Dave and I used to go to auctions every chance we got to buy glass. It’s fun and you can find some really neat, unusual pieces, maybe score a big bargain. You can also waste a lot of time, spend too much money and freeze or broil!
I recommend everyone who enjoys shopping try a few auctions. You aren’t limited to just buying glass as many auctions include entire estates, moved quickly and often in lots, sometimes with very nice goods.
Before you go, let’s learn a few facts so you feel comfortable. And so you come home with those neat pieces without wasting time, spending too much money, freezing or broiling!
Types of Auctions
Estate Auctions are just what they sound. The heirs decide to get rid of everything in the house (or most of everything) in one fell swoop. They hire a licensed auctioneer to lay the items out and then auction it off. Usually these take place in the person’s home and include the usual stuff we all own, whether nice or not.
The auctioneer is commissioned to get rid of everything and normally will do whatever they have to to sell something. I recall one auction with some truly ghastly furniture and enormous, incredibly ugly lamps. The auctioneer finally had to include something pretty nice with a whole row of this junk to get even a dollar bid. I imagine the winning bidder made a stop at a dumpster on his way home!
Living Estate Auctions are similar except the person has moved to assisted living or a nursing home.
Antique Auctions normally include mostly older items. Usually the auction house sets standards for items being older but you will find a mix. These are almost always consignment sales where the consignor commissions the auction house to sell their items.
Specialty Auctions, e.g., art or automotive or going out of business are just what they sound. The auctioneer has something specific to sell.
Which types are best? I always liked estate auctions because it’s interesting to see what people valued and I like putting myself in their shoes and trying to imagine their lives. Estate auctions tend to have such a huge mix of items that you can sometimes find a lot of nice things, but you may also spend a lot of time waiting for your treasure to come up.
You would think antique auctions would be better sources for older glass but it depends on the auction. They attract more dealers too which may increase the competition. Also, some auctioneers are completely not fussy about the items consigned. You’ll find a range of pure junk and damaged pieces. I once bought a fancy opalescent bottle that someone had carefully taped an identification tag over a very bad crack.
Also, be aware that auctions with consigned goods often charge a bidder’s premium and sales tax. I’ll cover bidder’s premium later but for now realize it means a surcharge. If you are buying for resale always bring your tax license so you don’t have to pay sales tax.
Fees and Payment
Some auctioneers charge a bidder’s premium which can be up to 20% of your final bid price. I’ve not seen this on estate auctions very often but have seen it at some nicer antique sales. The auctioneer will disclose this when you register and in his announcements. They almost always will note a premium in the advertising.
Don’t be put off by the premium but do factor it into how much you will bid. It’s just like bidding on eBay where you need to include shipping when you figure out your bid ceiling.
Cash is always acceptable! But most will accept a check, although they will want identification and may restrict to local accounts. Larger auction houses often accept credit cards too but may charge a fee, 3 to 5% is common.
You are required to pay before taking your loot away and you must pay by the time the auction ends. If the auction includes very high end items or large, bulky furniture, you may be able to agree with the auctioneer ahead of time on delaying pickup for a day or two, but they will want to be paid.
You register and get a number when you arrive at the auction. Do not lose that number because someone else could find it and bid leaving you to pick up the tab. I don’t know whether that happens but there isn’t much identify check at smaller auctions.
Finding Auctions
I like to look at Auction Zip website and Craigslist. Also check at antique malls for printed flyers, and once you attend an auction you can get more flyers. If you like an auctioneer then sign up for his mailing list.
Auction Zip lets you search by location and most auctioneers use that service now. You enter your zip code and how far you are willing to travel and it returns auctions by date. You can screen for type of auction but that search criteria is only as good as the way the auction house classified the sale.
Craigslist is more hit or miss. Some auctioneers use it and some do not.
When you find an auction read the description. Also assess how much stuff there is compared to the items you are interested in. An entire household auction usually takes all day. If you only want a couple of items you can spend a lot of time hanging around waiting!
I recommend you not drive very far for your first auction. You might feel like you invested so much time in driving that you end up pressuring yourself to bid on something, anything just because you are there.
Next time I’ll cover the different ways auctioneers can offer items for sale.