You can find auctions in your area by searching the internet, and checking out local newspapers or specialty publications. You can look for ads or sale bills (a listing of dates, times, locations and items offered.  Almost every auction company will have a website that lists their contact information, address of the auction site,  times, and photographs with detailed descriptions.  If the auction you want to attend is a few weeks away, refer back to the website periodically for updated information and additions.

Now that you have chosen an auction to attend, there are a few things to remember or take into consideration.  First, there is normally a preview day and/or time before the auction takes place.  If there is a preview day, consider attending that.  This will give you an opportunity to see what will be offered and examine things ahead of time in a relaxed environment.  Auction staff will be available to answer questions about the order of auction day, provide general information, history, condition, and other specifics regarding their offerings.  If you cannot attend the preview day, arrive an hour or more before the auction starts. You will be required to register at the auction office or table, so bring your ID.  You will receive a number card that is connected to your personal information and you will use that to bid on the items offered.   You will also still be able to ask questions, examine things, look around and decide on what you are interested in.  As you might expect, auction day is a little busier, but auction staff will be happy to help. Some items will be offered individually.  Others will be offered in groups or box lots. Box lots are usually a mixture of miscellaneous or similar things put in boxes in order to expedite the flow of the auction.  However, you can often find some “hidden gems”  in these boxes and save some money.

 Second, once you have decided on what items interest you, examine the condition, location (in the room or building) and decide the maximum price you are willing to pay. Of course, you can vary from that maximum amount, but take care not to get carried away or be so competitive that you are sorry later. Auctions are competitive.  There may be others who are interested in the same things you are, so deciding on what you are willing to pay ahead of time can help avoid buyer's remorse later.  There are times where you will bid on something that no one else is interested in and you are the winning bidder at a minimum bid. Exciting!! 

Third, once you are the winning bidder you will immediately hold up and show your bidder number to the auctioneer and/or auction staff.  At that time the auction clerk will document your number and you will be responsible for paying for all your purchases before you leave for the day. Remember that once the auctioneer says “SOLD”, you are the new owner of the item and the ownership immediately transfers to you. Take possession of your new things as soon as possible to avoid confusion, loss and yes, sometimes theft.  In most cases, the auction staff will bring those items to you. Other times, you will have to retrieve them yourself.  Just be sure to take possession as soon as you can.

In addition to the information above, here are some additional points  to consider that will help you have a positive experience:

• WATCH A VIDEO OF AN AUCTION IN PROGRESS (auctioneers speak or chant very quickly and it can take a little time to get used to their bid calling cadence. Every auctioneer speaks or chants differently)

• TAKE A FRIEND OR PARTNER TO HELP, JOKE WITH, OR CONSULT

• WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES AND SHOES

• DRESS FOR THE WEATHER.  IF THE AUCTION IS OUTSIDE, THIS IS A MUST

• BRING SOME OF YOUR OWN BOXES AND NEWSPAPER TO PACK YOUR ITEMS

• MAYBE BRING YOUR OWN FOOD, SNACKS AND DRINKS (most of the time you can purchase good food and soft drinks on the premises at a reasonable cost, though)

• BRING A NOTEPAD AND PEN TO JOT DOWN NOTES OR TO KEEP TRACK OF PURCHASES

• CONSIDER LEAVING YOU PURSE OR LARGE BAGS IN THE CAR AND BRINGING ONLY THE NECESSITIES (ID, driver's license, cash, debit or credit card)

• BRING SOME CASH FOR FOOD AND DRINK PURCHASES

• HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND DESIRE TO LEARN

• HAVE FUN AND GOOD FELLOWSHIP

This auction experience could be the start of something bigger!  You may decide that you want a new hobby, start a new side business or simply add something new and exciting to your social calendar.  In any case, auctions can fill a need or void, and satisfy an interest to learn and experience something new. Good Luck!