Harvster said:
Going to my first auction for implements, tools, etc. Any advice on things to do or not to do?
I LOVE auctions! Even if there aren't any bargains, they're quite interesting froma "people observer" point of view. I started going to auctions with my dad. He gave me the basics of the "game". The rest I learned (sometimes the hard way) on my own.
Don't go to a sale with the explicit thought of buying one particular item. You'll pay too much. If it's not a bargain, you don't want it.
You're buying a chance of everything working. Auctions are notorious for selling used equipment that's worn out, broke, or obsolete. Be aware of the condition of what you're bidding on.
Be mindfull of "buyers premiums". (% add-on not included in bid price) What a racket these guys have going! IMHO, auctions should "bid what you pay", and NOT add 10% or whatever.... They make the unknowing THINK they're getting a good buy.
Don't get your competitive juices flowing. When the bid ISN'T a bargain, let the "other guy" have it. That's a BETTER way to get even
I've seen people who know the value of an item pay near double the worth just to "win" against someone else who didn't know the value.
Go to enough auctions and you'll see 10 of everything sell. The "WIDGET5000" you've been wanting will be at another sale someday, maybe even selling at a fair price. No need to dive in over your head on this one when the price has shot through the roof. You'll find another one.
There are vast differences in auctioneers, their morals and standards, and the laws of the state they're licensed in. Not every sale is run "legit". Bigger auctioneers with a big staff will work a crowd. They'll be taking "phantom bids" and using shill bidders to run up the dollar figures. Hard to prove, easy to pull off. Bid slow. Don't let the auctioneer "pitch" too fast. Step away from the plate. They'll wait if they think you have another bid left in you.
If you don't get something you were bidding on, don't let it get you down. I've gone home HUNDREDS of times saying "I wish I'd have bought........" Only a couple "WHY ON EARTH did I buy that". One case of the latter will make you more understanding of the former.
Get to the sale with ample time to peruse the sale items. Set a value in your mind of what items are worth. Know what a bargain is. Don't exceed that price.
More times than not, I buy things that at the beginning of the sale, I had no intentions of even bidding on them. They were just selling too cheap to pass on. Buy and re-sell. I've even bought at a consignment sale, placed the same item in a consignment sale at a different location and date, never even hauling it home.
NEVER take your wife. (Don't ask me why I said that. It's not a very happy story)
Most of all, have fun.
