I remember attending my first auction like it was yesterday. I remember walking through the doors and being very nervous. Not knowing what I should do first, I hung around the entrance pretending to read the flyers on the wall. After watching other people come in from the corner of my eye, I realized I had to check in. This involved giving the lady at the counter my driver’s license and taking some other information. To my surprise she was extremely helpful, she asked me if I had been to an auction before, I said, with a little shame in my voice that I hadn’t. She then proceeded to explain how it worked, and told me if I had any questions to come and ask her. From that point on I never looked back...
Depending on the type of auction, there are different things you can bring that will increase your success rate and comfort at auctions, here are a few ideas...
CASH!
Although allot of auction houses accept credit cards now days, some do not; or due to location will not be able to. Check with the auction company first before going. We accept cash, checks, visa and MasterCard.
NOTEBOOK AND PENCIL.
These are useful for writing down the numbers of items you want to bid on or to keep track of the items you bid on. You can use your bidding card to make notes on as well. We supply you with a free pencil for taking notes.
APPROPRIATE CLOTHING.
You would not believe the amount of people I have seen standing in the rain with no jacket or umbrella. If you keep an umbrella and a cold weather jacket in your car you will be ready for everything. We have a supply of ponchos just in case. Most of our auctions are indoors though.
A SEAT
Depending on the type of auction seating may or may not be provided. If you plan to stay a while, which is recommended. Then bring a very portable seat. Some camping supply stores offer a great line in portable seating, or a fold up lawn chair works just fine. All of our auctions at the fairground offer seating.
REFRESHMENTS
Again depending on the type and location of the auction refreshments may be available on site. However if you are in it for the long haul, and there are no refreshments, a little snack and a drink can make all the difference. We have onsite refreshments at all our auctions. At the fairgrounds we have hot food as well as snacks.
Only Certain People can attend auctions
Absolutely not true! 99% of auctions are open to the general public. Only a few very specialized auctions require any kind of pre-requisite. If you are reading this you can attend 99% of the auctions out there. This myth probably comes about because auctions are full of little terms that confuse people into thinking you have to be in the know to attend auctions, and also because auctions are not advertised towards non auction going folk.
Antique auctions are full of expensive itemsThis is generally not the case. Although places like Sotheby’s and Christies usually only auction off what the average Joe would call expensive items, most auction houses have a full range of items, from the expensive furniture and collectables, all the way down to the box lots!(I'll explain these in a minute)
Auctions are always full of Old things
This is also another common misconception. Although a good percentage of auction houses specialize in antiques and collectables, you will be amazed at what turns up at auctions. From old furniture to Ikea tables and chairs; from old 45's to new cd collections; from antique woodworking tools to dewalt table saws, and so on. Things do not have to be old to be in an auction. Just make sure you read the advertisements carefully and that should give you a good idea of what type of auction it is.
The word 'Auction' comes from the root word "auctio" which literally means "increase"
Auctions go as far back as 500bc when Herodotus reported the use of auctions to sell women under the condition that they were married shortly after.
The Roman Empire used auctions to liquidate real estate and personal goods. This market was referred to as 'atrium auctionarium'. Roman soldiers used auctions to sell goods that were obtained 'sub-hasia' (under the spear!)
Besides the Roman auctions, Buddhist monks in China used auctions to fund the construction of their temples. This usually involved selling the possessions of deceased monks, this seemed to be customary. This custom also became popular during the Napoleonic wars when soldiers would sell their dead comrades belongings to raise money for the deceased's wife and children.
Europe started using auctions more in the 19th century. Auctioning in the Netherlands dates back to 1887, when they used to sell perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables. German fisherman also started using auctions to sell their catch as soon as they came into harbor. This allowed them to rapidly sell their catch and spend more time catching fish, to satisfy customer demand.
The first auctions in America where in the south, with the auction of slaves. Estates where also auctioned off. Most of the time the owner of the goods was not disclosed as auctions were not looked upon as a socially acceptable form of trade, and it was considered some what of a disgrace to have your belongings put under the hammer.
The type of auctions we are familiar with today stem from England around the 17th century. The London Gazette writes about local auctions of artwork and books being sold in local taverns and coffee houses. In the 18th early 18th century the great auction houses were established. Sotheby’s was founded in 1744 and Christies was created in 1766.
AND CHARLES COUNTY AUCTION COMPANY WAS FOUNDED IN 2005 !!
Auctioneers are generally nice people, they are well aware that at least one third of the audience is new to auctions, so they nearly always make the newcomers welcome. Here are some common terms that are used; hopefully they will help you feel more confident.
Auctioneer - Person or Persons conducting the auction and doing the calling.
Bidder - Person bidding on an item. Hopefully you!
Box Lot - Most regular auctions are full of box lots. These are boxes with random items in, they are great fun to look through and can usually be bought at a bargain.
Bidder Number & Card - The bidder number is the number you are given when you register. The bidder card is the card your number is written on. You hold it up each time you want to bid. You can also use this as a handy note card.
Calling - The fast talking that the auctioneer does, also known as the chant.
Ring people - People who help at the auction, moving items around and 'spotting' looking for people who are bidding and calling them out. This gives the auctioneer an extra pairs of eyes, and ensures that we see your bid.
Consigner - Person who brings items to an auction to be sold.
Clerk - Person who records who buys what. You should never talk to the clerk during the auction; this can lead to costly mistakes for the auctioneer, and the consigner.
Left Bid - A bid placed on an item prior to the auction beginning. Also know as an absentee bid.
