It's been said that you can experience every emotion at an auction in under 30 seconds! The excitement of searching can be followed by the joy of finding exactly what you've been looking for. Then the bidding for the prized item can be a combination of dramatic ups and downs as someone equally determined tries to outbid you. An auction is not just about drama, as it's enjoyable and entertaining, too, and the thrill of winning a desired item is difficult to top. Unsurprisingly, then, we sell each week an average of 2,000 lots.
Your first steps into an auction room can be daunting, especially when most people there seem more knowledgeable than you. Don't be disheartened, but just remember to follow a few basic rules to help you on your way:
- Make sure of always viewing the lots before you bid.
- Catch the auctioneer's eye early on when you hear the number and description of the lot you're interested in.
- Bid by raising your hand, and once the auctioneer has received a bid from you they'll remember to look in your direction to see if you're still interested when other bids come in.
- Show bravery and confidence, but don't exceed the maximum amount that you had decided on paying before the auction began - unlike the father whose pursuit of a bicycle for his daughter at Bedford auction centre ended with him purchasing a pink Cadillac instead!