by Danielle B

Created on: May 05, 2008   Last Updated: September 25, 2010

Auctions can be quite fun. Little noises however will not make that item your like they show on television, but still there are quite a few things an auction-goer should know to get the to get the most out of the auction and to have the most fun.

With antiques and collectibles, there are two types of auctions: on-site auctions where the items are sold where the owner lives and is getting rid of them, and auction house sales where many people bring their items to one place, usually either the auction house or a rented area for the items to be bid off. With both types, it depends highly on the season.

A day at the auction starts way before the auction even does. A person attending auctions needs to find out what auctions are being held, when they are having them and the location. Sometimes you can find out about them in local newspapers, on the radio, by word of mouth or on websites such as Craigslist. Ads can be misleading sometimes when the do not include enough information. Everyone wants you at their auctions over someone else's, but if you are ever unsure, give the number provided a call and get more detail before you go out of your way for something that does not interest you at all.

Most auctions are good with letting you look at items at least one to two hours prior to the bidding. Get there early and take your time browsing the items. Bring a pen and notepad to record the items you are most interested in and a camera too for reviewing the items at your leisure.

When you go through the items the first time, you are just trying to get a feel for what you are looking for and what appeals to you. The auctioneer will eventually weed out the items he thinks are of value but do not always assume that they will collect the high bids, most of the time they are deceptive. As you go around the first time, use the notepad to write down what items interest you and what damages and marks they have, this will help you with your decisions and bidding later.

You might want to bring some auction books with you and after you get done looking before you bid, take a walk to the car and go through some of the books and research the items better. Then you may want to take a walk back through the items because the second or third you might catch something you missed the prior times walking through.

When bidding, bid in your head on some items, take a guess at what they will be so then you can compare and learn how to be a better bidder. Also, remember to NEVER bid on an item that you have not looked at. It may be that no one knows the true value of the item, or it could be that they found all there is to find wrong with that item and that is why everyone is staying quiet. Do not make a mistake that you will regret later.

Remember to dress accordingly to auctions and always be far prepared in case the weather does not hold up. Also, think ahead and bring a box with padding, this could save you a lot of space and you will be able to purchase more items. Keep track of what you spend and how many items you have. Sometimes numbers get jumbled, so always remember to ask questions if in doubt.

Remember to listen closely to the auctioneers so you do not miss anything they are saying. Also remember that every auctioneer is different, but just go out, do your research and have fun.

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