Whether you are going to your first onsite auction or you are an auction veteran, there are things that can help you make sure you have all the necessary knowledge before you begin bidding on auctions. The first thing you want to be sure to do before attending an auction is to double check the location of the auction. You can jot down the mapping address and then enter it into Google Maps or Bing Maps to get turn by turn directions to the auction. Most smart phones have some sort of GPS mapping app that can help you find turn by turn directions to any location. After determining the location and how to get to that auction you will want to be sure to make note of the time it takes to get to that location. Once you know where the auction is located and the length of time it will take to get to the auction you can plan how early you leave on the day of the auction. There are many things to consider before such as what to wear, what to bring, and how to bid heading out to the auction site which are discussed in the next few sections.
What to Wear
Before heading out to the auction site, determine what you are going to wear. Be sure to check the weather and dress appropriately. If there is a chance for rain, bring a rain coat or umbrella. If the auction you are attending happens to be at the local courthouse, then there is a high possibility you will have to gather around the steps during the bidding process. Also, there probably won’t be any canopies to stand under if it is raining or snowing. So bringing an umbrella will help for these situations. Wearing the right clothing during the auction will allow you to enjoy the auction more comfortably and it will put your mind into the auction instead of trying to figure out how to stay dry or warm. It is highly important to prepare what you wear to the auction as it can increase or decrease you chances of staying the duration of the auction. Many times an auction will hold back larger or more expensive items until the end of the auction to help maintain a large crowd throughout the auction.
What to Bring
There are items that you might need prior to going to an auction. Some of those items include your smart device, pad and pen, proof of funds (if applicable for a large purchase), your id, snacks, and drinks. Using your smart device during an auction is not recommended, the use of one is for jotting down notes or contact phone numbers prior to the auction. If technology is something you do not want to utilize, then use a pad and pen to make any notes before and even during the auction to help you try win the bid. By writing down notes about the auction, you can take advantage of those notes for the next onsite auction you attend that may help you adapt and adjust to what makes bidding effective for the different types of auction items.
An auction can be a draining experience especially if you are bidding throughout the evening on many items. What some people forget to bring to auctions is something to eat and drink. Bringing a small snack and a bottle of water that you can place in a bag is the best bet. Not having enough energy or being hungry during the auction process is no way to spend at an auction. This overlooked item can help make your night much more enjoyable and rewarding because you will be at the top of your bidding game.
Bring a check or proof of your funds before heading out the auction because the last thing you want to do is win an auction but not have enough funds to actually purchase the auctioned item. It is not only disappointing but it could be highly embarrassing to you having to back out. It could also hurt your credit credibility at the next auction you attend.
Arrive to the Auction Early
It is recommended that you arrive at the auction site early to get familiarized with the layout of the auction items and also where is it you want to sit during the auction. Many auction sites will allow you to walk around the site and look at each item that is being auctioned. In some cases, the auction might have a preview day that is scheduled days before the actually auction that will allow you to get acquainted with the items that are being auctioned. The preview day does not always occur and usually those happen if the auction is selling off larger items such as tractors, vehicles, homes, and things of that sort. However, before browsing the items up for auction, you need to find the auction registration table so that you can register for your bid number. With most auctions if you do not have one of these bid numbers they will not recognize you as a legitimate bidder.
Be Prepared to Bid
During an auction the items set for bid may not have any order of sale. In many auctions the order of sale may be either random or predefined. If the order of sale is set before the auction this is usually done so that the crowd will stay for the entire auction. One the first things that you will need to do before the first item is set for auction is make sure you are ready by having your bid number. That is the identification number they will use to mark who made a bid on those particular items. If you find that you don’t have your bid number, locate the registration as soon as possible to get that number.
While the bidding process takes place for each item the auctioneer will oversee that process. Usually they will have what sometimes are referred as spotters to help them locate anyone that is trying to bid on an item. Which brings the next but important point about bidding and being sure you are ready to bid. When you are trying to bid on an item it is critical that you have a clearly marked bidder registration number and that the auctioneer or spotter can hear/see that you are trying to bid on the current item up for auction. Too many times the bidder does not make themselves known either by speaking too low or not indicating they are interested in the item when bidding on an auction resulting in hurt feelings or disappointing experiences.
Onsite auctions are exciting and can be very rewarding especially if you are well prepared on what to bring to an auction. However, once you are at the auction and you are ready to begin your bidding there are things that you want to be sure you do and don’t do. Check those out on the next auction article.
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