A FEW AUCTION BASICS

A few suggestions to help you  not only bid successfully, but to enjoy the auction experience:

1. Pack  the items you'll need before you leave for the auction. Some suggestions: A pen and paper 

2. Dress  comfortably. Remember, it might be hot/cold outside but the air  conditioning/heat might be working overtime
inside.

3. Save a  seat before you look at the preview. Popular auctions fill up fast, and you will  want to be close to the front if you are
bidding. This is one time where it's  good to be the teacher's pet.

4. Ask  what types of payment are accepted, if the auction house charges a buyer's  premium and inquire about hauling/delivery
concerns before you bid. 

5. Don't  bid on anything you don't examine in the preview. Unless you really, really want  to.

6. Pay  attention! Make sure you know what item number is being bid on at all times, or  else you might end up taking home that 1972 Formica table instead of that 1850  antique one.

7. Raise  your hand (or paddle) to bid. Once you've been acknowledged, further bids on an item can  be made by a nod of the head, etc. Don't worry; sneezing won't accidentally put  you into the poor house.

8. If you're traveling to the auction, make sure you have a way to get the items you  purchase packed properly and home with you.
Remember, bubble wrap is your  friend.