Sunday night Greetings Fiber Pals!
One of the things we love to do is attend auctions and yesterday there was a good one IF you love vintage fashions, that is…
Vintage fashions being offered six at a time
Since I have been to my fair share of them, I thought I’d just jot down a few tips for those of you that might be curious to try going and scoring some cool stuff like antique spinning and weaving equipment, vintage clothes, etc.
Tip #1: If there’s a preview, go. You cannot tell from looking at pictures or reading the descriptions if it will be worth your time to wait for the items you want without really seeing them. Plus, a lot of times, there are other things in the auction that might interest you that didn’t identify from the sale flyer. As a rule, we have to have several items on our wish list of what’s being offered to consider sitting through the auction.
Tip #2: Carefully pick through box lots. It’s worth it. A lot of times there are hidden gems in those boxes and many times you can really score a deal on a box lot.
Leather skirts -- 8 for $45
Tip #3: Be prepared for what might not be there — a place to sit down (bring a folding chair), something to drink, bags/boxes for your purchases, knitting to help pass the time while you wait for your items to come up.
Tip #4: Get your number as soon as your arrive. You will need to show ID for it so don’t forget to bring that. Generally checks are accepted and sometimes credit cards.
Tip #5: Write down a list of what you are interested in. If it’s in a box, write down the box numbers on your list.
Tip #6: Before you bid, have an idea of what your top figure is so you don’t get (too) carried away. And, figure in any buyer’s premium if there is one — sometimes the price you will actually pay will be your bid plus an additional percentage that pays the auctioneer.
My most desired item at the auction -- awesome plaster mannequin heads -- Great deal on three!
Tip #7: If more than one person is interested, the auctioneer will generally focus in on two people and let them bid against one another. After one drops out, he will check the crowd to see if anyone else is interested before he closes the bidding on an item. So, don’t panic if he doesn’t seem to recognize that you are interested while he is letting two people bid against one another.
Tip #8: The auctioneer will often start at the price he thinks he should end up. Let the number come down before you jump in if you are the first bidder.
Tip #9: Alternatively, if it’s something you really want, you might shock people by just bidding a high number right out of the gate.
Tip #10: If you are bidding against someone for a lot with a number of items and you don’t want all of the items in the lot, regardless of whether you win the bid or they do, approach them to see if they were interested in what you were interested in. You can make deals with these folks a lot of the times to either get what you wanted or sell them something you don’t want if you weren’t after the same thing.
Now onto June Love — check it out, there are some fun things and ideas for you this month!!
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has been far too long since i went to an auction. great tips! #9 is a great one to witness – gets the crowd stirred!