Sunday, February 8, 2009

Auctions: -Short Guide to Help You Feel Confident at Your Next Auction

Attending an auction can be a thrilling and addictive experience. If you are new to the process, it can also be daunting at first to figure out all the procedures and rules. Don't let the fast-paced environment and unfamiliar process scare you away. Here is a short guide to help you feel confident at your next auction.
When you are first getting acquainted with the procedures, don't think you have to be ready to bid at your first auction. Attend an auction or two to get your feet wet and see how they are conducted. You are not obligated to bid if you attend an auction, but you can certainly do so if you feel comfortable. If you have attended an auction and still feel unsure of what to do, it's perfectly acceptable to ask the auction house for information in advance about their process, terms and conditions, and the forms of payment they accept.
One unfamiliar term to new attendees may be lot numbers. A lot number is given to each item that will be auctioned. In the days or weeks before an auction, the auction house holds viewings of each item. During the viewing take note of the lot number of items you want to bid on, for more details visit to www.mining-auction-gold.com so when they come up during the actual auction you know you are bidding on what you want. Additionally, since items are "sold as seen," it is important to inspect them thoroughly for faults during the viewing time.
When you attend an auction and intend on bidding, you must register for a bidding number. Remember to bring identification such as a driver's license with you. Also, many car auctions will ask for a deposit, which the auction house will refund to you if you don't buy anything.
The most important--and potentially confusing--process of an auction is bidding. After an item has come up for auction, the auctioneer will call a starting price. Raise your bidding number if you plan on bidding so that the auctioneer can see it. Every time the bid increases, the auctioneer will look at you to see if you are still interested. Before you begin bidding, for more details visit to www.auction-o-matics.com have in mind a maximum price you will pay for an item so you don't get caught in a bidding war and end up paying over your limit. If you end up winning an item and the hammer falls on your bidding price, you are legally bound to the item and must pay the auction house, usually within twenty-four hours.
A final word of advice: Be aware of reserve prices. The reserve price is the minimum amount of money the seller will accept for an item, and the auctioneer cannot sell an item for less than the reserve price without the seller's permission. If a provisional sale happens (you are the highest bidder but the bidding does not reach the reserve price) then the auction house must work between the seller and you to negotiate an acceptable price.
If at any time you feel confused or mistreated at an auction, make sure to contact a representative of the auction house. They are happy to explain any part of the process in detail to new attendees.

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