Top Tips for the auction house - find an expensive piece at a bargain price!

One way to find quirky unique pieces of furniture or home accessory is to visit the auction house. You can find an expensive piece for a bargain price.

As a complete auction newbie you walk into the room not having a clue whats going on and probably afraid to scratch your head, cough or stretch! These little pointers will help you relax and enjoy the auction experience and prevent any pre-auction jitters but ye be warned after reading this you may catch the auction bug!

1. Before attending your chosen auction give them a call/check online to find out when the viewings are. When buying antique/vintage items you need to have a good snoop around to check the conditions of the items. Generally there will be viewings the day before the auction or early on the day of the auction.
2. Dress Code – warm and comfortable.
3. Equipment: Notepad, pen, calculator, glasses. For collection: large enough vehicle, packing tape, dust sheets, straps.
4. When you arrive go to the counter/office and ask for a bidding card, you are under no obligation to buy anything with this, it simply saves time and you are then ready to wait calmly and bid for your item. Some auction houses may also require you to pay a deposit when more substantial items are on offer. There is also the matter of the hammer price + %VAT + %Auction house fees (ask at the counter/office for exact figures).
5. Now you can write down the lot numbers of any items you may like to bid on. At this point I would also suggest you write an estimate of the maximum price that you would be prepared to pay next to the lot number. It is so easy to get carried away! Always remember there is the final hammer price + the fees.
6. Whilst in the room you should generally remain fairly quiet and wait for your lots. When the bidding starts and you here the right price, raise your number card and try to make eye contact with the auctioneer. When you win your first item it’s quite exciting, but remember no whooping or shouting ‘haha loser’ at the other bidder! Hugely frowned upon!
7. When all the excitement of the auction dies down and its time to leave you must go and pay for your items. Different auction houses will have differing price structures on delivery if you need this. Some places will want you to take your items there and then and others the following day.

Happy Buying Bidders!