Auction FAQ's
Why do people go to auctions?
There are a multitude of reasons why people attend auctions, but the main reason is because they are fun. With the rhythmic chant of the auctioneer, items being sold at a rapid pace, and competition between bidders, it is hard not to have a good time at an auction.
How does the live auction process work?
Firstly, guests will register or sign in if they intend on bidding on the items to be sold. The auctioneer will then announce the terms and conditions of the sale, so that all bidders are aware of their responsibilities in bidding. When a bidder is ready to make a bid, they simply raise their hand or their bidder card and the auctioneer or ringman acknowledges their bid. The ringmen will assist the auctioneer in spotting bids, holding up merchandise for the audience to see, and then marking the item with the winning bidders number. Upon successful winning of the item, the auctioneer will pass along the selling price and bidder number to the clerk. This information is recorded and given to the cashier who tabulates the bidder's purchases from the sale for check out.
What are the methods of payment accepted at auction?
We accept cash, check, and most major credit cards. However, accepted payments may vary depending on the sale. The accepted forms of payment will be listed with each sale listing. There is usually a $100 minimum for credit card purchases.
What is a buyer's premium?
A buyer's premium is a mandatory fee charged on top of the final selling price of every item sold. It is standard across the industry and helps to cover labor, advertising, and other mandatory expenses associated with each sale.
Do I have to attend the auction to bid?
No. We accept absentee and phone bidders. If you are interested in an item, you may leave your information and how much you are willing to pay for that item or have we may have someone available to take your bids on the item as it is being sold. Some of the auctions may also be simulcast.
What is a simulcast auction?
A simulcast auction is one in which there are online bidders and live bidders. Depending on the type of sale, this may be a more effective method for the seller. However, we prefer to have all of our auctions live to maintain the authenticity of a "true auction."
How do I find out what is being sold?
You can view photographs on this website, request a free sale pamphlet, visit estatesales.net, auctionzip.com, or view any of our other advertising mediums.
Is there anything a first-time auction guest should know?
Do your research. Determine what you are interested in that is being sold. Set yourself up a price range of what you are willing to spend on that item. Prepare to compete for that item against other bidders. Sometimes you may have very little competition for an item, while other times it may be a heated battle to win that item. Get ready to have a great time!
There are a multitude of reasons why people attend auctions, but the main reason is because they are fun. With the rhythmic chant of the auctioneer, items being sold at a rapid pace, and competition between bidders, it is hard not to have a good time at an auction.
How does the live auction process work?
Firstly, guests will register or sign in if they intend on bidding on the items to be sold. The auctioneer will then announce the terms and conditions of the sale, so that all bidders are aware of their responsibilities in bidding. When a bidder is ready to make a bid, they simply raise their hand or their bidder card and the auctioneer or ringman acknowledges their bid. The ringmen will assist the auctioneer in spotting bids, holding up merchandise for the audience to see, and then marking the item with the winning bidders number. Upon successful winning of the item, the auctioneer will pass along the selling price and bidder number to the clerk. This information is recorded and given to the cashier who tabulates the bidder's purchases from the sale for check out.
What are the methods of payment accepted at auction?
We accept cash, check, and most major credit cards. However, accepted payments may vary depending on the sale. The accepted forms of payment will be listed with each sale listing. There is usually a $100 minimum for credit card purchases.
What is a buyer's premium?
A buyer's premium is a mandatory fee charged on top of the final selling price of every item sold. It is standard across the industry and helps to cover labor, advertising, and other mandatory expenses associated with each sale.
Do I have to attend the auction to bid?
No. We accept absentee and phone bidders. If you are interested in an item, you may leave your information and how much you are willing to pay for that item or have we may have someone available to take your bids on the item as it is being sold. Some of the auctions may also be simulcast.
What is a simulcast auction?
A simulcast auction is one in which there are online bidders and live bidders. Depending on the type of sale, this may be a more effective method for the seller. However, we prefer to have all of our auctions live to maintain the authenticity of a "true auction."
How do I find out what is being sold?
You can view photographs on this website, request a free sale pamphlet, visit estatesales.net, auctionzip.com, or view any of our other advertising mediums.
Is there anything a first-time auction guest should know?
Do your research. Determine what you are interested in that is being sold. Set yourself up a price range of what you are willing to spend on that item. Prepare to compete for that item against other bidders. Sometimes you may have very little competition for an item, while other times it may be a heated battle to win that item. Get ready to have a great time!
