Everybody at North Fork Auction knows that there is nothing like a live auction to get a collector’s adrenaline pumping – just ask our bidders!
Anyone can bid at an auction, but to bid skillfully and come away with what you want at the best price takes a bit more finesse. Here are some tips to help you bid successfully and enjoy the live auction experience to its fullest.
Bidding Tips
- Arrive at an auction early to have time to preview the merchandise and to hold a chair in a location where you’ll be able to see and hear.
- Register for a bidder’s number well before the auction begins to avoid missing any of the action.
- Take your time inspecting lots you may be interested in purchasing for condition issues, since items are sold “as is” with no returns.
- Don’t be afraid to ASK QUESTIONS. We are always happy to help.
- Inquire about hauling/delivery concerns before you make a purchase. Especially when clearing out an estate, there will be an announced time for removing sold items from the premises.
- Know the terms of the auction and accepted methods of payment.
- North Fork Auction DOES NOT charge a buyer’s premium. The final bid is the final price, with applicable state and county sales tax added at check-out. There is a 3% charge if using a credit card.
- Take notes on the items you’re interested in purchasing to reference once the auction begins. If time permits, look up the item on your smart phone.
- Follow the action and bid as planned on items you’ve already inspected.
- Be respectful of others trying to see and hear the auctioneer. Take your seat while bidding is in progress unless you can stand out of the way.
- Keep yourself positioned as much in front of the auctioneer or a ringman as possible. Do not stand behind them where they cannot see your bid.
- Know what item you are bidding on.
- Take careful notice of the maximum price you set for yourself on each lot and do your best not to get caught up in an auction frenzy that may make you exceed your spending limit.
- Only bid over your maximum price if you know you’ll regret leaving the piece behind. And don’t bid on items you have not inspected carefully. If things are selling for a bargain price, there’s often a reason for that.
- Don’t look back if you lose a bid. Congratulate yourself for keeping your impulse spending in check and move on to the next item of interest.
- Once the auctioneer cries “Sold!” the item is yours and you are responsible for it. Either keep it close at hand, or if possible, take it directly to your vehicle.
- It is a good idea to keep a running list of purchases on the back of your bid card. Sometimes it is easy to forget an item. At the end of the auction you will receive a copy of the clerking tickets describing the item and how much it sold for.
- Finally, relax and enjoy your day! You will not only go home with some good treasures, but you will meet some really nice people along the way!