1. Read the TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
  • If you do not understand something, ask a question BEFORE BIDDING.
  • Do you agree with everything? If not, discuss it with the auction company BEFORE BIDDING.
  • Will your credit card cover the purchases? Auctioneers get VERY UPSET when a card is declined.
  • Who is responsible for your items after the auction?  Refunds are up to the Auctioneer, not you.
  1. Attend the preview.
  • Making a big decision based on an Internet picture can be expensive.
  • You need to know if an item is complete.
  • You need to evaluate the condition.
  • You need to understand what it will take to load the item.
  1. If you cannot attend the preview-----ASK QUESTIONS-----
  • Understand that shared information DOES NOT create a warranty.
  • Ask for model and serial number, if possible.
  • Search the Internet for the model and serial number to get an estimate of worth.
  • Many serial numbers will tell you the age.
  1. Educate yourself.
  • KNOW (don’t guess) what a comparable item costs new.
  • Make sure it will meet your requirements (health dept., building codes, etc.)
  • Make sure it will FIT YOUR SPACE and go through your doorways.
  • Make sure you have the correct power requirements (type gas, electric volts and phase)
  1. Bid with your head, not with your heart.
  • Don’t get carried away and pay more than a new one will cost (especially small items).
  • How far do you have to drive to get the item?
  • Can you remove the item during the STATED REMOVAL SCHEDULE?
  • If you make a mistake, contact the Auctioneer IMMEDIATELY.  Don’t wait until after the auction closes.
  1. Know your Auctioneer
  • It is not the Auctioneer’s responsibility to take care of your carelessness.  Don’t expect special treatment.
  • Call other business owners for a referral or opinion of an Auctioneer.
  • Watch an auction or two and make sure you are comfortable with the process.
  • An Auctioneer does not want to block a bidder from participating, but will do so if there are continual problems with the bidder (slow payment, changing your mind, failure to follow the rules, etc.).