidding me up on an old plow for the yard decor. I him hawed, then said outloud, one more time.....he bid again.............I did not care one way or the other, but I wanted him to pay more. If you see someone hold up their card and leave it up............well they are just silly. Saw a Derby pin go for 75.00 once.........crazy! Write down Items you want to bid on, and what you are willing to pay. Then write down the items you win! Most auctions will take checks, be sure though. take someone with you to watch the crowd, looking for and at those bidding against you. Surpising too, alot of ebayers show up. I let a plate with quail on it go once. Then asked if they wanted to sell just the plate (they bundled it) These old folks sold on ebay, he asked me 2 time what he paid for the lot. I told him if I wanted it that bad, he would not have gotten the lot.

Just be careful and have fun.