Do's And Dont's In An Antique Auction And Bidding

By Michelle Howe


The world is vast and countless antique collections go online on a daily basis for tumultuous bidding at which bidders are heavily cloaked with in their virtual alter ego. Acquiring stuff through bids is like participating in a brawl. But regardless of how challenging the process goes, ardent collectors will bid to death just for their fancy little obsession to be fed right. But why bid in the cyberspace when plenty of Las Vegas antique auctions almost have everything anyone wants?

Antique auctions in the city are organized by established organizations ranging from social elites foundations, charitable institutions, government agencies and ordinary associations in the community. Finding one can be as easy as trying to locate a yard sale. Seekers simply need to take notice of ad signs and flyers distributed everywhere. Before going anywhere, however, it is important for someone must brush up on the do's and dont's of bidding especially if it is his first time.

Do confirm the payment terms the day before the auction. Bidders are sometimes discouraged on taking cash or credit cards during the auction for some personal reasons. Other auction houses, however, require the other way around thus discouraging payments made on check or so. It will be easier to hammer down the winning bid knowing that a bidder is very much capable of paying for the auctioned item regardless of the the payment option.

Don't wait for the auctioneers to divulge information relevant to the delivery options. Delivery and pick-up are obviously not responsibility of auctioneers. Bidders have to know the terms applied for such and inquire for potential storage fees.

Do get involved in a preview. A preview of items can give bidders a clue as to which antiquities are perfect for them as well as take away the hassles of going to the auction house early during the event. And since there also are auction catalogs widely distributed around the local communities, bidders might as well check those out very thoroughly.

Be excited but don't show that to the public. Bidders should be a little discreet about their interest for the items on the preview. Announcing intentions on bidding particular pieces will only invite other bidders to bid for those pieces as well.

Don't forget to register for a bidder's card. Auctions require participants to wear their cards on or before the bidding starts. Without this, one will be automatically rejected in the process no matter how high the bid money is.

Do wear easy and comfortable clothes. Some bidders may find that unnecessary but it can help them move around pretty easily and have a better time bidding especially if the event is held outdoors. They must, therefore, prepare not just financially or mentally but also fashionably.

Don't bid on items that do not fit with all the other collections at home. A collector's item is chosen meticulously. And while Las Vegas antique auctions have a lot to offer, bidders should be keen with the things they are bidding. If they win a bid, they are going to be committed to the purchase despite being disinterested.




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