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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.).